Japan, GCC Discuss Developments of Free Trade Negotiations

Tokyo: Japan’s Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kato Akiyoshi and Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, who is visiting Tokyo, discussed number of investment and trade-related issues, the latest developments regarding the second round of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan, and ways to advance it to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

During the meeting, the two sides emphasised that the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan would represent a strategic step that would contribute to opening up broader horizons for trade exchange and strengthening economic ties.

Albudaiwi also addressed a number of economic indicators and statistics for the GCC countries, noting in this context that the GCC countries’ economic performance, and the sustained growth and development they are witnessing across various sectors, have contributed to strengthening their standing regionally and internationally, making them a focus of interest for many countries seeking to strengthen their economic and trade relations with them.

Separately, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi held a meeting with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi, who is currently visiting Japan.

According to statement issued by the GCC General Secretariat, the two sides discussed the latest regional and international developments, ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and updates on the progress of the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan.

The GCC Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC countries and Japan, praising the continuous development and fruitful cooperation across various sectors, particularly in the fields of economy, energy, and technology.

At the start of the meeting, the GCC chief extended an official invitation to Japan’s Foreign Minister to attend the second joint ministerial meeting of the GCC-Japan strategic dialogue, scheduled to be held on September 1, 2025.