Gulf business leaders advocate for regional industrial integration and investment dialogue

Business leaders and officials are emphasizing the importance of regional economic integration and specialized forums to drive growth in the Gulf region. At the ‘Made in the Gulf’ forum, industrialists highlighted the need to transition from isolated national successes to an integrated regional production system. This strategy aims to leverage the natural resources, energy, and infrastructure of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to build competitive global value chains.

Key priorities for this industrial shift include localizing strategic sectors such as spare parts, food, pharmaceuticals, and advanced technologies. Experts, including Shura Council member Talal Al-Mannai, called for the unification of industrial specifications and the facilitation of movement for goods, capital, and expertise across GCC borders to create a unified industrial market by 2035.

Simultaneously, the upcoming Riyadh Economic Forum is being viewed by the business community as a vital platform for dialogue and investment. Business leaders noted that the forum aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, providing opportunities to explore new partnerships in sectors like real estate, tourism, and services. These gatherings are seen as essential for enhancing communication between investors and policymakers to support the growing role of the private sector in the national economy.