GOIC Hosts Workshop on GCC Non-oil Exporting Strategy

Doha, June 03 (QNA) - The Doha-based Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) hosted a workshop on GCC non-oil exporting strategy in cooperation with the GCC general secretariat and with representatives from GCC states and the general secretariat as well as international experts. GOIC Secretary General Mr. Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Ageel said the two-day workshop discussed topics related to the first phase of the non-oil exporting strategy in GCC countries and to the second phase aiming at developing and determining strategic objectives and benchmarking, a press release GOIC issued Tuesday said. Dr. Anwar Al Quraan, director of industrial studies and policies department at GOIC delivered a presentation in which he highlighted the main objectives of the strategy: helping GCC countries in achieving economic diversification, expanding citizens' income source and wealth pool, and guiding GCC countries to increase non-oil exports in the medium term (five years) and long term (fifteen years). He talked in detail about the phases of strategy execution and goals that were accomplished and modified. He said the first phase focused on assessing the current non-oil exports situation in GCC states, adding that it has been accomplished and requested modifications were implemented. As for the second phase, he explained, it includes identifying strategic objectives and benchmarking, while the third is about putting together the document of the strategy and the general framework of the executive plan. The execution requirements are to be accomplished right after the completion of the second phase. GOIC experts delivered a detailed presentation about the achievements of the first phase and an assessment of the non-oil export diversification endeavors in GCC countries. On the second day of the workshop, participants discussed strategic objectives and benchmarking. The examination of the strategy focuses on non-oil exports, notably industrial exports including knowledge-based and vital industries. It has been prepared by GOIC experts in cooperation with an external research team. The workshop was also attended by experts specialized in World Trade Organization (WTO) issues as well as representatives from Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). GOIC is a Doha-based advisory regional institution that brings together GCC states and Yemen and aims to develop regional industries by providing data, information, specialized researches, consultations and technical services for the public and private sectors in member states. It seeks industrial integration and coordination between them and works to shape a regional industrial policy. (QNA)