Latest news with #FaridAlAsali
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC - Japan negotiations make progress in sealing free trade agreement
TOKYO — The second round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Japan wrapped up in the Japanese capital Tokyo on Friday. The negotiations took place from June 30 to July 4, have been instrumental in working out major provisions of a free trade agreement between the two sides in the near future. A government delegation led by the General Authority of Foreign Trade attended the negotiations. The discussions covered several topics, including goods, technical barriers, terms of services, financial and telecommunications services, movement of natural persons, intellectual property, dispute settlement, general provisions, rules of origin, and trade facilitation. During this round, proposed texts were reviewed by both the Gulf and Japanese sides, with a focus on exploring trade opportunities, fostering trust and partnership, and identifying areas of cooperation and coordination. These efforts pave the way toward reaching a comprehensive final agreement in the upcoming rounds. Deputy Governor of the General Authority for International Organizations and Agreements and Head of the Saudi Negotiating Team Farid Al-Asali said that the discussions addressed several topics of mutual importance. He expressed optimism about completing the remaining negotiation rounds and reaching an ambitious agreement that provides preferential access to goods and services. This, he said, would help increase the volume of trade between the two sides, reflect the depth of economic ties, reinforce investment cooperation, and support the Kingdom's Vision 2030. During a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Al-Asali emphasized that the free trade negotiations with Japan align with the Kingdom's commitment—alongside other GCC countries—to strengthening trade relations with Japan and advancing the goals of the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030. The Saudi delegation, headed by the General Authority of Foreign Trade, includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Saudi Export Development Authority, Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank. The General Authority of Foreign Trade works to enhance the Kingdom's international trade gains, increase its international presence, and its effective participation in a number of international organizations, to ensure the achievement of common goals and sustainable development. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Japan, GCC conclude second round of FTA negotiations
TOKYO: The second round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the GCC countries and Japan ended in Tokyo on Friday. Taking part in the discussions — which covered topics including goods, technical barriers, terms of services, financial and telecommunications services, and intellectual property — was a government delegation led by the General Authority for Foreign Trade. Proposals were reviewed by both sides, with a focus on strengthening trade relations, finding areas to cooperate and fostering partnerships. Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, deputy governor of the General Authority for International Organizations and Agreements and head of the Saudi Negotiating Team, said he was looking forward to completing the remaining negotiation rounds and reaching an ambitious final agreement which would be beneficial to the volume of trade between both sides. He added the negotiation rounds highlighted economic ties between the GCC and Japan and supported Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. During a meeting with the Saudi ambassador to Japan, Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Al-Asali stressed the importance of free trade negotiations with Japan as they emphasized the commitment of both Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries to enhancing relations with Japan and achieving the goals of the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030. The Kingdom's delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Saudi Export Development Authority, Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank. • This article also appeared on Arab News Japan
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement
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.
