The GCC is moving towards a unified definition of Gulf national products to establish “Gulf economic citizenship” and enhance industrial cooperation at a recent meeting in Doha.

This initiative aligns with the 2001 Economic Agreement, promoting equal treatment for GCC nationals across member states. The move aims to foster economic integration and sustainable development, advancing the region’s industrial sector and overall economic unity.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is advancing towards a unified definition of Gulf national products, aiming to establish “Gulf economic citizenship” and strengthen the region’s industrial sector. At the fifth extraordinary meeting of the Undersecretaries of Ministry of Industry from the Gulf countries, held in Doha, officials discussed the Importance of cooperation and alignment on this definition. Mohamed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that this step would foster collaboration among GCC nations, enhancing economic sectors and achieving shared goals. Khalid bin Ali al-Sunaidi from the GCC Secretariat highlighted the opportunity this presents for supporting collective Gulf efforts.

The discussion centered on the application of Gulf National Product Standards and included recommendations on localization percentages and incentives to promote balanced competition. This initiative aligns with Article 3 of the GCC’s 2001 Economic Agreement, which calls for equal treatment of GCC nationals in all member states across economic fields, advancing the goal of economic integration and sustainable development within the region.