GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al Budaiwi has highlighted the remarkable growth of the region’s manufacturing sector, noting that the bloc is now home to more than 22,000 factories employing 1.1 million people, with manufacturing accounting for 13 per cent of the regional GDP.
Delivering his address at the opening of the inaugural Made in the Gulf Forum and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and in the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mr Al Budaiwi praised Bahrain for hosting the landmark event.
He emphasised that industry remains a foundational pillar for diversifying Gulf economies, stressing that regional products should be the primary choice for local consumers and investors.
Highlighting integration efforts, the Secretary-General pointed to key achievements by the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, including the unification of industrial laws, the adoption of a unified industrial strategy, the empowerment of national products, and collective protections for regional industries. He also noted that the first phase of joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities has been successfully completed.
Turning to international performance, Mr Al Budaiwi cited the UNIDO Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) Index, which positions GCC nations strongly on the global stage with the UAE ranking 32nd, Saudi Arabia 34th, Qatar 48th, Kuwait 53rd, Oman 58th, and Bahrain 63rd with several member states surpassing global averages.
“When our industrial capabilities are integrated and our policies are unified, we can achieve what no single country can achieve on its own,” he told delegates.
The forum will focus on critical themes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 9, including global market access, supply chain resilience, smart factories, financing, and the development of regional talent under the “Made in the Gulf” banner.
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