The first round of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Japan concluded in Riyadh on December 12.
Representing the Kingdom at the negotiations was the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT). Discussions covered a range of topics, including goods, services, rules of origin, customs procedures, general provisions, digital trade, and intellectual property. The primary goal of this initial round was to establish the framework for future negotiations.
GAFT Deputy Governor of International Organizations and Agreements Fareed Alasaly, who headed the Saudi negotiating team, emphasized the significance of this step in strengthening economic ties between the two sides, and its potential to increase the volume of trade and foster economic integration. He affirmed that Japan is considered a key market for GCC exports.
The Saudi government delegation included representatives of the ministries of energy, investment, environment, water and agriculture, industry and mineral resources, economy and planning, and interior, as well as of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the National Cybersecurity Authority, the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Saudi Central Bank.
