His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that industrial cooperation between the GCC member states has achieved significant progress. "This advancement is reflected in the strengthening of industrial integration, the development of joint policies and strategies, and the support of supply chains, alongside the unification of standard specifications and the encouragement of industrial investments. "These efforts contribute to diversifying Gulf economies and raising their competitiveness at both regional and international levels," His Excellency stated.
These remarks were made during the 56th meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, held today, Thursday, April 30, 2026, via video conference. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session. Present were Their Excellencies the Ministers of Industry of the GCC states.
At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi expressed his sincerest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the facilities and support provided by the Kingdom to ensure the success of the GCC’s work. He also commended the backing and attention given to joint Gulf action by His Majesty and his brothers, Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states, across all fields.
His Excellency emphasised that the Industrial Cooperation Committee plays a pivotal role in enhancing joint Gulf action by coordinating industrial policies and unifying efforts to achieve the desired industrial integration. He pointed out that the committee contributes to bolstering the international standing of the Gulf industrial sector through its competitiveness and by opening broader horizons for global cooperation and partnerships, reflecting the growing potential of the GCC states.
In this context, His Excellency highlighted the Supreme Council’s welcome, during its 46th session (December 2025), of the proposal to hold the "Made in the Gulf" forum and exhibition in October 2026. This initiative aims to showcase the distinguished industrial capabilities of the GCC states and further promote industrial integration.