Sustainable Development Minister and Economic Development Board chief executive Noor Alkhulaif has underlined the importance of deeper economic ties between the GCC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region.
Participating in the GCC-Asean Economic and Investment Conference, Ms Alkhulaif joined the opening ceremony, a closing ministerial panel discussion, and held bilateral meetings with counterparts.
The event focused on fostering collaboration and exploring investment opportunities between GCC and Asean.
Ms Alkhulaif joined a high-level panel titled ‘Economics, Investments, Trade & Partnerships’ alongside senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Thailand. Discussions centred on identifying joint trade and investment opportunities across priority sectors, aligning with the recently adopted Asean-GCC Framework of Co-operation (2024-2028).
The panel highlighted ongoing partnerships and initiatives that have driven bilateral co-operation. It also explored the private sector’s role in fostering a stronger investment ecosystem for regional prosperity.
Ms Alkhulaif commended Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference following the first Asean-GCC Summit in October 2023. She emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening partnerships within the GCC and with Asean nations.
“The framework offers significant opportunities for collaboration,” Ms Alkhulaif said. “Bahrain, with its rich history as a trade and investment hub, seeks partnerships that go beyond bilateral trade. We advocate for talent exchange, co-investments and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable economic prosperity.”
Ms Alkhulaif pointed to Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) launched in late 2021. The plan prioritises attracting investment in key sectors like finance, manufacturing, ICT, logistics and tourism. It also focuses on developing a digitally-skilled workforce, supported by a national digital transformation strategy.
“These priorities align perfectly with the Framework of Co-operation and Bahrain’s roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions,” the minister added. “This approach ensures a sustainable economic future.”
The 2024 conference builds on the momentum created by the inaugural GCC-Asean summit in 2023. The summit recognised the importance of multilateral co-operation in tackling regional and global challenges. It also established a dialogue platform to explore solutions and strengthen the partnership based on shared interests and historical ties.
&uuid=(email))