Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led the United Arab Emirates delegation at the 66th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Trade Cooperation Committee in Doha, Qatar. The delegation included key members such as Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh and Juma Muhammad Al Kait. The meeting focused on enhancing the Gulf economic environment for businesses by supporting intra-regional trade, entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises. Discussions also included creating a committee for investment affairs, developments in the Gulf Commercial Arbitration Center, and potential amendments to trade-related laws.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to supporting joint Gulf action to benefit member states. The committee discussed attracting foreign investments, supporting small and medium enterprises, expediting business establishment programs, and streamlining export procedures. Their efforts aim to enhance the competitiveness of business communities and promote partnerships in strategic economic sectors among GCC countries.
The meeting highlighted initiatives to stimulate the Gulf business environment, support cooperation frameworks within the GCC, facilitate import/export procedures, and prioritize Gulf small and medium enterprises in government tenders. Discussions also addressed providing support to Gulf entrepreneurs through training programs, expertise exchange, investment encouragement, and accelerating business establishment programs. The members also discussed creating a specialized committee for investment affairs to attract investments, cooperate with regional economic institutions, and support the growth and competitiveness of member states’ economies.
The committee explored developments in the Commercial Arbitration Center system, amendments to commercial laws and regulations, and the establishment of a unified Gulf law for commercial franchising. They also discussed electronic and digital commerce legislation, dual ministerial meetings between GCC countries and China, and preparations for the China-Gulf Cooperation Forum for Industries and Investments. These efforts aim to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in investment, industry, and technology, and work towards a free trade agreement between China and the GCC Council for mutual benefit.