Saudi General Authority for Foreign Trade signed on Monday, September 22, 2025, a cooperation agreement with the King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies at King Saud University, at the Institute’s headquarters in Riyadh. It aimed to organize the International Trade Program.

Under the agreement, nine training programs will be delivered in various fields of foreign trade, including trade negotiations, international economic agreements and organizations, trade policies, international relations and diplomatic skills, protection of domestic industry, modeling and econometrics, in addition to several specialized programs in the field.

Mr. Nasser Al-Degaither, Deputy Governor of GAFT for Shared Services, stated that this agreement with the King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies comes under the guidance of His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of GAFT’s Board, Dr. Majid Al-kassabi, and the Acting Governor, Mr. Mohammed Al-Abduljabbar. He noted that the agreement seeks to strengthen the skills of GAFT’s staff in foreign trade fields and equip them with the knowledge necessary to enhance KSA’s international trade role, thereby contributing to the achievement of GAFT’s strategic objectives.

Dr. Abdullah Althabt, Dean of the King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies, expressed his pride in the University’s contribution to this field, noting that the agreement comes at a significant time to further strengthen KSA’s role and leadership globally in foreign trade. He emphasized that this partnership reflects the Institute’s role in transferring scientific knowledge that supports decision-making and contributes to shaping economic policies in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

GAFT works to strengthen KSA’s international trade gains and represents KSA in the regional and international organizations and forums related to foreign trade, to ensure the achievement of common goals and sustainable development.