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mechanism for applying standards to define Gulf products. A whitepaper on industrial integration
among the GCC countries was also reviewed in addition to a plan for implementing a unified
industrial development strategy. The Gulf Industrial Excellence Award program also featured during
the meeting, with several companies being recognized for their accomplishments.

Qatar, chair of the current GCC session, hosted the meetings of trade and industry ministers to
strengthen collaboration and integration among members. The meetings provided a platform to
exchange expertise, discuss developments in industrial legislation and regulation, and expand the
GCC’s presence in international and regional forums.

Dr. Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE’s leadership, reaffirming the government’s
commitment to enhancing strategic relations with partners in the Gulf, particularly in terms of
industry, trade, and investment.

He extended his gratitude to Qatar for hosting the meetings, emphasizing the strong ties among
GCC countries: “The GCC has created a model for strengthening economic and development
partnerships while also enhancing private sector participation in sustainable economic growth. The
GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee is committed to promoting the growth of industry, which is
a fundamental pillar of the region’s economies and a key driver of sustainable development.”

Dr. Al Jaber continued: “The GCC’s model approach to economic integration and regional
cooperation supports ambitious national goals. The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced
Technology is committed to enhancing the role of the industrial and technological sectors in the
national economy through integration and by leveraging innovation.
“Strategic partnerships with the private sector are vital to the growth and competitiveness of the
industrial sector as well as to ensuring supply chain sustainability and providing enablers and
incentives to attract investment.”

On the sidelines of the Industrial Cooperation Committee meetings, Dr. Al Jaber met with Sheikh
Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, to explore
opportunities to enhance industrial integration. He also met with Abdullah Fakhro, Minister of
Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss the upcoming meeting of the
Industrial Cooperation and Industrial Partnerships Committee and the UAE’s Industrial Technology
Transformation Index (ITTI).

Doha also hosted the 8th Ministerial Committee on Standardization on 31st October, chaired by HE
Dr. Al Zeyoudi, with the attendance of Dr. Al Zarouni, Al Suwaidi and Fadhel. The committee
discussed the adoption of the GCC Standardization Organization’s strategies in addition to strategic
plans in the field of standardisation.

During the meetings, several industrial companies were recognised for their achievements,
including their application of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Five Emirati companies
received the Gulf Industrial Excellence Award: Emirates Steel Arkan in the Metals and Glass

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