British Trade Minister arrives in Kuwait as UK nears final stage of GCC trade agreement
British Trade Minister Chris Bryant is set to arrive in Kuwait in the midst of optimism that a long-awaited free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be concluded soon.
“There are just a few small, important things, but they are small things we have to work out,” Bryant said in remarks from Geneva, as reported by Reuters.
He confirmed that he will meet with representatives of the GCC countries during his visit to Kuwait.
Bryant added, “We have submitted another offer to the Gulf Cooperation Council, and I hope we can complete it,” signaling that negotiations have entered their final phase.
Earlier this month, Bryant told the British Parliament, that discussions with the GCC had reached an “advanced stage,” despite reservations voiced by some trade unions regarding specific terms of the deal.
Meanwhile, British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves expressed confidence that a trade agreement with the Gulf states could be finalized quickly. Following “very productive” meetings in Riyadh, Reeves stated that such an agreement would significantly support her government’s plans to accelerate economic growth. She added that she hopes the deal will be concluded “very soon.”
Successive British governments have pursued a comprehensive trade agreement with the GCC since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in 2020. The deal is expected to enhance trade and investment flows between the UK and the six Gulf states, strengthening economic ties across key sectors including energy, technology, finance, and education.
