Tokyo: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi met today with Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Kato Akiyoshi in Tokyo, during his official visit to Japan. The two officials reviewed several topics related to investment and trade. They also discussed the latest developments in the second round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, along with ways to advance the talks and strengthen the economic partnership to serve mutual interests.
According to Saudi Press Agency, both sides affirmed that the FTA between the GCC and Japan would represent a strategic step forward. They stated that it would help open broader horizons for trade exchange, strengthen economic ties, and establish cooperation on a solid and exceptional foundation, thereby promoting mutual interests and supporting both sides' aspirations for a sustainable economic partnership.
Furthermore, the secretary-general presented several economic indicators and statistics for the GCC countries. He noted, in this context, the outstanding economic performance of the council states and the sustainable growth and development they are witnessing across various sectors. "This performance has contributed to bolstering the GCC states' regional and international standing, making them a focus for many countries seeking to strengthen their economic and trade relations," Albudaiwi stressed.