Workshop addresses private sector challenges in GCC Common Market
MUSCAT, MAY 7
The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers, held a workshop on May 7, 2025 to address the issues facing the Gulf private sector in the GCC Common Market context.
Held at the Chamber's headquarters in Muscat, the forum brought together policymakers and business leaders to discuss key issues hindering intra-GCC trade, including cumbersome laws, customs procedures, logistics challenges, and poor access to funding for cross-border investment.
Participants debated concrete measures to increase regional trade and make Gulf enterprises more competitive. The workshop also reviewed current incentives and introduced requirements needed to spur private sector development and integration.
Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of strengthening Gulf private sector cooperation in his opening remarks at a recent workshop.
He emphasized the need to overcome underlying issues in trade law, financing, and investment and push for more intense economic integration within GCC nations. Al Saadi noted the Gulf Common Market is a keystone achievement and called for concrete solutions to boost its efficiency and shape regional trade goals.
GCC expert Sulaiman al Balushi described the workshop as being a vital arena for GCC businessmen to air issues and provide down-to-earth suggestions. He further stated that actual discussion with policymakers is needed in order to establish real change and strengthen the area's private sector.
Entrepreneur Muntaha Majid said, "Such workshops allow businesspeople to raise awareness about intra-GCC trade issues. More importantly, she added, they offer a chance to meet decision-makers and exchange views on establishing the Gulf Common Market for the benefit of the private sector and enhancing regional economic integration."
Noura al Salem, Federation of GCC Chambers Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, introduced the Federation's role in empowering the private sector. She stated its work in GCC initiatives, including cooperation with the GCC Secretariat, the Gulf Common Market, the Customs Union, and collaborative policy-making activities.
Al-Salem also instituted the Tawasul programme—a platform focused on consolidating direct dialogue among the private and public sectors within the Gulf region. The initiative is intended to highlight opportunities in investment, consolidate economic integration, as well as resolve trade and investment challenges.
Oman Chamber's Mohammed al Gharbi reported Oman's trends of trade with GCC countries based on sustained growth grounded in economic integration, upgraded logistics, and moves to improve regional business conditions.
The workshop emphasized the paramount importance of joint dialogue in addressing Gulf issues and supporting the economic growth contribution of the Gulf private sector.
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