Final answer:
The phrase 'significant administrative burden' in the context of the GCC for contractors refers to the exhaustive compliance with various regulations and standards, which involves a lot of paperwork and can lead to higher operational costs due to the necessary time and resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it is said that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) places a 'significant administrative burden' on contractors, it means that businesses and individuals engaged in contractual work within GCC member countries must comply with a wide range of regulations, procedures, and standards. This often includes extensive paperwork, obtaining necessary permits, adhering to labor laws, and meeting environmental and safety regulations. All these requirements can result in a high volume of administrative tasks that consume time and resources, potentially leading to increased operational costs for contractors.