The State of Qatar has hosted ministerial meetings to enhance Gulf joint coordination on economic cooperation, aiming to elevate the GCC’s position on the global economic map.
The meetings include: the 53rd Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting, the 67th Trade Cooperation Committee meeting, the 8th Ministerial Committee on Standardization meeting, and the accompanying consultative meeting for the GCC countries.
The meetings, held in Doha, were chaired by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry from the GCC countries and HE Secretary-General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani delivered an opening speech, welcoming Their Excellencies to the State of Qatar. The minister highlighted that these ministerial committees further enhance joint coordination across all aspects of economic cooperation, to accelerate Gulf economic integration.
His Excellency stressed the pivotal role of the Industrial Cooperation Committee in bolstering industrial integration among GCC countries by coordinating efforts in priority industrial sectors and developing policies that boost the competitiveness and sustainability of the Gulf industrial sector, increase its productive capacity, and improve product quality, thereby elevating the Gulf’s position on the global economic map.
During the Trade Cooperation Committee meeting, His Excellency highlighted and praised the impressive achievements made by the trade sector over the past years through mutual cooperation.
On the sidelines of the Trade Cooperation Committee meeting, a joint meeting was carried out between committee members and HE Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds to explore the outcomes of recent negotiations in London regarding the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC countries and the United Kingdom.
The ministerial meeting also witnessed the signing of the final statement for the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the GCC and New Zealand.
During the Ministerial Committee on Standardization, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry stated that the rapid advancements in specifications and standards, along with the challenges posed by open markets, require intensified efforts and unification in standardization and quality.
Furthermore, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani chaired the consultative meeting between Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry, and the heads of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of the GCC Secretary-General. They explored various topics and recommendations submitted by the heads of GCC chambers.
