New York, September 25 (QNA) - GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has called for greater regional integration in energy, trade, transport and the digital economy to support economic growth, strengthen resilience and create new investment opportunities across the Gulf.
Speaking at a regional connectivity forum held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Albudaiwi said stronger links between Gulf economies could contribute to shared prosperity for the region's people and future generations.
The event was organized by the GCC General Secretariat in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Albudaiwi said rapid changes in global trade routes, energy systems and technology were reshaping economic ties, while investment was increasingly moving towards markets able to offer opportunity, resilience and stability.
He said the Gulf's position at the intersection of major global flows of trade, energy and investment provided an important strategic advantage, but that geography alone was not enough.
Greater integration of markets, infrastructure and capabilities, he argued, could help translate the region's geographic position into practical economic opportunities.
He pointed to the Gulf Electricity Interconnection project as an example of regional cooperation, saying it had demonstrated how integration could strengthen resilience and generate economic and strategic benefits.
Looking ahead, Albudaiwi outlined three areas for further work: developing a clear roadmap based on national priorities following the UN General Assembly meetings; identifying investment opportunities and key corridors in energy, trade, transport and digital connectivity; and expanding cooperation among governments, financial institutions, sovereign investors and the private sector.
He also highlighted the potential role of the UNDP in facilitating partnerships and supporting technical work.
The discussions come as Gulf states pursue economic diversification and investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity, while seeking to strengthen links between their economies and global markets. (QNA)