Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Update on Continuous Negotiations

18 December 2024 · Department for Business and Trade

Proposed by Douglas Alexander Lab Co-op Lothian East

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK is engaged in ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
  • The minister updates Parliament on the progress made since September, noting productive discussions.
  • Constructive momentum is reported in the continuous negotiations for the FTA.

Issue summary

The statement provides an update on the UK's ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Action requested

No specific future action is proposed, but the minister updates Parliament on the progress made since September, highlighting productive discussions and constructive momentum.

Key facts

  • Negotiations resumed on 24 September.
  • A GCC delegation visited London in the week of 21 October.
  • A UK delegation visited Riyadh in the week of 11 November.
  • Talks continued to be constructive throughout autumn.
  • Bilateral trade could increase by 16%, potentially adding an extra £8.6 billion a year.
  • Current trade value between the UK and GCC is £57.4 billion.
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