The first round of free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC countries and the Republic of Türkiye, held in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 29-31, 2024, with the participation of (9) Saudi government entities.

The round discusses several topics such as trade in goods, services, investment, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, aiming at agreeing on the principles on which negotiations will proceed, as well as setting the framework for future negotiating rounds and their objectives to finalize negotiations as soon as possible.

With high flexibility from all parties and recognizing the importance of concluding the Agreement promptly,  the first round of negotiations was positive; to increase the level of integration among all parties.

Deputy Governor of International Organizations and Agreements and Chairman of the Saudi Negotiating Team, Mr. Fareed Alasaly, stressed the importance of holding these rounds as they work towards consensus and reaching an appropriate and fair free trade agreement for all.

The Deputy Governor also noted the Kingdom's desire to conclude and develop free trade agreements in partnership with the GCC; which is an important tool for achieving economic integration, diversifying the economy, and enhancing competitiveness.

The Kingdom delegation participates in this round headed by the General Authority for Foreign Trade with the participation of: the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Standards. 

To ensure the achievement of common goals and sustainable development, GAFT promotes the Kingdom's international trade gains, increasing its international presence and active participation in many international organizations.a