Muscat – Oman has called for an urgent implementation of Gulf economic integration and development projects, including the customs union, Gulf common market, railways, and trade and investment liberalisation.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the senior officials of the GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority, hosted by Oman in Muscat on Tuesday.

Chaired by H E Dr Nasser Rashid al Ma’awali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy, the meeting brought together GCC undersecretaries for economy and planning to discuss various aspects of GCC economic integration.

Highlighting the unprecedented achievements and positive indicators accomplished under the guidance and sound wisdom of the leaders of the GCC states since the council came into being, H E Dr Ma’awali emphasised on the need to address barriers hindering economic unity in the next stage.

“We need to assess our achievements, review plans within the Economic and Development Affairs Authority, and focus on the implementation of Gulf economic integration and development projects such as the customs union, Gulf common market, railways, and trade and investment liberalisation.”

During the meeting, officials examined decisions made by the GCC Supreme Council in its 43rd session held in December 2022. They also discussed a proposal put forth by the GCC Secretariat General on the topic of ‘governance of economic and developmental action’.

Additionally, progress in the action plan for developing a Gulf Economic Model, including its mechanism and timeframe, was reviewed.