70th GCC ministerial meeting to advance trade integration, SME growth
. . . set agenda to strengthen trade, consumer protection and entrepreneurship
Acting Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Marwa Al-Jaidan, announced that the 70th Gulf Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to be held remotely next Thursday, will focus on strengthening economic integration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Jaidan said the meeting will address key areas including internal and external trade, consumer protection, and initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship across the region.
Her remarks followed the 63rd preparatory meeting of GCC undersecretaries of trade, which was also held virtually in preparation for the ministerial session.
Al-Jaidan explained that participants reviewed a range of agenda items related to the work plans of technical committees under the Trade Cooperation framework. Discussions also covered the development of a unified commercial registry at entry points across GCC countries to streamline customs clearance procedures, as well as progress on a proposed virtual Gulf business incubator.
The meeting further examined potential implications of international regulatory developments, including the European Due Diligence Act for companies and the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism, and their possible impact on GCC products and businesses.
Al-Jaidan noted that the preparatory meeting concluded with a set of recommendations that will be submitted for approval during the upcoming ministerial gathering.
