GCC Secretary-General emphasizes private sector's role in economic integration

Manama, September 10, 2023, During his participation at the third meeting of the GCC heads and members of chambers in Bahrain's capital, Manama, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, emphasized the crucial role the private sector plays in achieving economic integration in GCC countries. The GCC Secretary-General stated that the purpose of the gathering is to establish a forum for recurrent discussions on various topics pertaining to Gulf economic cooperation between policymakers, decision-makers, heads, and members of business chambers in GCC nations. Al-Budaiwi stated in his speech that during the 43rd summit held in December 2022 in Riyadh and the 18th consultative meeting held in July 2023 in Jeddah, their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, had emphasized their support for a Gulf joint action to fulfill the aspirations of the citizens in the GCC countries, aiming for greater interconnection, cooperation, and integration among the GCC countries in various fields.

Additionally, he emphasized how crucial it is to maintain and develop the GCC nations' public-private partnerships.

He underlined the eagerness of the GCC general secretariat to track, research, and address the difficulties and barriers facing the private sector and to look for long-term solutions, such as fostering intra-GCC trade.