The Shura Council reviews “GCC” experience as a model for economic integration
15 February 2024
Within the work of the Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, The Shura Council reviewed today the experience of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a model for economic integration. HE Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidan, member of the Shura Council, attended the session titled "Achieving Economic Transformation, Regional Integration, and Common Development: The Importance of Policies Linked to Enhancing Strategic Partnerships, Encouraging Investment, Technology, Infrastructure, and Enhancing Competitiveness." Al Obaidan highlighted the GCC's successful economic integration and political coordination as exemplary models in the Arab world and the region.
He affirmed that Qatar, under the directives of its wise leadership, fully implements the decisions of the GCC and endeavors to achieve successful economic integration and effective political coordination, believing that it is the right path to achieve desired goals and comprehensive Arab integration.
He emphasized Qatar's belief in the necessity of working towards economic integration and unity to create favorable conditions for economic prosperity and sustainable development through removing trade barriers, opening avenues for capital and investment, facilitating the transfer of production means, and encouraging various forms of economic integration for the benefit of all.
He referred to successful models and experiences of economic integration and unity, most notably the experience of the European Union, calling for studying these experiences, benefiting from their successes, and avoiding their failures.
Al Obaidan underscored the importance of cooperation among Southern countries given their vast potential for success, shared objectives, and common challenges, including combating poverty and deprivation, achieving Sustainable Development Goals for the welfare of the region's people, and enhancing security and stability.
He urged conference participants to include in the final statement a call for achieving economic integration among Southern countries and utilizing their existing resources.
The Shura Council is participating in the conference, which concludes later today, with a delegation led by HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti.