A free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) is likely to be signed soon, UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands has said.
Talking exclusively to the GDN during his visit to Bahrain yesterday, Mr Hands confirmed that good progress was made during the fifth round of negotiations held in Riyadh in November 2023, with draft treaty text advanced across most chapters.
He expects the sixth round of negotiations to take place in London at the end of January 2024.
Mr Hands confirmed that good progress was made during the fifth round of negotiations held in Riyadh in November 2023, with draft treaty text advanced across most chapters.
Reiterating the UK’s desire for an ambitious, comprehensive, and modern agreement, Minister Hands said he saw the agreement as a “substantial economic opportunity” and a significant moment in the UK-GCC relationship.
He believes it will boost trade, create jobs, and strengthen ties between the two regions.
A UK government analysis found that a free-trade agreement between the UK and the GCC would be…
