Skip to content

Connecting business. Building understanding. Advancing peace.

Daily BriefVerify a certificateDue Diligence
Become a Member

GCC Secretary General and Chinese Trade Official Discuss Progress on Bilateral FTA

GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with China's Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang in Doha to review ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Both sides reviewed technical working group progress and emphasized addressing trade obstacles to accelerate signing. The pact is intended to boost trade and investment flows between China and GCC member states, including the UAE.

Published Source: GCC General Secretariat
Issuing authority
Gulf Cooperation Council, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China
Jurisdiction
GCC, China
Publication date
October 25, 2026
Stage
Draft / consultation
Official document
GCC-China Free Trade Agreement
Official source
www.gcc-sg.org
Illustration: A modern diplomatic conference room with international flags and conference tables, overlooking an urban commercial skyline in the Middl
Illustration

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with China's Vice Minister of Commerce and International Trade Representative Li Chenggang on October 25, 2026, in Doha, according to the GCC General Secretariat.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 9th World Investment Forum to discuss bilateral commercial and economic relations between China and the Gulf states.

Both sides evaluated the progress made by technical working groups engaged in negotiations for the GCC-China Free Trade Agreement. Officials highlighted the necessity of resolving remaining trade obstacles to accelerate the formal conclusion and signing of the agreement.

The proposed agreement aims to expand trade and investment flows between China and GCC members, including the United Arab Emirates.

Sources

More from Policy & Legal Updates

View all
Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Gulf News

UAE Mandates E-Invoicing Provider Contracting Deadline and Dh5,000 Monthly Penalties

The UAE Federal Tax Authority announced that businesses with annual revenues of Dh50 million or more must contract an accredited electronic invoicing service provider by October 30, 2026. Non-compliant firms face recurring monthly administrative penalties of Dh5,000. The measure prepares companies for the mandatory nationwide electronic invoicing rollout scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: LatestLY

US Treasury Proposes Expanding Investment Curbs on Chinese AI and Biotech Sectors

The United States Department of the Treasury has proposed expanding restrictions on American investments into Chinese artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced technology sectors. The draft framework prohibits certain direct investments while subjecting others to mandatory 30-day reporting, with exemptions for standard publicly traded securities. The public comment period remains open until December 7 before final implementation.

The UECN Brief

Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.

Language
Subscriptions

Double opt-in: we send a confirmation link. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy