The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (Goic) has announced the staging of the “GCC Computer and Electronic Products Manufacturers’ Forum” in May in Doha under the patronage of HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti.
Goic said the forum aims at shedding light on the current status and components of the computer and electronic products manufacturing industry to boost spending in this sector and transitioning to electronic industries throughout the GCC. 
Al-Sulaiti said, “Qatar is keen to stimulate joint Gulf ventures at all levels by encouraging and supporting various initiatives and projects between GCC countries in different fields, including the electronic products manufacturing industry.”
He also expressed his hope to see the Gulf transformed into “the beating heart” of computer and electronic products manufacturing, and wished that the forum would come up with recommendations capable of enriching this industry and overcoming difficulties it faces in the region. 
Goic secretary general Abdulaziz bin Hamad al-Ageel reiterated the role of electronic manufacturing in developing modern societies. He said this industry has become a pillar for future development plans, since it has been integrated within all economic sectors and based on its strategic prospect, economic feasibility and political influences.  
Al-Ageel said scientific research, innovation, and development lay the foundations of the shift towards knowledge-based industries, hence the need to increase spending, which requires a GCC industrial development strategy and a national system capable of managing and organising scientific research through a national strategy of science and technology.
“GCC countries relentlessly seek to lay the foundations of sustainable economic development and highlight the importance of investing in high value-added economic activities based on knowledge-based industries. These industries constitute the strategic option for economic diversification in the GCC allowing for a high level of global economic integration,” al-Ageel said. 
In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Goic organised the forum to discuss various topics and issues to boost these vital industries. The forum will also tackle problems and challenges that GCC countries face, suggest solutions, and put together a number of recommendations to overcome the problems in this region.