The GCC Ministers of Trade and Industry held the 1st meeting with the GCC Entrepreneurs 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, and the participation of 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 welcomed the participants in the meeting, praising the constructive role played by the entrepreneurs in the GCC States and hoping that the meeting will come up with constructive recommendations.

In his speech, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed his sincere thanks to His Excellency the Minister and senior officials in the Ministry for hosting the first meeting between the Ministers of Trade and Industry in the GCC States and the Gulf entrepreneurs. He blessed this good initiative, which will open the horizons of a broader and more constructive dialogue and exchange of views and ideas in all that will support the entrepreneurial sector to play its active role in the process of economic growth and industrial and commercial development witnessed by the GCC States.

He said the entrepreneurial sector in the GCC States, and its young in particular, proved to be a vital, influential and creative sector. He added that the GCC States have opened up opportunities for Gulf entrepreneurs to start, develop and succeed. They have tamed difficulties, initiated laws and regulations, and facilitated financing, marketing and partnerships with international markets.

The Secretary General stressed that the General Secretariat, in accordance with the directives of their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of the GCC States, May God protect them, is keen to ensure that the entrepreneurial sector receives a significant share of the joint action plans adopted in the dialogues and strategic partnerships with countries and global economic blocs, and that the Secretariat will continue its efforts in this regard.

The meeting discussed a number of issues related to supporting entrepreneurship in the GCC States and ways of enhancing the role of this vital sector in the trade and economic fields.