KUWAIT CITY, Oct 5: Kuwaiti Finance Ministry Undersecretary Aseel Al-Munifi on Sunday called for greater economic cooperation and a unified vision among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen regional integration and achieve shared strategic objectives.

Al-Munifi made the remarks while chairing the 13th meeting of senior officials of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority at the GCC Secretariat in Kuwait. The session serves as a preparatory platform for the 7th ministerial-level meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee scheduled for Thursday.

In her address, Al-Munifi emphasized the need to create a dynamic and resilient Gulf economic model capable of adapting to regional and global developments. She highlighted that the meeting focused on mechanisms to reinforce the authority’s effectiveness and reviewed the progress made in implementing the Gulf economic roadmap aimed at achieving full economic unity by 2025.

Discussions also covered the execution of decisions made by the GCC Supreme Council, particularly those concerning the completion of the customs union, the GCC common market, and coordination efforts related to the implementation of each member state's national economic vision.

The agenda further included a review of the Gulf Economic Integration Index and a proposed vision for convening the first international Gulf Economic Conference. Al-Munifi noted that members examined the outcomes of a recent brainstorming session held by the Permanent Preparatory Committee, in addition to a forward-looking program for economic and development integration.

Participants also assessed a detailed performance report on the Gulf Common Market, accompanied by a review of key economic indicators from across the GCC countries.

For his part, Khalid Al-Sheikh, Director General of the Office of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority at the GCC General Secretariat, underscored the unwavering support of Gulf leaders in fostering deeper cooperation and regional integration, particularly in the economic domain.

Al-Sheikh highlighted the Authority’s strategic role in facilitating the progress of joint economic action and in overcoming challenges that may hinder integration efforts. He said the meeting reflects the priorities of the current phase and places strong emphasis on key initiatives, especially the Gulf Economic Unity project — a central objective of the Authority’s upcoming agenda.

He added that deliberations would also focus on implementing the Gulf economic model, aimed at equipping decision-makers with advanced tools to measure outcomes and anticipate future developments in line with global best practices.

The meeting marks a critical step in reaffirming the GCC's commitment to a unified economic future, aligned with the vision of its leadership for a prosperous and interconnected Gulf region.