Deputy Economy Minister holds talks with GCC on free trade agreement prospects

During his working visit to Saudi Arabia, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze met with Raja Al Marzouki, Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Negotiation Team.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the discussions focused on strengthening trade and economic relations between Georgia and GCC member states, with particular emphasis on the potential launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.

Arveladze underscored that deepening economic cooperation with GCC countries remains a key priority for the Georgian government.

“The GCC member states represent a strategic market for Georgian exports and are well aware of our country’s economic potential. Georgia enjoys direct air connections with most GCC nations and continues to benefit from increasing tourist flows. The successful example of our economic cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates demonstrates that expanding ties with other GCC members will bring positive results and open new opportunities,” the Deputy Minister stated.

As part of the meeting, the sides agreed that a GCC mission will visit Georgia on December 2, during which expert-level discussions will take place.

According to the Ministry, these preliminary consultations will form the basis for future negotiations. Both sides expressed their readiness to finalise the consultation phase by January 2026. Should the process conclude successfully and receive a positive political decision from GCC member states, formal negotiations on a free trade agreement could begin in the first half of next year.