GCC workshop strengthens digital economy data systems

Observer

6 days ago

MUSCAT: A regional workshop on e-commerce and digital economy statistics commenced in Muscat on Monday, bringing together experts and officials from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance statistical capabilities and promote data-driven policy development. Organised by the Gulf Statistical Center (GCC-Stat), the two-day event is part of wider efforts to support economic integration and improve the accuracy and transparency of digital economy data in the region.
Intisar bint Abdullah al Wahaibi, Director General of GCC-Stat, said the rapid rise of e-commerce has transformed global economic activity, and the Gulf region has been an active participant in this shift. This growth has been supported by robust digital infrastructure, population expansion, and ambitious national strategies for digital transformation. She noted that GCC-Stat is working through its Trade Cooperation Committee to develop a unified mechanism for measuring e-commerce across the GCC, as part of implementing the GCC Unified Strategic Framework for E-Commerce.
Dr Hajar al Hadawi, Director-General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation, highlighted the importance of accurate and timely digital statistics in understanding the evolving business environment.
he stated that such data are crucial for assessing the impact of digital transformation, identifying challenges, and creating opportunities to stimulate innovation, empower SMEs, generate employment, and promote inclusion in the digital economy. Dr al Hadawi also expressed interest in deeper cooperation with national statistical bodies in the GCC to develop common indicators and regional benchmarks that align with global standards.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global e-commerce sales reached $27 trillion in 2022, marking a 60 percent increase from 2016. In the GCC, the e-commerce market is expected to grow to $33.3 billion by 2025 and $46.1 billion by 2029, expanding at an average rate of 10 per cent annually.
The first day of the workshop featured two key sessions. The first session focused on defining and measuring e-commerce and digital economic activities, outlining how data can be collected and analysed based on transactions conducted through digital platforms. The second session introduced a GCC-Stat project aimed at building a unified statistical database for the digital economy. It also reviewed current practices among GCC countries, available data sets, and gaps in national capacities for digital economy measurement.
The event is attended by representatives from the GCC General Secretariat, national statistical offices, ministries of commerce, central banks, and other government entities. — ONA