Doha: The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has revealed that the total number of approved Gulf standard specifications and technical regulations has surpassed 27,600. This development plays a crucial role in facilitating trade exchange, ensuring product safety, and boosting the attractiveness of the Gulf investment environment.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi emphasized the significance of this achievement during the eighth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardisation Affairs, held in Doha. The meeting was presided over by Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, who is also the president of the current session, and attended by committee members. Albudaiwi highlighted that this milestone reflects the collaborative efforts between the GCC organization and national standardization bodies, which not only instills pride but also motivates continued support for the standardization authority i
n pursuing the economic objectives of the GCC.

During his address, Albudaiwi expressed profound gratitude to Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, the current president of the Supreme Council of the GCC, along with the Qatari government and its people, for hosting the meeting. He acknowledged Qatar’s support and the facilities provided to ensure the success of the GCC’s initiatives. Furthermore, he praised the strategic decision to establish the GCC Standardisation Organisation as a pivotal step towards enhancing integration and connectivity among member states, aligning with the economic agreement signed on December 31, 2001.

Albudaiwi noted that the unified outputs from the GCC Standardisation Organisation, including standard specifications, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures, are vital for standardizing technical requirements for intra-GCC trade. These measures facilitate the seamless movement of goods, support the growth and marketing of Gulf products in regional and gl
obal markets, and protect Gulf consumers from harmful and counterfeit products, thereby preserving the environment and public health.

The meeting also focused on reviewing recommendations from the Technical Council to the committee, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the GCC Standardisation Organisation. These initiatives are expected to bolster the organization’s activities and procedures, further strengthening the Gulf standardization system and supporting the development of technical capacities within national standardization bodies.