Sheikh Khalifa calls for strengthening GCC supply chain resilience

Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, chairman of the Qatar Chamber, has urged Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations to bolster their efforts to fortify supply chain resilience and maintain economic stability in the face of escalating global disruptions. This call was made during the 15th Consultative Meeting of GCC ministers of commerce and industry and the presidents of GCC federations and chambers of commerce, which took place in Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday.

The gathering emphasized the significance of public-private sector cooperation across the GCC member states amidst the prevailing regional crisis. Discussions at the meeting highlighted the crucial role of close coordination between governments and private enterprises, represented by national chambers of commerce, in addressing challenges and preserving the GCC states' economic gains.

Sheikh Khalifa, who also serves as chairman of the Federation of GCC Chambers, underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf integration and establishing a more resilient trade and logistics system capable of adapting to regional and international disruptions. He explained that such a system would ensure the continuous flow of goods, secure markets, and boost the competitiveness of the private sector.

The meeting, which coincides with rapid global economic and geopolitical shifts impacting trade, transport, and supply chains, highlights the necessity of enhanced GCC coordination to safeguard economic security. Sheikh Khalifa stressed that swift action by GCC countries, in collaboration with the private sector, has helped alleviate these challenges and maintain the uninterrupted supply of goods across GCC markets.

He emphasized that the security of Gulf trade is contingent upon the GCC trade system's capacity to swiftly transition between routes, ports, and markets, rather than relying on a singular route or port. According to Sheikh Khalifa, the 15th Consultative Meeting offers an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between governments and the private sector and devise practical initiatives to safeguard trade and supply chains, improve competitiveness, facilitate the movement of goods, reduce logistics expenses, and reinforce GCC trade resilience.

Qatar Chamber represented at the meeting with a delegation comprising board members Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, Mohammed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi, and Nasser bin Sulaiman al-Haidar. Sheikh Khalifa also praised the GCC General Secretariat, led by secretary general Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, for its efforts in coordinating with the Federation of GCC Chambers and fostering economic cooperation and joint action.