Doha: The 53rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Industrial Cooperation Committee commenced in Doha, with Kuwait participating in the discussions. The gathering aims to further joint Gulf efforts to enhance the industrial sector, as highlighted by Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad in his address. According to Kuwait News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the committee's pivotal role in formulating regulations and policies to boost the competitiveness, sustainability, and quality of Gulf industrial products. This, in turn, is expected to strengthen the Gulf's economy. He noted that the Gulf's gross domestic product has increased by USD 300 billion since 2019, reaching USD 2 trillion in 2023. Additionally, the non-oil sector now contributes around 71 percent to the GDP, with the manufacturing sector's contribution rising to 12.5 percent in 2023 from 10.7 percent in 2018. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi also addressed the meeting, underscoring the GCC's future visi on of creating a robust, diversified economy that fosters sustainable growth and provides job opportunities for the youth. He emphasized the critical need to bolster manufacturing in the GCC to enhance competitiveness in global markets. Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's commitment to supporting industrial integration among its member states to further strengthen the Gulf's economy. The Kuwaiti delegation at the meeting was led by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel.
