Manama : The Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the 18th meeting of the Executive Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council Customs Union Authority, chaired by Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Chairman of the Authority’s Executive Council and President of the General Authority of Customs of the State of Qatar. The meeting was attended by heads and directors-general of customs authorities and administrations of the GCC states, as well as members of the Executive Council.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Customs President, commended the efforts of the GCC Customs Union Authority and the significant progress made towards completing the requirements for establishing the Customs Union, contributing to supporting and advancing joint Gulf customs cooperation.
He affirmed the GCC leaders’ commitment to supporting the Customs Union and strengthening integration among member states. He highlighted the role of the GCC Customs Union Authority in unifying customs policies, regulations and procedures; promoting digital transformation; and developing customs cooperation at the regional and international levels, thereby contributing to the completion of the Customs Union requirements and advancing customs integration. He also commended the efforts of the GCC states to enhance customs integration and facilitate procedures, contributing to the smooth flow of goods through customs entry points and supporting trade among member states.
The Executive Council discussed the necessary implementation steps to complete the requirements for establishing the Customs Union. It also reviewed the progress of the project to develop and operate the customs data exchange platform and related technical projects in accordance with the approved plan, as well as the progress of the Authority’s operational activities.
The Executive Council also reviewed several topics related to strengthening joint Gulf customs cooperation, including the resolutions of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, plans for workshops and awareness meetings on the GCC Authorised Economic Operator for 2026, and topics related to combating harmful practices in international trade.
