Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

The GCC Charter states that its basic objectives are to effect ...

... coordination, integration and interconnection between Member States in all fields, strengthening ties between their peoples, formulating similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, administration, as well as fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources, establishing scientific research centres, setting up joint ventures, and encouraging cooperation of the private sector.

Economic cooperation is considered as one of the basic pillars of joint work in the GCC. The broad goal is to move from cooperation and coordination to advanced stages of economic integration. In an endeavour to fulfil this goal, the GCC States laid down a comprehensive framework for economic cooperation.  This approach is manifested in the Unified Economic Agreement, which was ratified in 1981. In 1983, the GCC Member States set up a free trade zone according to which the goods of national origin are exempt from customs tariffs. This is the first stage in the process of economic integration.

UNIDO is currently preparing with GCC the development of regional programmes for GCC countries.  An exploratory mission took place in March 2007 to identify the needs and priorities of GCC countries.  Some of the main components included are preparatory assistance for industrial upgrading, modernization, innovation, WTO compliance and regional integration support for GCC member States.