Geneva: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed today, March 7, its countries' keenness to integrate informal businesses into the formal economy, as part of their comprehensive strategies for economic development.
This came in a statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Al Hain, in his capacity as Chair of the Council of Ambassadors of the GCC countries, during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva within the framework of the interactive dialogue on the right to work and social security.
Ambassador Al Hain highlighted the great importance that the GCC countries attach to ensuring labor rights and social security for all workers in line with the national and economic contexts of each country.
He said that the GCC countries are keen to strengthen the formal economy in a way that contributes to achieving economic growth and financial stability and enhances social inclusion by providing social and economic services to all segments of society.
He noted that the governments of the GCC countries have taken many measures to facilitate the process of integrating the informal sector, including simplifying the procedures for registering small projects, strengthening tax systems, and promoting digital solutions that contribute to improving transparency and facilitating access to financial services.
He stated that the GCC countries have established strong regulatory frameworks to protect workers from discrimination, exploitation and violations, and to ensure that they are treated with dignity and justice regardless of their employment status.
In this context, Ambassador Al Hain underlined the commitment of the GCC countries to support international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, reduce inequalities and enhance access to basic services, stressing the need for policies to integrate the informal sector to take into account the national specificities of each country.
