GIP to boost GCC integration, investment climate, says Bahrain minister

05/12/2025 02:35 AST

The launch of the Gulf Industrial Platform will advance the Gulf Cooperation Council's industrial integration, providing investors with a unified, data-driven ecosystem to enhance transparency, improve decision-making, and drive sustainable economic growth.

Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla Fakhro, told Al-Eqtisadiah that the launch of the GIP marks a qualitative leap in the path of industrial integration among GCC states and a significant step toward building a unified industrial information ecosystem that supports decision-making and enhances the regional investment climate.

Role of the new Gulf platform
Fakhro explained that the platform, launched in cooperation with the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting, is among the most prominent initiatives aimed at enabling investors and decision-makers to access accurate, reliable data through a linked industrial and economic database.

The minister noted that this will help raise transparency levels and strengthen advanced analytical capabilities in the field of industrial investment.

This comes as Gulf leaders have underscored the importance of completing the requirements of the GCC common market and customs union, boosting trade and tourism, and encouraging investment in strategic projects, particularly in infrastructure, transport, energy, telecommunications, water, and food.

The final communique of the 46th GCC Summit, held in Bahrain, said that leaders emphasized strengthening digital infrastructure integration, facilitating e-commerce, and supporting the development of joint digital payment systems and cloud services to help achieve full economic citizenship and support comprehensive and sustainable development.

Fakhro noted that the development of the platform is in line with the directives of GCC leaders and their ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable industrial development and consolidating the foundations of economic integration among member states. He pointed out that the current phase is witnessing growing momentum in joint Gulf industrial action, driven by advanced strategic initiatives.

GIP's importance for Bahrain
The minister added that the platform will support Bahrain's national efforts to identify opportunities for localizing industries, explore areas of industrial integration and joint investments, and align with the pillars of the Kingdom's Industrial Sector Strategy 2022-2026, which focuses on attracting high-quality investments, improving supply chain efficiency, and stimulating an innovation-driven environment.

In the final statement of the summit, Gulf leaders also stressed the importance of continuing economic diversification paths and strengthening an innovation-and sustainability-based economy to ensure long-term prosperity for GCC states and their peoples.

The leaders further emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity within a joint Gulf strategy that strengthens knowledge integration, exchanges expertise in digital transformation, combats cybercrime, provides a secure digital environment for communities, and enhances the active participation of youth and women in development.

They also highlighted the role of think tanks and research centers in foresight and in shaping public policies that support sustainable development.

Arab News