Manama:Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the significant role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in fulfilling the national visions of GCC member states and advancing collaborative Gulf efforts.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi's remarks were made during the Sixth Consultative Meeting between the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC and Gulf Entrepreneurs. The meeting took place in Manama and was chaired by Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, alongside the participation of ministers of commerce and industry from GCC member states and Gulf entrepreneurs.

During the meeting, Albudaiwi noted that the consultative session aims to identify and address the challenges facing SMEs. The meeting seeks to develop appropriate solutions, guided by GCC leaders' directives to prioritize and empower SMEs. The goal is to enable SMEs to play an effective role in achieving economic integration among member states and to create a supportive environment for their growth.

He also highlighted the meeting's emphasis on the importance of public-private partnerships, especially with SMEs. The event underscores a commitment to establishing a dialogue platform between policymakers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs, aimed at supporting and accelerating economic growth across GCC states while tackling regional and international economic challenges faced by the Gulf private sector.