Kuwait’s National Fund for SME Development has introduced a proposal aimed at streamlining trade within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by establishing a “Gulf Product Industrial Passport.” The initiative was presented during the sixth consultative meeting of GCC trade and industry ministers with entrepreneurs, held recently in Manama, Bahrain. Kuwait’s delegation was led by Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment and acting Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The proposal, submitted by entrepreneur Omar Al-Mutairi, envisions the creation of a unified digital file for products circulating in GCC markets. This digital passport would be linked to existing systems and would include key data such as the manufacturer’s identity, country of origin, customs classification, and information related to conformity and required certifications. The aim is to enable authorities across GCC member states to access verified data directly upon product entry, thereby reducing the need for repeated submissions and accelerating customs procedures for manufacturers deemed compliant and low-risk.

The National Fund for SME Development highlighted that, despite ongoing progress in customs and industrial integration across Gulf countries, administrative burdens persist due to varying systems and documentation requirements. The industrial passport proposal seeks to address these challenges by harmonizing product information management and facilitating smoother intra-GCC trade flows.

Following the presentation, the GCC SME and Entrepreneurship Committee recommended engaging with relevant technical committees to evaluate existing initiatives in the region and to assess the potential added value of the proposed industrial passport. The coordination aims to ensure that the new system complements current frameworks and effectively contributes to the integration goals outlined by GCC trade and industry bodies.