AMN
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently convened in Muscat, Oman, for a series of discussions focused on improving industrial connections within the GCC and promoting regional sustainable economic development. The Industrial Cooperation Committee’s 50th meeting and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization’s fifth meeting discussed a variety of themes related to strengthening cooperation in industry, standards, and metrology, as well as plans to increase collaboration among member nations. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the Amended Controls on Exempting Industry Inputs from Taxes and Customs Duties and the Standing Committee for Combating Harmful Practices’ recommendations. The GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization suggested endorsing ten projects as Gulf technical rules and adopting sector-specific norms.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, led a high-level UAE delegation to the discussions, which comprised government and commercial sector leaders. During the sessions, His Excellency Al Jaber emphasized the UAE’s commitment to deepening strategic relations, particularly in terms of investment prospects and industry cooperation. He emphasized the need for fraternal collaboration in bolstering climate action, adding that Gulf countries must work together to expand investments in energy transition and decarbonization. He stressed that these investments will lay the groundwork for more sustainable economic development, especially in vital economic sectors such as industry. As the UAE prepares to host COP28, he called for cooperation, highlighting the need for Gulf countries to work together in achieving effective sustainable economic development while addressing the pressing challenge of climate change.
Oman, which is currently president of the GCC Council, chaired meetings for the GCC ministers of trade and industry.