DAMMAM: Gulf labor officials in the human resources sector are working on equalizing salaries and benefits among employees in all Gulf States.

In their fourth meeting in Sharjah in October, labor officials will discuss a number of issues facing the Gulf labor market, as well as achievements of the recommendations of the third meeting, and the establishment of a Gulf employment center under the supervisor of the GCC General Secretariat.

An official at the GCC said discussions will include facilitating transfer of employment between GCC countries, opening the GCC labor market to citizens, as well as equalizing salaries and benefits as per the recommendations of the advisory council.

He said they will study a working paper to establishment a higher commission to develop human resources, named the Human Resources Development Association for the Gulf states, which will include representatives of all concerned public and private authorities.

Officials will also study another working paper regarding developing a comprehensive strategy to develop and advance human resources in GCC countries with participation from the private sector, said the source.

He said negotiations at the meeting will also include a discussion of a working paper about government support to private sector efforts in employment, and doubling spending and financial support in establishing and implementing a development strategy for Gulf human resources.

Another working paper concerns developing the working environment by encouraging private investment and pilot projects, as well as supporting small- and medium-sized projects of youths, entrepreneurs, businessmen and women.

During the meeting, he said officials will also discuss restructuring the education and training system in the Gulf states in order to ensure labor market needs are met by a specialized national workforce, and to respond to rapid technological developments.

A working paper will present means of evaluating and developing the educational sector, as well as ongoing and successful experiences for supporting and establishing training centers in GCC chambers of commerce.