About GAFT

استمع
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The General Aut​hority of Foreign Trade (GAFT)

The General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) was established  in accordance with the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 211 dated  25/4/1440 AH corresponding to 1/1/2019 to establish  a public entity for foreign trade with a legal personality called the General Authority of Foreign Trade with financial and administrative independence. The Council of Ministers' Resolution No. (741), dated 23/11/1441 AH, was issued to approve the Regulation of the General Authority of Foreign Trade in order to enhance the Kingdom's international trade gains and de​fend its interests in foreign trade, thus contributing to the development of its national economy.​

GAFT shall be concerned with all duties and work related to developing policies and strategies of foreign trade in coordination and alignment with the public and private sectors; representing the Kingdom in regional and international organizations and forums related to foreign trade. GAFT shall also be concerning the international trade relations, dispute settlement, negotiations on free trade agreements and bilateral, regional, and international agreements, and protecting the Kingdom’s industry from harmful practices in international trade, through the implementation of trade remedies procedures stated in WTO agreements that include (anti-dumping, subsidy, preventive protection measures). In addition, supervising the tasks of the Saudi Negotiating Team and its technical teams, also commercial attaches abroad and joint business councils.

about  
 

Vision

 
 
 
 
 

Supporting the national economic development through maximizing foreign trade gains.

Mandates

 
 
 
 
 

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 the settlement of commercial disputes filed before the WTO to which the Kingdom is a party.
    • Coordinate stances and policies with WTO member states.
  3. Supervising the duties of Saudi Negotiating Team and their technical teams, and coordinating and approving offers, negotiating stances, 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. Providing the component authority with proposals relating to customs tariff for completion of required 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.
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Strategy

 
 
 
 
 

Believing in our great leadership, while also fulfilling the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. GAFT is promoting and enabling KSA foreign trade by developing trade policies. Developing trade policies will facilitate the entry of Saudi exports into foreign markets, and its access to new markets for national products, develop capabilities in the foreign trade community jointly with the public and private sectors, and maximize the role of the private sector as an essential partner. In order to implement the finest international practices in creating a brighter future for our nation, GAFT is also striving to strengthen the relationship with stakeholders and empowering business environment. Moreover, to accomplish the objectives for which it was established, GAFT prepared the National Foreign Trade Strategy (2022 -2026) and submitted it for approval in accordance with applicable statutory procedures.

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Strategic Goals

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Open Markets for Trade

Expanding the reach of Saudi goods and services to foreign markets, by strengthen relations with current trading partners, opening up to new markets, and reducing trade barriers; by holding new trade agreements, setting strong relationships between governments, and enhancing digital trade including electronic trade.

 

Empowering local sectors through trade policies

Supporting the growth of strategic sectors and enhancing local content, to develop a sustainable competitive feature by effectively leveraging trade policies and regulations.

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Strengthening Commercial Enabling Capabilities

Developing capabilities in the foreign trade ecosystem for the Public and Private sectors, taking advantage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s stance in international forums, and preparing for representing the voice of Saudi exporter.

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