In a move to boost collaboration between governments and the private sector, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states officially launched the Tawasul platform during a series of ministerial meetings in Kuwait on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to streamline real-time communication between investors and government agencies, providing a unified and transparent channel to support regional trade and investment.

Oman participated with a high-level delegation led by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, accompanied by Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry, along with officials from the SME Development Authority, the Consumer Protection Authority, and Oman’s diplomatic mission in Kuwait.

The Tawasul platform was launched during the 13th Consultative Meeting between GCC commerce ministers and business leaders. Officials described it as a policy innovation that positions the private sector as a key partner in shaping the region’s economy. It aims to close communication gaps, accelerate responses to investor concerns, and identify new market opportunities.

The launch coincided with broader discussions on regional integration and economic equity, during which ministers urged member states to avoid unilateral measures and uphold GCC Supreme Council decisions to ensure fair treatment for Gulf investors.

Meanwhile, the 68th GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee meeting focused on harmonizing commercial laws, updating national trade legislation, advancing the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center, and strengthening SME financing. The meeting also reviewed progress in global free trade negotiations.

Meanwhile, the 54th Industrial Cooperation Committee discussed industrial self-sufficiency, a unified definition for “national products,” penalties for non-compliance, and exempted product lists. Ministers also reviewed GOIC’s updates to the Unified Industrial Strategy and the potential impact of US tariffs on Gulf exports.

At the 9th Ministerial Committee for Standardization, ministers approved new technical regulations, finalized the Gulf Standardization Organization’s 2024 accounts, and discussed enhancements to the GCC Accreditation Center to promote regional market integration.

The meetings concluded with calls to strengthen private sector involvement in regional development. Proposed measures included simplifying customs procedures and prioritizing GCC-certified firms. Tawasul, in particular, is expected to serve as a strategic link between investors and the Gulf’s evolving economic environment.