Deputy Economy Minister holds talks with GCC on free trade agreement prospects
1tv.ge | 9 october 2025
Deputy Economy Minister holds talks with GCC on free trade agreement prospects
By Tamar Tabatadze
Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze, during his working visit to Saudi Arabia, met with Raja Al Marzouki, Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Negotiation Team.
According to the Ministry of Economy, the parties discussed strengthening trade and economic ties between Georgia and GCC member states, with particular attention to the possibility of launching free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
Arveladze highlighted that deepening economic cooperation with GCC countries is a priority for the Georgian government.
“The GCC member states are a strategic market for Georgian exports. They are well aware of Georgia’s economic potential. In addition, our country has direct air traffic with most GCC states and benefits from growing tourist flows. The example of the United Arab Emirates, with which we have already signed an economic cooperation agreement, clearly shows that expanding cooperation with other GCC members will also yield positive results and create new opportunities,” the Deputy Minister stated.
As part of the meeting, the sides agreed on a visit of the GCC mission to Georgia, scheduled for December 2. Expert-level discussions will be held during the visit.
According to the Ministry, preliminary consultations will serve as a foundation for future negotiations. The parties expressed readiness to finalise these consultations by January 2026. If successfully completed and supported by a positive political decision of GCC member states, official negotiations on a free trade agreement could begin in the first half of next year.
