General Secretariat - Doha
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his pride and honour in the prominent regional and international position achieved by the Gulf industry and its increasing contribution to the national economies of the GCC countries.
This statement was made during the opening of the second Gulf Industrial Exhibition and the honouring ceremony for Gulf factories and inventors on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Qatari capital, Doha. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar, and attended by several ministers of commerce and industry from the GCC countries.
At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General extended his deepest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, the current president of the Supreme Council of the GCC, the Qatari government, and the people of Qatar for hosting this important exhibition, and for the facilitation and support provided by the State of Qatar to ensure the success of the Cooperation Council's work, as well as for the support and attention given to joint Gulf work by His Highness as well as Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries.
His Excellency also stated in his speech that the industrial sector plays a pivotal role in strengthening the economies of the GCC countries and achieving the economic diversification we aspire to. He pointed out that the value-added contribution of Gulf downstream industries exceeded US$264 billion in 2022, and that the manufacturing sector in the GCC countries contributed 12.5% to the gross domestic product at current prices in 2023.
His Excellency affirmed that this event represents a golden opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas, showcase the latest developments and innovations in this important field, and enhance cooperation among the GCC member states to accelerate the wheel of manufacturing in line with the national visions and strategies of each of the GCC countries.
His Excellency the Secretary General stated that the GCC countries have achieved a distinguished regional position in many fields, including political, economic, and investment fields, leading many international indicators that rival those of the largest and most advanced countries.
"The diligent efforts of the GCC countries in empowering industry and diversifying industries are among the important factors that have enabled the GCC countries to achieve this distinguished regional and global position, especially since many countries and organisations are striving to establish strategic partnerships with them due to their credibility, steadfast principles, and sustainability in all their national institutions," His Excellency stated.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi concluded his speech by expressing his sincere thanks to all those involved in this event and for their efforts in making this exhibition an effective annual platform for enhancing Gulf industrial partnerships.
"The success of this event reflects our shared commitment to developing a strong industrial infrastructure capable of competing globally and creating sustainable job opportunities for the citizens of the GCC countries," he stressed.
It's worth noting that on the sidelines of the opening of the Exhibition, 12 inventors from the GCC (2 from each GCC member state) were honoured in support of their efforts and to encourage further creativity, invention, and innovation in various fields and levels in the GCC countries.
