Doha: The State of Qatar chaired on Sunday the 59th meeting of the undersecretaries of the ministries of commerce and the 45th meeting of the undersecretaries of the ministries of industry of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The two meetings were held under the chairmanship of HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki and in the presence of Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry of the GCC countries and HE Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the General Secretariat of the GCC Khalid bin Ali Al Sunaidi. In his opening speech, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry welcomed Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries in the State of Qatar, noting that these meetings are a continuation of efforts to enhance Gulf cooperation and integration, especially in light of global economic challenges such as the economic slowdown and supply chain challenges. His Excel lency emphasized that the trade and industry sectors play a pivotal role in supporting economic development in the GCC countries and contributing to achieving economic diversification. HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stressed the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation between the GCC countries to enhance growth in the commercial sector by removing obstacles, enhancing economic and commercial integration, and raising the level of inter-trade between member states. His Excellency also pointed out the importance of opening new horizons for developing the Gulf private sector, as it is a fundamental pillar of the economies of the GCC countries, stressing the pivotal role of the industrial sector in supporting the GDP of the GCC countries, supporting economic diversification strategies, and achieving sustainable development. Concluding his speech, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry voiced his hope that the State of Qatar would succeed duri ng its presidency of the preparatory committees in supporting efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing industrial, commercial, and investment cooperation between the GCC countries to achieve the aspired integration for the benefit of the peoples of the GCC countries. He also wished the State of Kuwait success in chairing the preparatory meetings in 2025. Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry discussed a number of topics of common interest on their agenda. The recommendations were submitted to Their Excellencies the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry for approval in their upcoming meetings and to take appropriate decisions regarding them. Source: Qatar News Agency