About GAFT

Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade was established pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (211) dated 25/4/1440 AH, corresponding to 1/1/2019 AD, regarding the establishment of GAFT with a legal personality called (Saudi General Authority for Foreign Trade) that enjoys financial and administrative independence. Cabinet Resolution No. (741) dated 23/11/1441 AH, corresponding to 7/14/2020 AD, was also issued regarding approval of the organization of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade with the aim of enhancing the Saudi Arabia's international trade gains and defending its interests in the areas of foreign trade, thus contributing to the development of its national economy. 

GAFT is responsible for all tasks and activities related to developing foreign trade policies and strategies in coordination and alignment with the public and private sectors. It also represents KSA in regional and international organizations and forums related to foreign trade affairs, international trade relations and the settlement of related disputes, negotiations of free trade agreements, bilateral, regional and international agreements, and protecting industry in KSA from harm resulting from harmful practices in international trade by applying the mechanisms of trade remedies in the World Trade Organization agreements, which include (anti-dumping, subsidies, and preventive protective measures). It also supervises the tasks of the Saudi negotiating team and the technical teams emanating from it, and supervises commercial attachés abroad and joint Saudi-foreign business councils.

Supporting the national economic development through maximizing foreign trade gains.

In order to accomplish the objectives for which it was established, GAFT shall take on the following mandates:

1- Setting relevant policies, strategies, plans, and programs in coordination with relevant agencies.

2- Representing the Kingdom in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and assuming relevant powers and duties, including:

- Participating in bilateral negotiations with countries seeking to accede to the WTO, in coordination with competent government agencies.

- Following up on the fulfillment of the Kingdom’s commitments towards the WTO.

- Monitoring the fulfillment of other member countries’ commitments towards the WTO.

- Coordinating between the various agencies in the Kingdom with regard to international trade.

- Following up on trade dispute settlement cases related to the kingdom at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

- Coordinating stances and policies with WTO member states.

3- Supervising the tasks of Saudi negotiating team and the technical teams emerging from it, and coordinating and approving negotiating offers, positions, and matters related to the WTO, free trade agreements, and bilateral, regional, and international agreements.

4- Facilitating the access of the Kingdom's exports into foreign markets and its access to new markets, and addressing any challenges arising therefrom, in coordination with the relevant government agencies.

5- Undertaking duties and responsibilities of trade remedies and defending Kingdom's interests locally and internationally.

6- Proposing recommendations regarding customs tariffs and referring them to the competent authority to complete the necessary procedures.

7- Managing the Kingdom's international relations in foreign trade in coordination with relevant authorities.

8- Overseeing commercial attaches.

9- Overseeing joint business councils with other countries.

10- Raising awareness of the public and private sectors regarding the Kingdom's foreign trade commitments and any changes thereto.

11- Representing the Kingdom in regional and international organizations and forums relating to foreign trade.

12- Holding relevant conferences, seminars, and meetings in accordance with the applicable procedures.

13- Conducting studies and research, preparing reports, establishing databases relating to GAFT's activities, and exchanging information with local, regional, and international bodies. This shall include studying the economic impact of concluding free trade agreements with countries and economic groups, in coordination with relevant agencies.

14- Proposing and amending laws and regulations relating to GAFT's jurisdiction in according with applicable statutory procedures.

Based on our firm belief in the wisdom of our leadership, and in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and its objectives, GAFT works to enhance and empower the Kingdom’s foreign trade by developing trade policies that facilitate the access of Saudi exports to international markets, opening new markets for national products, and developing capabilities within the foreign trade ecosystem in cooperation with both public and private sectors. The authority also seeks to strengthen the role of the private sector as a key partner by enhancing this partnership and facilitating and enabling business environment with relevant stakeholders, applying global best practices to build a better future for our nation and to achieve the objectives for which the authority was established. In this regard, GAFT has prepared the National Foreign Trade Strategy (2022-2026) and submitted it for approval in accordance with the applicable regulatory procedures.