Muscat – The GCC has unveiled five priority industrial investment opportunities aimed at attracting private sector participation, strengthening regional manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports as member states step up efforts to diversify their economies and build more resilient supply chains.

The projects were presented at a workshop organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in cooperation with the GCC General Secretariat and the Federation of GCC Chambers.

The initiative follows a decision by GCC industry ministers at their 56th meeting in April to endorse the findings of a study identifying priority industrial projects for promotion to Gulf investors.

The workshop introduced private sector representatives to investment opportunities designed to deepen industrial integration, strengthen regional value chains and support sustainable economic growth across the GCC.

Yousef bin Ali Al Sunaidi, Director of the Industry and Mineral Resources Department at the GCC General Secretariat, said the private sector is a key partner in advancing economic diversification and enhancing the competitiveness of Gulf industries.

He said the Unified GCC Industrial Development Strategy provides an integrated framework for industrial growth, with joint investment opportunities forming one of its flagship initiatives.

Lamia Al Shanfi of the GCC General Secretariat highlighted the role of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority in promoting economic integration among member states. She said the industrial investment initiative aims to strengthen regional manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, enhance industrial competitiveness and create skilled employment opportunities across the GCC.

The project began with an assessment of 26 potential investments before narrowing the list to 15 promising projects and ultimately identifying five strategic opportunities.

Presenting the study, Dr Mohammed Al Buraiki of the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) said the initiative seeks to leverage the comparative advantages of each GCC country to develop integrated regional value chains and attract high-quality investment.

The five priority projects cover the manufacture of high-pressure seamless pipes for the oil and gas industry, sterile single-use surgical instruments, high-purity copper cathodes, silicon wafers for semiconductor production and multi-parameter patient monitoring devices.

Al Buraiki said the projects are expected to support the localisation of strategic industries, expand Gulf exports, increase industrial value addition and strengthen the long-term competitiveness and resilience of the GCC’s manufacturing sector.