Bahrain's Crown Prince: Industrial integration is a cornerstone to enhance sector competitiveness and support GCC economies
Manama, Oct 6 (KUNA) – Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said on Tuesday that Gulf industrial integration represents a key pillar in the trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation, given its role in expanding the horizons of industrial partnerships among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and supporting their economies.
Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA) reported that the Crown Prince made these remarks during his opening of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition, on behalf of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The event brought together ministers responsible for industry and trade from GCC countries, including Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment and Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Jassim Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, alongside senior officials, industrial sector leaders, and investors.
The Bahraini Crown Prince added that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, continues to support all efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening Gulf integration and consolidating joint cooperation among GCC countries. This contributes to unifying efforts and enhancing cooperation in line with the capabilities and assets possessed by GCC member states, in pursuit of the visions and aspirations of the leaders of the GCC, may God protect them.
He noted that the challenges and rapid changes witnessed by the region and the world underscore the importance of continuing to focus on developing the Gulf’s industrial sector and enhancing its capabilities, thereby supporting its ability to meet needs and keep pace with various developments.
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all organizers and stakeholders of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition for their excellent preparation and organization, wishing everyone continued excellence and success in achieving the desired objectives.
The Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister attended a panel discussion featuring Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, and Bahraini Minister of Finance and National Economy Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The session addressed the future of industry and energy in the GCC countries, the transformations reshaping these sectors, and their impact on driving economic growth and competitiveness.
The session discussed opportunities for integration between industry and energy, and the role of innovation, technology, sustainability, and Gulf competencies in developing more advanced industries, building competitive production capacities, and enhancing the GCC countries’ position as influential global industrial and energy hubs.
The Bahraini Crown Prince also inaugurated the exhibition accompanying the forum, where he reviewed the Gulf industrial products, technologies, and solutions on display, as well as models of advanced industries. He also observed initiatives supporting smart and sustainable manufacturing, which reflect the progress in industrial capabilities and potential across the GCC countries.
For his part, Minister of Industry and Trade Abdullah Fakhro, in his speech, stated that the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition serves as a platform that brings together governments, manufacturers, investors, financing institutions, and innovation entities. It contributes to transforming industrial integration opportunities into tangible partnerships, projects, and investments, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and global presence of the Gulf industry.
The “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition aims to highlight Gulf industrial capabilities, strengthen integration and supply chains, attract quality investments, support innovation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability, and open broader horizons for Gulf products to access regional and global markets. (End) K.N.A. / A.M.S.
