Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   The first round of negotiations for the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (I–GCC FTA) concluded on Friday (13/9/2024). 

The talks, which ran from 9 to 13 September 2024,  were led by Johni Martha of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade and Raja Munahi Al-Marzoqi of the GCC

He emphasized that the goal of the talks was to enhance local exports to GCC countries and beyond to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. 

“The negotiations were productive, and we aim to maintain this momentum,” Johni said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Discussions covered trade in goods, services, investment, digital trade, and more. A virtual meeting will be held in October 2024 to address additional issues. The next negotiation round is scheduled for 17-21 November 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. The I–GCC FTA is Indonesia’s third trade agreement with a Middle Eastern partner.