The second round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Japan concluded in Tokyo on July 4, 2025, after being held from June 30 to 4 with the participation of Saudi delegation headed by Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade. 

The second round of negotiations has discussed several topics in the fields of goods, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, services provisions, financial services, telecommunications services, the movement of natural persons, intellectual property, dispute settlement, general provisions of the agreement, rules of origin, and trade facilitation. Discussions covered the proposed texts from both the GCC and Japan, explored trade opportunities and ambitions, and built trust and partnership through identifying areas of cooperation and coordination, thereby paving the way for subsequent rounds to reach a comprehensive final agreement.

Mr. Fareed Al-Asaly, Deputy Governor of GAFT for International Organizations and Agreements and Head of the Saudi Negotiating Team, noted that the second round addressed several issues of importance to both sides. He expressed hope for the continuation of the negotiations and the conclusion of an ambitious agreement that would provide preferential access for goods and services between the two sides, enhance bilateral trade, reflect the depth of economic relations, strengthen trade and investment cooperation, and support Saudi Vision 2030.

Mr. Al-Asaly also met with H.E. Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Japan. He stressed that the free trade negotiations with Japan come in line with Saudi Arabia’s and the GCC’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with Japan and support the goals of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030.

The Saudi delegation, led by GAFT, included representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, the Saudi Export Development Authority, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank.

GAFT works to enhance KSA’s international trade gains, expand its global presence, and ensure active participation in international organizations, thereby contributing to the achievement of common goals and sustainable development.