Page 66 - Mission Brief Qatar 2019 v2

A. MALAYSIA–GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) FREE
TRADE AGREEMENT (MGCCFTA)

GCC Members

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. UAE
6. Saudi Arabia

Background
 MGGCFTA negotiation was proposed to be held in 2011
but due to the political instability in the GCC region, the
negotiation has to be put on hold. Malaysia has on many
occasions indicated to the GCC Secretariat for the
commencement of the negotiating round but the
Secretariat is still not ready to negotiate. The Secretariat is
located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 Malaysia would like to pursue MGCCFTA, as this FTA will
offer vast opportunities for Malaysian investments and
expertise such as petrochemical. Iron and steel, natural
gas, LNG, tourism, finance, education healthcare,
transport, and other services sector.

Objectives
 The FTA aims to enhance market access for goods and
services from Malaysia and the GCC; provide further
facilitation; and promote trade and investment flows
between Malaysia and the GCC. It also aims to expand
scope of liberalisation of trade in services beyond those
undertaken under the GATS, and enhance
competitiveness.
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