Qatar Chamber chairman calls for bolstering Arab economic integration

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani led the chamber’s delegation, which participated in the 59th meeting of the Federation of Gulf Co-operation Council Chambers (FGCCC) and in the 133rd board of directors meeting of the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC), which concluded Wednesday in Kuwait.The delegation included board members Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi and Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidly, as well as Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi, general manager; Alsayed Rajab, the chairman’s adviser; Dr Mohamed Ibrahim, economic adviser; and Mohamed al-Mohannadi, the director of the General Manager’s Office.The FGCCC meeting discussed many topics in connection with enhancing economic and trading links between GCC states, in addition to revitalising the role of the private sector in the Gulf economy to help maximise intra-Gulf trade.It reviewed the final financial accounts and a comparative report between the revenues and expenses of the Federation’s general secretariat for 2021 and updates on the construction of the new headquarters, as well as a draft work programme and the draft estimated budget of the general secretariat for 2023.On the other hand, the UAC meeting discussed the enhancement of mutual investments between Arab countries, the most prominent obstacles facing the intra-Arab trade in light of digital transformation, the requirements of sustainable development, and global challenges, as well as emerging challenges in global trade and opportunities available for the Arab economy.On the sidelines of the meetings, the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Mishaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah met with the heads of the participating delegations, including Sheikh Khalifa.In press statements, Sheikh Khalifa stressed the importance of achieving economic integration between GCC states and enhancing the role of the Gulf private sector in economic activity, as well as underpinning the mutual investments between member states.Sheikh Khalifa stressed the FGCCC’s role in addressing all issues related to strengthening co-operation between the Gulf chambers for the benefit of the Gulf economy.He also underscored the importance of facilitating intra-Arab trade by combating obstacles that might hinder its development, pointing to the great potential of Arab countries in achieving Arab economic integration.