Turkiye and Gulf states to launch talks for free trade agreement

Turkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a deal to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said on Thursday. The move comes as Ankara steps up efforts to expand economic ties with Gulf region, Reuters has reported. After years of tension, Turkiye launched a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to mend ties with Gulf countries, namely the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Ankara already has a trade agreement, dubbed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, with the UAE. Since then, Ankara has signed deals worth billions with Gulf nations, including Qatar, with which it enjoys strong ties. “The agreement will liberalise trade in goods and services, facilitate investments and trade, and increase our […]