GCC-Central Asia cooperation offers a pathway to prosperity

In the wake of this week’s Gulf-Central Asian Summit in Jeddah, it is evident that the Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia corridor holds immense transformative potential, both politically and economically. It can pave the way for enhanced stability, prosperity and cooperation in what could be a single integrated region.

Amid the complexities of the evolving global landscape and the rise of great power competition, this corridor offers a historic opportunity for regional powers to assert their role in shaping their own destiny. The GCC and Central Asian nations should develop a new international council to achieve this overarching strategy.

At the heart of this proposed council or corridor lies a transformative trade and economic synergy. The GCC’s prominence in the global energy supply chain and industrialization complements Central Asia’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals and agricultural products. Drawing these regions closer together would unlock numerous advantages, diversifying their economies and expanding their trade volumes to foster prosperity across the corridor. It is where everything starts, just like with the EU.

There is no doubt that the cornerstone of the corridor’s development would require substantial investment in infrastructure, enabling the seamless transportation of people, goods, services and ideas. This investment would generate economic growth and hence develop greater prosperity for the people across these regions. According to Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, there are several untapped investment opportunities in vital sectors in the Central Asian region, such as tourism, renewable energy and hydroelectricity, agriculture, tourism, and health services, all of which can be explored by Saudi entities.

This corridor offers a historic opportunity for regional powers to assert their role in shaping their own destiny

Khaled Abou Zahr

As an example of the opportunities available, we can study the constructive relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. For a start, the Kingdom was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence, establishing diplomatic and strategic relations as the Central Asian country faced the many challenges of the post-Soviet era. The relationship rapidly evolved into a multifaceted and diverse one due to the mutual commitment and strong political will from both countries.

In recent years, the prospects for cooperation between the two nations have moved forward with a stronger dynamic. Since the establishment of bilateral relations, there have been 85 mutual visits at various levels. During these visits, the two sides have agreed to explore potential Saudi Arabian investments in Kazakhstan’s oil sector, particularly in geological exploration. Additionally, there are opportunities for Kazakhstan to export agricultural goods, including halal products, to Saudi Arabia.

As carbon emissions become the subject of greater global focus, there is also strong potential for collaboration in the field of nuclear energy, from the supply of uranium from Kazakhstan to the provision of nuclear technologies. Furthermore, both countries are jointly developing projects within the space industry, which is a key factor for future growth and sovereignty.

The development of bilateral trade and economic relations between Astana and Riyadh will also have a positive impact on the expansion of opportunities in the strategic logistics sector. The Caspian Sea corridor holds significant importance, as Kazakhstan plays a major role in connecting China, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Turkiye. These trade links empower greater stability and integration among all members and offer cooperation and trade instead of disruption and conflict.

This proves that the vision of a closer GCC-Central Asia corridor or council extends beyond mere economics. This integration holds the promise of political and strategic alignment, encouraging collaboration on common challenges, such as security threats and geopolitical uncertainties. Together, they can reinforce regional stability and contribute to global peace-building efforts.

Nurturing cooperation and dialogue among participating nations creates an environment of trust and mutual understanding

Khaled Abou Zahr

In the face of growing great power competition, the geopolitical significance of the GCC-Central Asia corridor cannot be overlooked. It offers true stability and security by giving this entire region its own voice. Strengthening economic and political ties through the corridor or a new council of countries also offers a formidable shield against potential security threats. Furthermore, it enables all countries of the region to navigate the complexities of the changing global order through unity. By establishing a collective sense of purpose, the corridor discourages internal and external interference, increasing the region’s ability to face geopolitical uncertainties.

Moreover, the corridor assumes an even more crucial role as a platform to prevent conflicts from spreading within or into the region. Nurturing cooperation and dialogue among participating nations creates an environment of trust and mutual understanding, effectively deterring external or internal destabilizing forces. This approach produces a united front, empowering the region with a strong voice that enhances its capacity to navigate geopolitical challenges. It offers a clear pathway to stability and security, shielding it from the potential repercussions of global conflict.

Undoubtedly, the Gulf-Central Asian Summit will have a positive impact in areas such as investment, economy and trade. Hence, a GCC-Central Asia corridor represents a pathway to prosperity and cooperation, promising multifaceted benefits for all the countries involved. Moving forward, the GCC-Central Asia corridor can chart a course of united progress and mutual growth. As global dynamics undergo rapid transformations, strategic corridors like this have the potential to recalibrate the world’s power dynamics and push for a better future.

In short, the GCC-Central Asia council offers a focused and pragmatic approach, in contrast to the vague and less appealing concept of the Global South, which can be manipulated. It encourages cooperation between regions with a common understanding and culture, enabling them to navigate global challenges with resilience and growth for all their people.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of Barbicane, a space-focused investment syndication platform. He is chief executive of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.