The role of the gulf cooperation council in the economic development of the Gulf States

Abstract

As a regional organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council is a somewhat unique experiment in the contemporary Middle East and in the Arab world in particular. It is the first regional organisation in the modern Arab nation-state system, aside from the Arab League, formed in 1946, that has epoused a functional approach to cooperation, while at the same time preserving the political sovereignty and independence of the member states. Since its founding, the GCC has been the focus of debate regarding its nature and functions. Intentionally or not, it has become a major media event, a fact that has contributed to the credibility gap between rising expectations based on public pronouncements and real achievements. This thesis is an inquiry into the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the economic development of the participating countries. The study comprises seven chapters, detailing both the scope and purpose of the study, and the criteria employed in the research. The main chapters examine the relative contribution of physical and human resources involved in cooperation between the Gulf countries. In addition, the contribution of agriculture and fisheries, as well as industrial development, to the G.C.C. countries are expounded. The services in the G.C.C. countries are specified. External trade and migration in the G.C.C. countries is discussed in detail. The conclusion describes the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council in economic development and includes suggestions and recommendations for the future.