Qatar Joins GCC Talks on Trade Negotiations and Industrial Strategy

Qatar took part in preparatory meetings of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) commerce and industry officials on Thursday, with discussions focusing on trade negotiations, industrial policy and regional economic coordination.

The virtual meetings brought together undersecretaries from GCC ministries of commerce and industry, alongside senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council General Secretariat and the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting. Qatar was represented by Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

During the 63rd preparatory meeting for commerce officials, participants reviewed progress in free trade agreement negotiations with international partners, as well as updates to commercial legislation across GCC states.

Discussions also covered competition regulation, digital and e-commerce frameworks, and initiatives such as a proposed Gulf virtual business incubator.

Officials examined the work of several committees under the GCC Commercial Cooperation framework, including those focused on small and medium enterprises, internal trade, consumer protection and foreign trade.

Patent-related matters at the GCC level were also addressed, with recommendations issued on the wayforward.

At the 48th preparatory meeting for industry officials, talks centred on defining a unified “GCC national product,” including a joint proposal by Oman and Kuwait to refine localisation criteria by sector. Delegates also reviewed draft rules governing exemptions, penalties and compliance standards, as well as lists of goods subject to collective protection measures.

Further discussions explored the rollout of a Gulf industrial platform, a proposal to extend higher customs duties on reinforcing steel and iron coils, and efforts to strengthen coordination in tackling harmful trade practices.

Participants also considered deeper cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and reviewed studies on joint industrial investment opportunities and critical supply-chain products within the region.

On the sidelines, Al Malki joined the second meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Patent Affairs, where officials discussed the patent office’s business model, a joint GCC intellectual property strategy and plans for a regional patent platform.

He also participated in the first regular 2026 meeting of the executive office of the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting, where agenda items were reviewed and recommendations adopted.