GAFT Holds Meeting with WTO to Discuss Cooperation in Organizing the 2025 Regional Trade Policy Course

The Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, represented by the Deputyship of Shared Services and headed by Mr. Nasser Al-Degaither, Deputy Governor for Shared Services, along with Mr. Hamoud Al-Maliki, General Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Badr bin Nasser Al-Ajlan, Director of Talent and Development, held a virtual meeting today, Wednesday, 4 June 2025, with the World Trade Organization.

The meeting discussed areas of cooperation for organizing the second edition of the Regional Trade Policy Course for the year 2025, scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Discussions included developmental elements aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of the course’s outcomes, as well as organizing specialized workshops for entities involved in trade negotiations. These workshops aim to deepen participants' understanding of WTO agreements, rules, and procedures.

Mr. Al-Dughaither emphasized that KSA’s hosting of the RTPC for three consecutive years reflects its international economic leadership, particularly in the Middle East. He noted that this initiative aligns with KSA’s objectives to build and enhance the capabilities of trade policymakers in the region, enabling them to keep pace with global standards and rules in foreign trade. He expressed optimism about the success of the upcoming course, in collaboration with relevant entities, building on the notable achievements of the previous edition in terms of academic content, constructive engagement, and exchange of experiences among participating countries and stakeholders.

The first edition of the RTPC was held in KSA in collaboration with King Saud University and WTO from 13 October to 5 December 2024. The course brought together around 25 government officials from nine brotherly countries, along with 12 Saudi government entities, covering more than 24 training topics.