Latest news with #FederationofGCCChambers
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
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.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Chamber, GCC Federation explore collaboration
Tribune News Network Doha Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, received Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Secretary General of the Federation of GCC Chambers, on Sunday at the Chamber's headquarters. The meeting was attended by Ali Saeed Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Acting General Manager of Qatar Chamber, and Sheikha Tamader Al Thani, Director of International Relations and Chamber Affairs at Qatar Chamber and Secretary General ofInternational Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC QATAR). Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Qatar Chamber and the Federation's General Secretariat, as well as coordinating efforts for upcoming GCC events. Both sides emphasized the importance of unifying initiatives and aligning activities, whether hosted in Qatar or other member states. The discussion also included ways to enhance collaboration between ICC Qatar and the General Secretariat of the Federation of GCC Chambers. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani commended the Federation's efforts during its current term and praised its active role in advancing cooperation among Gulf private sector entities. He also highlighted its contributions at both the regional and international levels. For his part, Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi said that his visit to Qatar Chamber is part of a tour to meet with the heads of Gulf chambers to reinforce relations between the Federation's General Secretariat and its member chambers. He also noted that ongoing coordination and collaboration are essential to addressing relevant issues and overcoming challenges that may hinder private sector cooperation among GCC states.
