Saudi delegation in Tokyo for GCC-Japan free trade negotiations
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A high-level Saudi delegation, led by Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, deputy governor for international agreements and organizations at the General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT), is in Tokyo for the second round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Japan. The talks, which began on June 30, will continue until July 4.
The Saudi negotiating team comprises nine technical groups specializing in goods, services, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property and government procurement. These teams, formed from 46 government agencies, contribute by formulating the Kingdom’s negotiation positions, coordinating proposals within the World Trade Organization and submitting technical reports to the main delegation.
In 2024, the trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Japan reached approximately -$36 billion. Saudi Arabia exported nearly $28 billion worth of goods—mainly mineral products and organic chemicals—to Japan. In return, the Kingdom imported around $8 billion in Japanese goods, including automobiles, auto parts and machinery.
The Saudi delegation is tasked with ensuring that the progress of the negotiations reflects the Kingdom’s strategic trade interests. GAFT emphasized that the talks are part of broader efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s trade gains, increase its global footprint and foster long-term engagement with international trade bodies.
The free trade agreement is expected to boost economic integration and open new opportunities for both Japanese and GCC markets.
