The GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry held a consultative meeting with the GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, 13 November 2019, in Muscat, Omen. The meeting was chaired by, Dr. Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Sultanate of Oman, with the participation of Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Obaidi, Vice President of the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers and HE the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Sultanate of Oman expressed his thanks and appreciation to the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the heads of the GCC federations and chambers for the efforts made to prepare for this meeting, hoping that the will succeed in promoting the growth of the economic sector in the GCC States.

In his speech, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed his sincere thanks to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting this consultative meeting between their Excellencies the Ministers and heads of federations and chambers of commerce in the GCC States; As well as for the kindness and hospitality extended to the participating delegations, and the arrangements and excellent preparations made.

He said that this periodic consultative meeting is a blessed meeting aimed to benefit the GCC States. Its objective is to promote economic cooperation and integration among Member States to serve the interests of its citizens and discuss all constructive ideas and visions that would open the horizons of the GCC joint economic work, overcoming obstacles and extending bridges of effective cooperation between the public and private sectors in the GCC States, in accordance with the directives of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, may God protect them.

He added that this blessed meeting complements the meetings held during the past years, in Riyadh, Manama and Kuwait towards one endeavor, a common goal, which is to promote economic growth and push forward the process of development and construction in the GCC States.

The Secretary General expressed his hope that this meeting will result in constructive ideas and effective recommendations that will put radical solutions to many of the challenges facing the private sector in the GCC States and that all parties work to overcome all obstacles and expand the horizons of joint cooperation towards enhancing the role and contribution of the private sector in the comprehensive development process, which will promote the GCC economies and strengthen their position among the countries of the world. He stressed that the Secretariat, in the light of the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to it, will continue with the help of God, its efforts and endeavors to promote this fruitful and constructive cooperation.

In his speech on behalf of the President of the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce, Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Obaidi said that the meeting aims to find the maximum possible harmony between the efforts and aspirations of the private sector on the one hand and the visions and orientations of the governments of the GCC States on the other hand.

He expressed his thanks and appreciation of the GCC private sector for the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, led by His Excellency the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council for its communication with the Federation in order to strengthen the common Gulf market and its relentless endeavor to activate the role of the Federation of GCC Chambers in participating in the committees working within the framework of the GCC which discuss economic affairs.

The consultative meeting discussed a number of issues related to enhancing the GCC joint work in the trade and economic fields, as well as the role of the private sector in the development process in the GCC States.