logo
Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement

Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement

Arab News4 days ago
TOKYO: Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, the General Authority for Foreign Trade's deputy governor for international agreements and organizations, is in Tokyo to lead the Kingdom's delegation in the second round of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan, which began on June 30 and will run until July 4.
According to GAFT, the Saudi negotiating team includes nine technical teams focused on goods, services, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property, and government procurement.
Comprising 46 government agencies, the teams prepare the Kingdom's positions on negotiations and proposals within the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements, and submit relevant reports to the negotiating team.
In 2024, the trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Japan reached about $36 billion. The most significant exports from the Kingdom were mineral products and organic chemical products. In contrast, the primary imports from Japan included automobiles and automotive components, as well as machinery and mechanical tools.
Overall, Saudi Arabia's exports totaled about $28 billion, while imports amounted to around $8 billion.
The Saudi team oversees and monitors the progress of trade negotiations to ensure they align with the Kingdom's trade objectives and policies. Additionally, the team participates in the negotiations to incorporate the Kingdom's positions, making their role integral to the process.
The General Authority for Foreign Trade aims to enhance trade gains, strengthen global presence, and engage with international organizations for sustainable development. The authority plays a crucial role in negotiations, representing the Kingdom's interests and ensuring trade agreements align with its objectives.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi FM receives phone call from UK foreign secretary
Saudi FM receives phone call from UK foreign secretary

Arab News

time2 hours ago

  • Arab News

Saudi FM receives phone call from UK foreign secretary

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy on Sunday. During the call, they reviewed Saudi-British relations and discussed developments in the region and efforts being made with regard to them, the Saudi foreign ministry said. The UK foreign secretary is on a visit to the region and he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday. The meeting marked the restoration of British-Syrian relations after 14 years of tensions during Syria's conflict and Assad family rule. On Sunday, Lammy met separately with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah during a visit to Kuwait.

Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift
Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

Arab News

time3 hours ago

  • Arab News

Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

RIYADH: The Saudi Professional League announced on Sunday it had officially taken on the responsibility of organizing and monitoring the financial regulations governing its member clubs. The announcement follows a decision by the Ministry of Sports to transfer oversight duties from the Financial Sustainability Committee to a newly established body under the League. The new Financial Oversight Committee, operating under the SPL's remit, will be tasked with overseeing football-related financial activity across all SPL clubs. The move is designed to enhance financial governance, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen institutional discipline within the rapidly growing Saudi football sector. The committee will be composed of representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and the SPL itself, alongside independent members. Its core responsibilities will include issuing financial competency certificates, monitoring club finances, and ensuring compliance with league-wide financial regulations. 'This is an important step toward unifying oversight, simplifying procedures, and promoting a more professional work environment across clubs,' the League said in a statement. 'The aim is to raise compliance levels and improve the speed and efficiency of financial reviews,' it added. While the new mandate is limited to football activity within Saudi Pro League clubs, officials said the reform marked a broader commitment to improved governance and financial sustainability across the sport. The SPL added that it would continue its work on existing oversight functions, such as tracking late payments and ensuring clubs meet their financial obligations, as part of the existing certification process. The issuance of financial competency certificates will remain a key condition for clubs to operate in compliance with league rules. In addition, new regulatory standards and planning tools are being gradually introduced. These are intended to bolster long-term investment in club infrastructure and administration, while also helping clubs avoid financial distress through better fiscal discipline. The SPL noted that the changes come in response to past financial and administrative challenges faced by several clubs, and reflect a coordinated effort between the League, the sports ministry, and the SAFF to promote sustainable growth. 'This development is part of an integrated approach,' the League said, 'aimed at supporting clubs in building strong, stable institutions that match the ambitions of their fans.'

Eastern region governor receives Thailand's ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Eastern region governor receives Thailand's ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Arab News

time3 hours ago

  • Arab News

Eastern region governor receives Thailand's ambassador to Saudi Arabia

DAMMAM: Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Eastern Region, received Thailand's ambassador to the Kingdom, Dam Bontam, in Dammam on Sunday. During the meeting, the officials discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Separately, Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives Yahyah Al-Qahtani presented his credentials to the country's president, Mohamed Muizzu, at his office. 'Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the historic Saudi-Maldives partnership,' the Saudi Embassy wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store