GCC Statistical Committee Charts Future Of Regional Integration With New Strategic Plan

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are focusing on enhancing their statistical systems to better integrate data for development policies. This initiative is part of the strategic plan for joint Gulf statistical work from 2026 to 2030. The aim is to create a smart and reliable statistical system that aligns with sustainable development needs and strengthens Gulf integration.

The 12th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Affairs took place in Jebel Akhdar, Oman, from 3 to 5 September. Organised by GCC-Stat, this meeting reaffirmed the strategic plan as a roadmap for future joint efforts in data and statistics. The plan aims to position GCC states as a competitive bloc in the data era.

A proposal was reviewed to prepare the first GCC national report monitoring progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of progress across GCC countries, enhance regional cooperation, and address common challenges like climate change and food security.

The committee discussed phases of this project, emphasising its comprehensiveness in reflecting progress and challenges. It will analyse capacity disparities among countries and offer recommendations such as establishing a regional centre for SDGs and developing joint strategies.

Discussions also covered enhancing data resource management and developing a foreign trade database. Foreign trade statistics are crucial for supporting economic policies in GCC countries. Member states were urged to provide timely foreign trade data to the GCC Statistical Center, following international recommendations.

The meeting highlighted the need for cooperation with customs administrations to accelerate customs data flow. This will enable timely access to quality foreign trade data, supporting GCC readiness in regional and international forums.

Infrastructure Database and Tourism Statistics

The establishment of an infrastructure database was discussed alongside reviewing tourism, culture, and antiquities statistics indicators. National statistical agencies were encouraged to continue providing updated data necessary for these platforms.

Progress on a study by the Gulf Statistical Center was reviewed, focusing on mechanisms for uploading data to joint Gulf market databases. Emphasis was placed on updating these databases regularly.

E-commerce and Digital Economy Initiatives

In response to e-commerce growth, the GCC-Stat’s memorandum on e-commerce and digital economy projects was reviewed. A task force will be formed to measure e-commerce statistics in GCC countries, involving experts from various sectors.

This task force will include representatives from national statistical offices, government entities concerned with e-commerce, and the GCC Secretariat General. Their work will support economic diversification through modern policy shaping.

Environmental Performance Index Proposal

The proposal to develop a Gulf Environmental Performance Index was also emphasised. This involves including main and sub-indicators within national statistical agencies' data sets, providing this information to the Gulf Statistical Center.

Reliable indicators related to population size and composition are vital for decision-making in the region. The meeting stressed forming a regional working group for population estimates in GCC countries, aiming at developing a model reflecting demographic realities with social and economic dimensions.

With inputs from WAM