GCC Secretary-General: Integration of Gulf Capabilities and Diversification of Supply Routes Strengthen Market Security and Stability

Manama -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Sunday that enhancing connectivity between transport and logistics networks in GCC member states constitutes a fundamental pillar for safeguarding the region’s economic security and ensuring the continuity of trade flows and the movement of goods. He noted that the integration of GCC capabilities and the diversification of supply routes strengthen the member states’ capacity to confront crises and maintain the stability of their markets.

This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s address at the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications Committee, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama. The meeting was chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and attended by members of the committee, including Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan.

Al-Budaiwi explained that the rapid transformations sweeping the region and the world, accompanied by disruptions in maritime routes and rising shipping and insurance costs, have underscored the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector in supporting market stability and sustaining the flow of trade and vital services. He emphasized the necessity of enhancing GCC coordination to improve responsiveness to these changes.

He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman for the cooperation, facilitation, and coordination efforts they provided during the period of Iranian aggression. These efforts contributed to establishing alternative routes for the movement of goods and ensuring the continuity of supply chains to other GCC member states. He affirmed that these initiatives reflected the depth of GCC solidarity and translated integration among member states into practical measures supporting economic security and shared interests.

He pointed out that GCC member states’ investments in developing land, air, and maritime transport sectors, as well as infrastructure and logistics facilities, have contributed to enhancing the efficiency of the transport system and supporting economic activity. He noted that the transport and storage sector in GCC countries achieved real growth of 5.7 percent in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing non-oil economic activities.

The Secretary-General stressed that the priorities for the coming phase include strengthening integration between transport and logistics systems, diversifying transport and supply routes, and raising readiness levels and joint coordination to confront crises. These measures will enhance supply chain resilience and ensure the continuous flow of goods and products.

In this context, he referred to the directives issued by the GCC Heads of State, may God preserve and protect them, during the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, to prepare a study aimed at enhancing logistical integration among GCC member states. He clarified that the current meeting reviews the progress made in preparing this study.

He affirmed that the GCC railway project, targeted for completion by the end of 2030, represents one of the strategic projects supporting GCC integration, given its role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, linking land transport networks with ports and logistics centers, and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the GCC transport system.

The Secretary-General concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of continuing joint efforts to develop the transport and communications sector, expressing his appreciation to committee members for their efforts in serving GCC member states and their peoples, and for advancing the process of GCC cooperation and integration. (End) K.N.A / N.S.A