Press Releases
First round of negotiations after the resumption of negotiations for Japan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
December 13, 2024
From December 10 to 12, a round of negotiations was held for Japan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was held as the first round of negotiations after the resumption of negotiations, which the two leaders concurred to realize by the end of 2024 when they met in July 2023.
- From the Japanese side, Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ambassador for International Economic Affairs and Chief Negotiator, led the negotiations along with representatives from relevant ministries. From the GCC side, H.E. Dr. Raja Al Marzoqi, Chief Negotiator for the GCC side, led the negotiations along with representatives from the GCC member states.
- During this round, the two sides held active discussions on the modality of negotiations as well as on General Provisions, Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Electronic Commerce, Intellectual Property and other areas.
- Both sides concurred to coordinate the dates of the second round of negotiations through diplomatic channel.