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GAFT Holds a Virtual Workshop on “Investment in Foreign Trade Activities”

25 June 2026

The General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT), represented by the International Agreements and Organizations Agency, held a virtual workshop entitled “Investment in Foreign Trade Activities” on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The workshop was organized for members of the Saudi Negotiating Team and the Investment Technical Negotiating Team to highlight the benefits of including an investment chapter in free trade agreements. The workshop was chaired by H.E. Fareed bin Saeed Al-Asaly, Deputy Governor for International Agreements and Organizations and Head of the Saudi Negotiating Team, and H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Omair, Head of the Investment Technical Negotiating Team.

The workshop highlighted the positive impact of incorporating an investment chapter into free trade agreements with target countries in attracting and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI). It also discussed how such provisions enhance market access commitments, preserve current and future market openness, reduce barriers, and create greater transparency and certainty for businesses. In addition, including an investment chapter provides new opportunities for investors, delivering substantial benefits that extend beyond the traditional frameworks for the protection and promotion of mutual investments.

Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) participated in the workshop.

It is worth mentioning that GAFT is responsible for all matters related to the Kingdom’s trade agreements and trade policies. The Authority works to facilitate the access of Saudi exports to international markets, open new export opportunities, and address external trade barriers, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s international trade gains, safeguarding its trade interests, and contributing to the growth of the national economy.