Riyadh: The Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) held a virtual meeting today with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Customs Union Authority, and heads of transport and logistics committees across GCC chambers to discuss current challenges affecting trade flows and supply chains.
According to Saudi Press Agency, FGCCC Secretary-General Saleh Al-Sharqi emphasized that the meeting comes amid escalating regional and international challenges and their impact on supply chains and intra-GCC trade, particularly in vital sectors. He underscored the importance of intensifying efforts, strengthening coordination, and enhancing joint action among relevant entities across GCC countries, as well as aligning public and private sector perspectives to address these challenges.
Al-Sharqi noted that the current phase requires integrated collaboration with relevant authorities across GCC states to develop practical proposals and unified visions that enhance supply chain efficiency and ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services. He added that the meeting aims to produce actionable recommendations to support market stability across the Gulf region.
For his part, Assistant Secretary for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat Khalid Al-Sunaidi affirmed the secretariat's readiness to cooperate with the federation and the private sector to address obstacles affecting trade and supply chains across GCC countries.
Executive Director of the Customs Union Authority, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Ghafri, announced the authority's intention to launch a platform in the near future to support exporters and importers.
The meeting reviewed key challenges facing the transport and logistics sectors, as well as food security concerns and issues impacting the private sector. It also discussed proposed solutions to enhance Gulf economic integration, improve the efficiency of customs ports, and facilitate truck movement and intra-GCC trade. The participants highlighted the latest facilitation measures introduced in this regard.
The meeting concluded with the agreement to establish a joint mechanism to facilitate trade and strengthen supply chains among GCC countries.