His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the industrial sector in GCC member states constitutes a fundamental pillar in the journey of economic development and Gulf integration, given its pivotal role in diversifying the productive base, enhancing value added, and elevating the competitiveness of GCC economies.
His Excellency’s remarks came during his address at the 57th Meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, held today, Tuesday (October 6, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, and in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Industry of the GCC member states.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his highest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the 57th Meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, and for the facilities and support Bahrain continues to extend to ensure the success of GCC endeavours. He also praised the steadfast support and attention accorded to joint GCC action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states across all fields.
"The 57th meeting of the Committee witnessed the launch of the Gulf Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its digital platform, keeping pace with global industrial shifts, driving the transition toward advanced industries and emerging technologies, as well as supporting digital transformation across Gulf manufacturing facilities. Additionally, five joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities in priority industrial sectors have been prepared, with promotional workshops already underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman in coordination with the Federation of GCC Chambers, which have met with positive engagement from investors," His Excellency stated.
He pointed out in his speech that joint Gulf industrial action has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years through the coordination of industrial policies and strategies, the development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the incentivisation of industrial investments, contributing to building a more integrated and competitive Gulf industrial base capable of navigating global economic and technological transformations.
In the same vein, His Excellency added that the forthcoming period presents accelerating challenges and shifts, foremost among them the impact of ongoing developments on supply chains, rapid technological advancements, and heightened global competition. This necessitates continued coordination and integration among GCC member states, bolstering supply chain resilience, and advancing Gulf industrial capabilities to enhance the global standing and competitiveness of the GCC industrial sector, His Excellency concluded.
