The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Statistical Center inaugurated a two-day regional workshop titled "E-Commerce and Digital Economy Statistics" in Muscat on Monday. The event aims to enhance national statistical capacities in measuring digital trade and foster GCC statistical integration to support data-driven economic policies.

Key Highlights from the Opening Session

1. Digital Transformation in the Gulf
GCC Statistical Center Director General Intisar Al-Wahaibi noted the region's rapid digital growth, driven by:

• Advanced digital infrastructure

• Young demographic profile

• National digital transformation strategies

2. Global and Regional E-Commerce Trends

• UNCTAD 2024 Report: Global e-commerce sales hit $27 trillion in 2022 (up 60% since 2016)

• GCC Projections: Market size expected to reach:

  • $33.3 billion by 2025

  • $46.1 billion by 2029 (10% annual growth)

3. Statistical Challenges
Al-Wahaibi emphasized the urgent need for:
✔ Reliable, timely data to measure e-commerce's GDP contribution
✔ Tracking the digital divide
✔ Supporting effective economic policies

4. GCC Action Plan

• The GCC Trade Cooperation Committee tasked with developing:

  • Unified e-commerce indicators

  • Transparent data-sharing mechanisms

  • Implementation aligned with the GCC Unified Strategic Framework for E-Commerce

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Perspective

Dr. Hagar Al-Hadawi, DCO Director General, stated:

• "Digital data is now the cornerstone of policymaking and sustainable development"

• Accurate statistics are critical to:

  • Measure digital transformation impacts

  • Identify business opportunities

  • Support SME growth and inclusive job creation

She praised the GCC Statistical Center's efforts and called for deeper collaboration to establish regional digital economy benchmarks.

Workshop Details

• Participants: Representatives from:

  • GCC General Secretariat

  • National statistics agencies

  • Ministries of commerce

  • Central banks

• Focus Areas:

  • E-commerce measurement methodologies

  • Digital economy indicators

  • Cross-border data harmonization

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