Amin (GCC): Strengthening Regional Connectivity Opens New Horizons for Growth and Investment
New York, Sept 25 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi stressed on Friday that enhancing regional convergence and connectivity in the fields of energy, trade, transport, and the digital economy constitutes a vital pathway to support growth, bolster economic resilience, and open new investment horizons, thereby contributing to the shared prosperity of the region’s peoples.
This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s participation in the seminar “Regional Convergence for Energy, Trade, and Connectivity,” organized by the GCC Secretariat General in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Al-Budaiwi noted that rapid transformations in trade routes, energy systems, and technology are reshaping the nature of interconnectivity among economies, as investments increasingly flow toward regions capable of providing opportunities, resilience, and stability. He warned that these shifts present both challenges and opportunities for GCC member states simultaneously.
He clarified that while the Gulf region sits at a major crossroads for global trade, energy, and investment flows, geography alone is insufficient to achieve prosperity. He emphasized that linking markets, infrastructure, and capabilities, along with strengthening regional cooperation, can transform strategic advantages into practical, tangible opportunities that benefit the people.
He pointed out that the GCC’s experience offers successful practical models in this regard, foremost among them being the GCC Interconnection Project, which has demonstrated the capacity of regional cooperation to enhance resilience and deliver concrete economic and strategic benefits.
Al-Budaiwi outlined that the coming phase requires focusing on three practical pathways: formulating an organized process to develop a clear roadmap based on national priorities; identifying key sectors, corridors, and investment opportunities in energy, trade, transport, and digital connectivity; and expanding the network of partners, including governments, financial institutions, sovereign investors, and the private sector.
He stressed that these efforts must be grounded in national ownership, voluntary participation, and mutual benefit, leveraging existing initiatives while avoiding duplication, with a focus on areas capable of delivering measurable and tangible results.
The GCC Secretary-General affirmed that the true value of this initiative is measured by the stronger interconnectivity it fosters among the region’s economies, the new investment opportunities it creates, and the projects that support growth and resilience.
He highlighted that the region’s resources, strategic location, institutions, and ambitions position it to advance this path and achieve sustainable growth and shared prosperity. (End) E.S.T./F.A.S.
