GCC industry body approves new initiatives to boost regional co-operation

The meeting highlighted the crucial role industry can be expected to play as GCC member countries wind down their dependence on oil. "One of the biggest challenges facing the GOIC is how to best deploy its expertise and contribute to the development of the economies of the GCC country," stated H.E. Dr. Mohammed Khalfan Bin Kharbash, UAE Minister of State for Finance and Industry (MOFI) in his opening speech to the of 58th session of the Organisation.

In his speech, read by H.E Jamal Nasir Lootah, under secretary of industrial affairs at MOFI, Dr Kharbash added: "The GCC Summit that took place a few weeks ago outlined the pace of change that needs to be set to meet the growing expectations of governments and the public. We will all have to work harder to satisfy those expectations."

H.E Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawea, the first UAE Secretary General of the Organization, added: "We are delighted to that there is this opportunity here in the UAE to discuss among the GCC states measures to consolidate collaboration in the industrial sector. We are looking to develop new strategies to increase efficiency in regional output and develop technical skills and abilities."

Dr. Nasir AL Ojail, Director of the Kuwaiti Public Authority for Industry and outgoing President of the Organization, handed over leadership of GOIC to H.E. Jamal Nasir Lootah for the first meeting in 2005.