Manama, Bahrain –  Oman and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stakeholders are moving towards greater integration of trade and logistics services, with a proposal to establish a joint digital logistics market emerging as a key outcome of the 15th Consultative Meeting between GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and Presidents of the GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry, held in Manama.

The proposal forms part of wider discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the government and private sectors and addressing economic, logistical and geopolitical challenges facing businesses across the region.

The Omani government delegation was led by Ghalib Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, while the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) delegation was led by Rashid Amer Al Maslahi, First Deputy Chairman of the chamber’s Board of Directors.

Participants discussed establishing a joint digital logistics market to enhance the efficiency of trade exchange and logistics services across GCC states. Greater digital integration could facilitate the movement of goods, improve coordination between markets and contribute to a more efficient and connected Gulf logistics network.

The meeting also examined challenges facing factories in GCC free zones and ways to improve their competitiveness. Participants discussed measures to address operational and market-related obstacles, strengthen free-zone industries and support investment across regional markets.

Access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was another key issue. Participants highlighted difficulties SMEs face in securing funding for expansion and investment across Gulf markets and stressed the need for measures to improve access to finance and support business growth.

Supply-chain and transport challenges were also reviewed, particularly those related to containers and strategic commodity warehouses. Participants discussed ways to address rising shipping, transport and marine insurance costs, which have placed additional pressure on businesses and trade flows.

The meeting also considered the need to formulate a strategy to address accelerating geopolitical challenges and their impact on trade, logistics and economic activity across the GCC. Strengthening regional supply-chain resilience was highlighted as important to maintaining trade flows amid changing conditions.

Sheikh Khalifa Jassim Mohammed Al Thani, President of the Federation of Gulf Chambers and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Chamber, stressed the importance of enhancing Gulf economic integration and developing a flexible trade and logistics system capable of responding to regional and international changes and disruptions.

He said a resilient logistics system was essential to maintaining the flow of goods, safeguarding market security and improving the competitiveness of Gulf businesses.

OCCI’s Al Maslahi said the meeting reviewed economic and strategic issues of importance to the Gulf private sector, including supply chains, transport, logistics costs, free-zone competitiveness and SME financing.

He called for continued coordination between the Federation of Gulf Chambers, the GCC General Secretariat and relevant authorities in member states to develop practical solutions, remove bureaucratic and procedural barriers and create a more attractive investment environment.

The consultative meeting serves as a strategic platform for dialogue between GCC policymakers and private-sector representatives, supporting closer economic cooperation and addressing regional and international challenges.

The proposed digital logistics market, alongside efforts to strengthen free-zone industries, improve supply-chain resilience and expand financing opportunities for SMEs, reflects wider GCC efforts to build a more integrated, resilient and competitive Gulf business environment.