Qatar Participates in 15th Consultative Meeting of GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry

Manama, October 06 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the 15th Consultative Meeting of Their Excellencies the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the Presidents of GCC Federations and Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by a Qatar Chamber delegation comprising Board Members Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, HE Mohammed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi, and HE Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Haidar.

Discussions focused on the relationship between the public and private sectors in the GCC countries amid the current crisis facing the region.

In his remarks during the meeting, HE Chairman of the Federation of GCC Chambers and Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani stressed the importance of fostering Gulf integration and building a more resilient trade and logistics system capable of responding to regional and international changes and disruptions. He noted that this would help ensure the continued flow of goods, safeguard markets and enhance the competitiveness of the Gulf private sector.

His Excellency expressed his appreciation to the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council for its efforts to communicate and coordinate with the Federation in a manner that contributes to strengthening cooperation and joint action between the two sides.

His Excellency noted that the meeting comes at an exceptional time when the global economic landscape is undergoing rapid transformations amid geopolitical disruptions and the resulting challenges affecting supply chains and international shipping. His Excellency also stressed that these developments require greater preparedness and GCC coordination to safeguard gains and interests and strengthen economic security.

His Excellency noted that the exceptional circumstances pose direct challenges to trade, maritime transport and supply chains in the region, increasing the risks of disruptions to the smooth flow of goods, higher transport and insurance costs, and the rerouting of trade flows.

His Excellency said the 15th Consultative Meeting represents an important opportunity to strengthen practical dialogue between governments and the private sector and translate lessons learned from current challenges into actionable policies and initiatives. He noted that this would enhance the Gulf economy's ability to safeguard the continuity of trade and supply chains, support private sector competitiveness and ensure market security in the face of any future disruptions.

He also expressed pride in the progress of Gulf cooperation, stressing that GCC unity is a source of strength and that the integration of efforts represents the best way to address regional and international developments. (QNA)