GCC Moves Toward Unified Definition of Gulf National Products to Foster Economic Citizenship

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is edging closer to a unified definition of Gulf national products, a key step in the journey toward establishing 'Gulf economic citizenship' and boosting the region’s industrial development. This was the central theme of the fifth extraordinary meeting of the Undersecretaries of Ministries of Industry from GCC countries, held in Doha.

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry Undersecretary, Mohamed bin Hassan al-Malki, highlighted the significance of enhancing mechanisms for applying this unified definition. He emphasized that this progress is vital for achieving economic citizenship within the GCC, which would foster greater collaboration among the member states and help them realize shared goals.

"This initiative will bolster cooperation among GCC countries and contribute to the growth of various economic sectors, especially the industrial sector," al-Malki said, in the presence of Khalid bin Ali al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat General.

A consensus on the criteria for defining Gulf national products, along with the implementation of related mechanisms, will open new avenues for collective economic growth. This effort aligns with the GCC countries' ongoing measures to reinforce the region's economic and industrial structures, aiming for deeper integration and sustainable development.

The meeting also covered a report on the progress of applying the Gulf National Product Standards, and key recommendations were adopted to meet common objectives. Previous proposals from GCC countries included determining localization percentages and identifying incentives that would ensure balanced competitiveness for Gulf national products while also supporting the private sector.

Article 3 of the 2001 Economic Agreement is particularly relevant to this initiative. The article mandates equal treatment for all GCC nationals across member states, ensuring that GCC nationals residing in any member country receive the same economic opportunities as local citizens. This provision, which applies to both individuals and businesses, reinforces the concept of economic citizenship across the region.

The move toward Gulf economic citizenship is a significant step in advancing the region's industrial sector and strengthening long-term cooperation among GCC member states.

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