Doha: The State of Qatar participated Thursday in a series of ministerial meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focusing on trade, industry, and standardization. These meetings, conducted via video conferencing, included the 70th Committee for Trade Cooperation, the 56th Committee for Industrial Cooperation, and the 11th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs. His Excellency Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani led Qatar's delegation.

According to Qatar News Agency, the meetings saw participation from the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC member states, alongside the GCC Secretary-General. Sheikh Faisal also joined a joint meeting between GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the UK Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Trade, Sir Chris Bryant. This meeting, also held via video conferencing, discussed trade relations with the UK, including negotiations for a potential free trade agreement.

Within the framework of the Committee for Trade Cooperation, the GCC Ministers of Commerce addressed various agenda topics aimed at enhancing joint Gulf trade cooperation. Similarly, the Ministers of Industry discussed agenda items to boost industrial cooperation between member states.

Meanwhile, the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs reviewed the latest developments in the Standardization Organization's work, including the adoption of draft Gulf technical regulations, making appropriate decisions on them. Additionally, Sheikh Faisal participated in the 14th consultative meeting of the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the heads of the GCC federations and chambers of commerce, discussing submitted topics and recommendations, and making suitable decisions.