Bali: The third round of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Republic of Indonesia concluded recently. The negotiations, which commenced last Monday in Bali, aimed to enhance trade and investment relations between the two entities. According to Kuwait News Agency, the GCC delegation was led by Dr. Raja Al-Marzouqi, the General Coordinator of the Negotiations and Head of the Negotiating Team. The Indonesian side was headed by Chief Negotiator Danang Prasta Daniel. Dr. Al-Marzouqi noted that the discussions involved 34 technical sessions, with around 80 specialists from both sides participating. The negotiations covered several areas, including trade in goods and services, investment promotion, competition, rules of origin, customs procedures, and the Islamic economy, alongside other topics of mutual interest. Dr. Al-Marzouqi highlighted that these negotiations are a testament to the strong relations between GCC countries and Indonesia. He emphasized th at the agreement is expected to boost economic integration and increase trade and investment flows between the two regions. He also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Kuwait in Jakarta for their warm hospitality during the negotiations.
