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Observer
23-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
GCC workshop strengthens digital economy data systems
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
Observer
21-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Key workshop to shape GCC unified living standards framework
MUSCAT, APRIL 21 Oman has taken center-stage in a key regional initiative to redefine social security and enhance quality of life across the Gulf, as a high-level workshop opened today in Muscat to discuss minimum standards for decent living and modern approaches to social protection. Hosted under the auspices of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development, the four-day workshop gathers more than 60 policymakers, statisticians, and international experts to discuss how GCC countries can align and enhance their social security systems. Intisar bint Abdullah al Wahaibi, Director General of the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said: 'As you know, the GCC countries have achieved advanced levels in human development and sustainable development indicators. Our goal through this workshop is to express and reflect the prosperity, quality of life, and well-being in our Gulf countries—by developing a unified scientific Gulf framework that can measure this and support policy-making in a way that strengthens our countries' regional and international standing,' she stated The event, organised by the GCC Statistical Centre—headquartered in Muscat—and the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC, reflects Oman's growing leadership role in regional development policy and data-driven reform. Oman's commitment to evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation has positioned it as a key driver in shaping a unified vision for welfare and sustainable development in the Gulf. Mohammed bin Hassan al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Office, noted that the outcomes of the Muscat workshop will inform a unified report on minimum living standards, to be presented at the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development. 'The report will reflect the true scope of the Gulf states' efforts in this field and reinforce their global development commitments,' he added. Dr Marco Ranzani, Economist in the Poverty Global Practice at the World Bank, remarked on the matter saying: 'We believe this workshop is a significant step for GCC countries, as it marks the first attempt to establish a common framework for measuring living standards across the region.' Dr Ranzani continued: 'We've been invited to share international methodologies, and we will present the World Bank's approach along with suggestions and ideas to support the GCC's efforts moving forward.'
