Pakistan, Saudi discuss early GCC FTA signing

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have discussed accelerating the signing and implementation of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council, The Express Tribune reported. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan raised the proposal during a meeting in Islamabad with Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed ambassador, Dr Rajeh Albugamy.

Khan said the pact could improve access to markets and support stronger trade, while pointing to opportunities to align Pakistan’s production and industrial capabilities with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification programme. The discussions also covered exports, private-sector partnerships, investment and agriculture, with both sides agreeing to continue coordination and follow-up. The ambassador expressed support for closer economic ties and identified regional connectivity and agricultural cooperation as areas for further engagement.