05-05-2025
GCC Economic Forum addresses trade, diversification in Qatar
Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Chamber took part in the inaugural GCC Economic Forum, held under the theme 'Integrating Trade and Diversifying Economic Clusters in Qatar' at the Hilton Doha Hotel.
The Chamber was represented by Ali Saeed Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Acting General Manager.
Organized by Qatar University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the forum brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, experts, and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
The forum featured two panel discussions. The first session addressed trade and economic integration among GCC countries, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and policies influencing the Qatari economy. The second session focused on the role of public-private partnerships, incentives to support economic clusters, and best practices to enhance institutional cooperation and stimulate growth in vital the first session, Al Mansori presented a working paper highlighting the main challenges and opportunities facing trade integration among GCC nations.
He also emphasized the importance of joint cooperation among GCC countries in building integrated production chains, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and petrochemicals.
He also noted that the availability of modern infrastructure, including ports, highways, and free zones, presents an ideal opportunity to accelerate trade integration and boost regional economic collaboration.
Regarding the impact of regional trade policies on Qatar's economy, Al Mansori noted that the GCC Customs Union has significantly contributed to reducing administrative complexities for Qatari exporters, thereby facilitating access to Gulf markets.
He emphasized that the GCC market serves as a vital outlet for Qatar to promote its products and services within a familiar and accessible regional environment.
The Acting General Manager of Qatar Chamber underscored the importance of adopting targeted strategies to maximize the benefits of regional cooperation.
These strategies include enhancing digital and customs integration across GCC countries, coordinating industrial and trade policies to foster synergies, supporting cross-border small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and developing joint financing mechanisms to support infrastructure and major industrial projects.
