Manama, October 07 (QNA) - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, said that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in achieving the national visions of GCC member states and advancing joint Gulf action.

He made the remarks during his address at the 6th Consultative Meeting between Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC and Gulf Entrepreneurs, held in Manama, Bahrain, and chaired by Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro.

The meeting was attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC member states, alongside Gulf entrepreneurs.

Albudaiwi elaborated that the meeting provides an opportunity to identify the challenges and obstacles confronting this sector, grapple with them, and devise appropriate solutions in keeping with the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states to prioritize SMEs and empower them to play an effective role in achieving economic integration among member states.

He added that efforts must continue to foster an enabling and integrative environment that supports their growth.

The GCC chief further pointed out that the meeting reaffirms the importance of public-private partnerships, particularly those involving SMEs, and underscores the commitment to establishing a platform for dialogue among policymakers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs.

Albudaiwi remarked that this engagement aims to support and turbocharge economic growth across GCC states while helping the Gulf private sector grapple with regional and international economic challenges. (QNA)