The General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) led the Saudi negotiating team in the first round of free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC countries and Türkiye. The negotiations took place in Ankara from July 29 to 31, 2024, with nine Saudi government agencies participating. The Saudi negotiating team, represented by Deputy Governor of International Organizations and Agreements Fareed Alasaly, ensures that the trade negotiations align with the Kingdom’s trade objectives and policies. They actively participate in the negotiations to incorporate the Kingdom’s negotiating positions and coordinate with countries that have similar international trade trends. The team is composed of eight technical teams covering various aspects of trade such as goods, services, investment, electronic commerce, and government procurement.
In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye amounted to approximately $7 billion. The most prominent Saudi exports to Türkiye included plastics, manufactured goods, and metal products, while key imports from Türkiye included machinery, machine tools, parts, and carpets. The Saudi negotiating team oversees and monitors the trade negotiations to ensure that they benefit both countries and enhance bilateral trade relations. By actively participating in the negotiations, the team aims to secure favorable terms for Saudi Arabia while also considering the interests of Türkiye. The negotiations are a crucial step towards strengthening economic ties between the two countries and promoting mutually beneficial trade agreements.
The Saudi negotiating team works alongside 45 governmental entities to prepare and coordinate the Kingdom’s negotiations, initiatives, and proposals at the World Trade Organization and in free trade agreements. The team is responsible for reporting back to the Saudi negotiating group and ensuring that the Kingdom’s trade objectives are effectively communicated and pursued during negotiations. The team’s diverse technical teams cover various aspects of trade, allowing for a comprehensive approach to the negotiations and ensuring that all relevant issues are addressed. Through their active participation and coordination, the Saudi negotiating team aims to secure favorable terms for the Kingdom and promote economic growth and development through international trade agreements.
The Saudi negotiating team plays a crucial role in guiding and shaping the Kingdom’s trade negotiations with Türkiye and other countries. By actively participating in the negotiations and working closely with governmental entities and technical teams, the team ensures that the Kingdom’s trade objectives and policies are effectively represented and pursued. The team’s efforts are aimed at securing favorable terms for Saudi Arabia, promoting economic growth, and enhancing bilateral trade relations with Türkiye. Through their expertise and coordination, the team plays a key role in shaping the Kingdom’s trade policies and strategies, ensuring that they align with international trade trends and benefit the Saudi economy.
The first round of free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC countries and Türkiye marks an important milestone in the economic relations between the two regions. The negotiations, led by the Saudi negotiating team, are a crucial step towards enhancing trade relations, promoting economic growth, and fostering cooperation between countries. By actively participating in the negotiations and ensuring that the Kingdom’s trade objectives are effectively communicated and pursued, the Saudi negotiating team plays a key role in shaping the future of trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The team’s efforts are aimed at securing beneficial terms for the Kingdom, promoting economic development, and strengthening bilateral trade ties.
In conclusion, the Saudi negotiating team’s active participation in the free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC countries and Türkiye demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting economic growth and enhancing trade relations with regional partners. By overseeing and monitoring the negotiations, the team ensures that the Kingdom’s trade objectives and policies are effectively represented and pursued. The team’s diverse technical teams cover various aspects of trade, allowing for a comprehensive approach to the negotiations and ensuring that all relevant issues are addressed. Through their expertise, coordination, and active participation, the Saudi negotiating team plays a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s trade policies, promoting economic growth, and fostering cooperation with Türkiye and other countries in the region.
