Manama: As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain's presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, said that the signing in London of the joint statement concluding negotiations on the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement reflects the commitment of the GCC countries to strengthening strategic economic partnerships, particularly with the United Kingdom.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Industry Minister noted that the agreement supports integration and sustainable development efforts in line with the visions and aspirations of the leaders of the GCC countries. Minister Fakhro said the successful conclusion of negotiations marks a strategic step forward in the long-standing economic partnership between the GCC states and the UK, following negotiations that began in 2022.
He noted that the agreement will contribute to advancing Gulf-British relations and open broader prospects for trade and investment cooperation between both sides. The Industry Minister expressed appreciation to the GCC General Secretariat and the negotiating teams from the GCC and the UK for the flexibility, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated throughout the negotiation rounds in reaching a balanced agreement that serves the common interests of all parties.
Minister Fakhro also expressed pride in the national cadres representing Bahrain within the framework of joint GCC action. He noted that the agreement represents more than a framework regulating trade exchange, describing it as an extension of the close ties between the GCC countries and the UK.
The Industry Minister added that the agreement will support economic growth and diversification by facilitating GCC goods and services' access to British markets, reducing or removing customs duties, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment partnerships based on mutual interests. Minister Fakhro reaffirmed the economic importance of the agreement for GCC countries and Bahrain in particular, highlighting its positive impact on economic growth, economic diversification, and trade and investment exchange between Bahrain and the UK, which reached approximately USD601.7 million in 2025.