Doha, April 30 (QNA) - The Board of the Federation of Chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (FGCCC) held its 68th meeting on Thursday to discuss ways to enhance intra-Gulf trade and expand the role of the private sector in economic development.

The virtual meeting was chaired by HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, with the participation of heads of chambers of commerce and industry across the region.

In his opening remarks, HE Sheikh Khalifa thanked HE Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas of Oman for his contributions during his previous term as FGCCC president, and praised the efforts of former chairpersons, boards and the secretariat in strengthening the federation's role.

He said recent developments in the region, including disruptions to key maritime routes and global supply chains, had highlighted the need for stronger economic integration beyond traditional cooperation frameworks.

These developments have reinforced the importance of the federation as a strategic platform capable of responding effectively to challenges, he said, adding that resilience and continuity of supply chains were now a priority for Gulf economies.

He stressed that the next phase should move from coordination to full economic integration, calling for a unified Gulf vision to enhance crisis preparedness, diversify logistics routes, and accelerate strategic infrastructure projects.

HE Sheikh Khalifa also said the federation remained committed to working closely with GCC leadership to safeguard economic stability and support sustainable growth across member states.

The meeting also reviewed reports on previous emergency meetings, annual financial statements for 2025, and the federation's planned activities for 2026. (QNA)