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GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council


Indonesia-GCC trade talks achieve key progress in Riyadh
Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) made significant progress in their second round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks, aiming to finalize a deal by the end of 2025. Discussions focused on various trade and investment aspects, with agreements reached in key areas.
FS hopes to expedite HK-GCC free trade agreement
Financial Secretary Paul Chan expressed his desire to expedite a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
GCC eyes free trade agreement with India in 2025: Key developments at Kochi dialogue
The Gulf Cooperation Council is set to initiate long-awaited free trade negotiations with India this year, according to its Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
Thailand and Saudi Arabia deepen trade ties, explore free trade pact
Thailand and Saudi Arabia have made significant strides in strengthening their bilateral trade relations, with both countries exploring opportunities to further enhance economic cooperation.
Japan, GCC strengthen economic ties with 1st round of FTA talks
Japan and the GCC are strengthening their economic ties with the successful completion of the first round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This milestone signifies a significant step towards deeper economic collaboration, covering key areas such as trade in goods and services, customs procedures, and digital trade. The two regions are aiming to increase trade volumes and foster closer economic integration, with a focus on clean energy, healthcare, and digital innovation.
Saudi Arabia participates in 1st round of GCC-Japan FTA talks
Deputy Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade is leading Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the first round of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between GCC countries and Japan, in Riyadh from 10 to 12 December.
The case against a UK Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council
For the UK, entering into a trade deal with the GCC would fly in the face of public opinion, offer few projected benefits, and send a worrying message about the priorities of the UK’s trade policy when it comes to human rights and climate.
EU and GCC officials aim to resume FTA negotiations
European and Gulf officials are holding “informal” efforts to “revive” and even “upgrade” negotiations over a free trade agreement between the two blocks.
Qatar pitches for expediting GCC-EU FTA negotiations
Qatar has called for expediting negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Gulf Co-operation Council or GCC and the European Union.
Saudi Arabia wants bilateral investment treaty with India before proceeding with an FTA: Sources
Saudi Arabia seeks a Bilateral Investment Treaty with India before advancing a Free Trade Agreement. However, differing stances may delay FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Saudi Arabia wants bilateral investment treaty with India before proceeding with an FTA: Sources
Saudi Arabia seeks a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with India before advancing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, differing stances may delay FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
UK nears free trade agreement with Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia
The UK is in the final stages of negotiating a free trade agreement with a group of oil-rich Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia.
New Zealand seals trade deal with GCC to boost exports, investment
New Zealand has reached a free trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, a deal that will open up significant opportunities for Kiwi exporters in the Middle East.
EU, seeking far-flung friends, holds first summit with Gulf states
Talks on an EU-GCC free trade agreement, which began 35 years ago, have been suspended since 2008. The UAE has urged the EU to start talks on a separate trade pact with it.
Malaysia, GCC finalising FTA to boost economic ties
Malaysia is nearing the completion of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The foreign minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, announced the progress and highlighted the importance of this economic cooperation. Both Malaysia and the GCC members are expected to sign the FTA soon.
Oman, UK discuss GCC free trade agreement
The discussions focused on increasing trade and investment, enhancing inter-trade growth, and advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UK.
I-GCC FTA first round negotiations run well: Trade Ministry
The first round of negotiations for the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA (I-GCC FTA) was held in Jakarta. Both parties agreed to continue negotiations and aim to finalize the agreement within 24 months.
UK trade minister to meet Gulf state officials in Saudi Arabia
UK Trade Secretary will discuss ambitions for a trade deal with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Chinese premier calls for acceleration of FTA negotiation with GCC
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on China and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and speed up the free trade agreement negotiations process.
Hong Kong explores free trade agreements with UAE and Gulf
Hong Kong is exploring free trade agreements with the UAE and the broader Gulf region to boost its trade and investment ties with economies in the region, senior government officials have said.