The Secretary General of the GCC and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister discussed cooperation and advancements in their 2008 free trade agreement during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Gan Kim Yong, on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

The high-level dialogue, which took place on 22 January 2025, focused on enhancing collaboration between GCC member states and Singapore in various fields, including economic, commercial, cultural, and scientific domains. The two leaders emphasised the importance of exchanging expertise and knowledge to foster innovation and shared progress.

A significant portion of their discussion centred on the free trade agreement signed between the GCC and Singapore in 2008. The agreement, aimed at bolstering economic cooperation and promoting mutual interests, has played a pivotal role in strengthening strategic ties in trade, investment, and commerce. Both sides reviewed its latest developments and explored potential avenues for further expansion.

The meeting was held during the World Economic Forum 2025, an event known for bringing together global leaders to address pressing issues across industries and nations. This year’s forum focused on themes of sustainability, technological innovation, and economic resilience, creating a platform for collaboration on global challenges.

The GCC and Singapore’s engagement reflects the forum’s spirit of fostering dialogue and partnerships for sustainable development. The interaction also highlights the strategic importance of strengthening ties between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, two regions with complementary economic strengths and shared aspirations for growth.

Source: SPA