UAE pushes GCC trade cooperation forward at 70th committee meeting
UAE Minister Abdullah bin Touq attended the 70th GCC trade cooperation meeting via video, reiterating support for unified commercial rules and digital trade growth across the Gulf.
The UAE’s Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, took part remotely in the 70th meeting of the GCC Committee on Trade Cooperation, underlining the country’s commitment to advancing GCC trade cooperation. The session brought together officials from member states to review strategic initiatives aimed at deeper market integration, regulatory alignment and enhanced competitiveness. Delegates emphasized the urgency of measures that bolster resilience, attract investment and support economic expansion across Gulf markets.
70th committee session held by video conference
The meeting convened through video link as delegates evaluated a packed agenda focused on regulatory reform and strategic coordination. Officials said the session offered a timely forum to design policies that respond to global economic headwinds and shifting trade dynamics. The virtual format allowed for broad participation while maintaining continuity of the committee’s work.
UAE stresses economic integration and flexibility
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s support for strengthened Gulf cooperation, citing leadership directives to deepen economic and investment ties. He told colleagues that the current phase requires a more integrated and flexible GCC economic environment built on modernised commercial legislation. The minister underlined priorities such as promoting entrepreneurship, digital transformation and innovation to elevate the region’s global economic standing.
Harmonising commercial laws and competition rules
Delegates discussed accelerating work on unified commercial legislation, with particular attention to common rules for competition and e‑commerce across member states. Officials argued that harmonised competition law would reduce barriers, encourage fair market practices and improve cross‑border investment flows. Agreement on unified e‑commerce rules was portrayed as a critical step toward seamless digital trade across the GCC.
Measures to boost digital trade and market access
The committee examined steps to integrate Gulf digital markets and facilitate the flow of goods and services on online platforms. Proposals included technical standards for cross‑platform transactions, streamlined customs coordination and measures to increase trust in regional digital marketplaces. Participants said such measures would expand market access for Gulf firms and make the GCC a more attractive destination for global e‑commerce activity.
Intellectual property overhaul and SME support
A key outcome of the discussions was a proposal to restructure the patent committee into a broader intellectual property committee to better protect regional creativity and innovation. Delegates endorsed the development of unified IP strategies aimed at safeguarding Gulf inventions, brands and creative works. The meeting also spotlighted a virtual Gulf business incubator intended to nurture small and medium enterprises and accelerate their entry into the shared market.
Consumer protection, anti‑fraud and investment climate
The committee reviewed member states’ efforts to enhance the investment environment, tighten anti‑counterfeiting measures and strengthen consumer protection frameworks. Officials said coordinated enforcement and information sharing would be central to curbing commercial fraud and protecting buyers. Strengthening these safeguards was presented as essential to boosting investor confidence in the GCC common market.
The committee agreed on follow‑up actions and committed to drafting harmonised texts for consideration by ministers, with timelines to expedite implementation. Members called for ongoing technical working groups to finalise the unified rules on competition, e‑commerce and intellectual property. Observers noted that practical measures and legislative synchronisation will be decisive in converting policy discussions into measurable economic benefits.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for collective action to enhance GCC competitiveness and resilience. Ministers and senior officials departed with a mandate to pursue regulatory updates, bolster digital infrastructure and scale up support for innovators and SMEs. The UAE affirmed its role in driving these priorities as part of a broader effort to position the Gulf as a cohesive, globally competitive economic region.
