The Ministers of Commerce and heads of unions of chambers of commerce of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a consultative meeting in Manama under the presidency of Bahraini Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashed Al-Zayani. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, led the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation to the meeting. The consultative meeting went over several issues mentioned on the agenda, such as continuing the support of the private sector during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and close coordination in this regard, coordinating efforts among the GCC countries on issues pertaining to Gulf food security and e-commerce, digital services, means to enhance pan-GCC commerce, and several issues that were submitted during previous meetings. On the sidelines of the periodic meeting, the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry held a periodic meeting with the GCC business entrepreneurs. The meeting addressed several subjects that can contribute to supporting and stimulating owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises in GCC countries and the top challenges facing business entrepreneurship and means to overcome such difficulties.
