The Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs of the GCC has recently adopted 14 new draft Gulf technical regulations and converted 25 existing ones into Gulf standard specifications. This decision also saw the withdrawal of 34 technical regulations, reflecting the region’s commitment to staying aligned with international developments and technological advancements. The resolutions were made during the Committee’s tenth meeting, which took place in Kuwait, chaired by the Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry. The meeting was attended by ministers, heads of national standardization bodies, and delegations from the GCC member states.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
At the beginning of the meeting, Engineer Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al Mana, Chairman of the GCC Standardization Organization, presented a progress report covering the period from April to September of the previous year. The report highlighted key achievements in the areas of standardization, conformity assessment, and metrology. It also detailed strategic initiatives aimed at furthering economic integration within the Gulf and bolstering the competitiveness of Gulf industries in both regional and global markets.
Financial and Structural Developments
In addition to adopting new technical regulations, the committee also approved the Gulf Standardization Organization’s budget for the fiscal year 2026. This decision was accompanied by the adoption of an updated organizational structure and a strategic plan for the years 2026-2030. These measures are designed to support the long-term goals of the Gulf’s standardization efforts, with a focus on improving the legislative framework for Gulf products and enhancing their competitiveness in international markets.
Vision 2030 and Future Goals
These recent steps form part of the broader effort to develop the Gulf standardization system and strengthen institutional integration. The decisions are closely aligned with the GCC Standardization Organization’s 2030 vision, which aims to elevate the efficiency of the legislative framework for Gulf products and improve their competitiveness in both regional and global markets. The committee’s actions underscore the commitment to advancing joint Gulf action in the fields of standardization, quality, and conformity assessment.
The decisions also support the broader objectives of the GCC Vision 2030, which focuses on sustainable industrial and commercial development and greater economic integration among GCC member states. As such, the recent developments serve as an essential step towards enhancing the region’s position in both regional and international forums.
The Gulf’s continued commitment to strengthening its standardization system reflects its dedication to ensuring its industries are globally competitive, meeting high standards for quality, and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the region.
