Communications Minister: Enhancing integration in postal and telecom sectors and supporting digital transformation are shared Gulf priorities

Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, affirmed on Sunday the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the postal and telecommunications sectors, and of unifying efforts to develop digital infrastructure, enhance service efficiency, and boost readiness to confront rapid technological changes and challenges.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after participating in the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Postal and Telecommunications Affairs, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama, Minister Al-Omar stated that the meeting represents an important milestone for continuing joint GCC work, coordinating regulatory policies and legislation, and developing initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector and the digital economy in GCC member states.

He explained that the meeting addressed several strategic topics, foremost among them strengthening the security and continuity of telecommunications networks and digital infrastructure, and developing mechanisms for coordinated response to telecommunications incidents and emergencies. These measures aim to raise operational readiness levels and ensure the continuity of vital services under all circumstances.

He noted that one of the key files discussed was the proposal to reduce international roaming service prices among GCC countries, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to develop telecommunications services and provide more efficient and competitive solutions for citizens and residents, in line with users’ expectations and to enhance digital connectivity among GCC states.

He added that the meeting also discussed developing legal and regulatory frameworks for online applications and services, mitigating the risks associated with digital services and social media platforms, as well as studying data flows, interconnecting GCC telecommunications networks, and developing international links to support infrastructure efficiency and strengthen the position of GCC countries in the digital economy.

Regarding the postal sector, Al-Omar stressed the importance of developing the GCC postal service system, enhancing integration among postal authorities, and leveraging modern technologies to keep pace with the rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics. He pointed out that developing this sector is one of the key pillars for improving service quality and diversifying economic activities.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence technologies to develop the telecommunications and information technology sector, improve user experience, and enhance operational efficiency, while adhering to data protection and privacy requirements. He affirmed that digital transformation has become a fundamental pillar in developing government and economic services.

Al-Omar reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing its active participation in the work of specialized GCC technical committees and working groups, and to supporting joint initiatives and projects that promote digital integration, facilitate knowledge exchange, develop national capabilities, and achieve the GCC’s strategic objectives in the postal and telecommunications sectors.

He expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the meeting and ensuring its smooth organization, commending the efforts of the GCC Secretariat General and the relevant technical committees in following up on the implementation of joint decisions and initiatives, and looking forward to the meeting’s outcomes contributing to further progress and integration among GCC member states.

For his part, Dr. Khaled Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology (PACIT), affirmed that the meeting serves as an important platform to enhance coordination and integration among the regulatory authorities of the telecommunications sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He highlighted the significance of the topics discussed, foremost among which are the development of legislative and regulatory frameworks, strengthening the security and continuity of telecommunications networks, coordinating Gulf efforts to respond to telecommunications incidents and emergencies, and examining the proposal to reduce international roaming service prices among GCC member states.

Al-Zamil clarified that PACIT is committed to continuing cooperation with its Gulf counterparts to exchange expertise and harmonize regulatory efforts, thereby contributing to the development of digital infrastructure, improving the quality of telecommunications services, enhancing network efficiency and reliability, and keeping pace with rapid advancements in modern technologies and artificial intelligence. These efforts support the shared journey toward digital transformation and Gulf integration.

For his part, Eng. Meshal Al-Zaid, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, emphasized the importance of the meeting in supporting the shared Gulf cooperation journey in the postal sector and developing the postal services system in line with technological and economic changes. He noted that the discussed topics focused on enhancing postal integration among GCC member states, developing postal products and services, and improving operational efficiency, all of which contribute to enhancing service quality and meeting the growing needs of beneficiaries.

Al-Zaid pointed out that the Ministry of Transport is advancing its efforts to modernize and develop the Kuwaiti postal sector by reviewing legislative and regulatory frameworks, upgrading postal infrastructure and services, and leveraging successful Gulf and international experiences. These initiatives aim to enhance sector efficiency, boost its capacity to keep pace with the rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics, and support the state’s directions toward improving services, increasing revenues, and diversifying income sources.