His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),
stated that the Council member states have made significant progress towards economic diversification, relying on a comprehensive vision established by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC. This vision aims to reduce reliance on oil revenues that historically dominated our economic landscape.
This came during his participation in the panel discussion "The Journey of the GCC towards Economic Resilience and Diversity," organised by the Asian Society in Hong Kong, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
He also spoke about the development and progress achieved by the GCC over the past forty years in all fields, and how this has positively impacted the people of the Council countries. Moreover, His Excellency also highlighted the economic achievements and the global position that the Council countries have reached regionally and internationally.
He mentioned that the Council countries have devised economic plans, visions, and strategies, as well as created strategic partnerships, and provided investment opportunities to develop and diversify their economies, aiming to be part of the global economic map.
In the context of expanding the global trade horizons for the Council countries, he emphasised that the Council countries' pursuit of signing free trade agreements with countries and global blocs is one of the strategic economic means for the GCC to open new markets for the Council countries and their peoples, positioning them as a strategic player in the global trade arena.
In conclusion, His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the strong relations between the Council countries and Hong Kong, emphasising the special strategic nature of this mutual relationship. He highlighted the shared desire of both sides to foster the development and enhancement of these relations across various sectors, with a particular focus on investment, economy, and trade.
It is worth mentioning that the Asian Society is considered one of the most prominent and prestigious associations in the world, with its headquarters in New York City. The Hong Kong branch is the most prominent branch of the Asian Society in Asia, and it includes many distinguished figures from the government and private economic sector in Hong Kong.
