Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has called for the reactivation of free trade negotiations between the GCC and the EU, as well as other countries, such as the UK, Australia, and other economic blocs.
Sheikh Khalifa made the statement during the consultative meeting between the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and presidents of Unions and Chamber held virtually yesterday.
The meeting discussed topics related to enhancing co-operation in the industrial and commercial sectors between member countries.
Speaking at the webinar, Sheikh Khalifa stressed the importance of reviving free trade negotiations and concluding similar agreements with countries like the UK and Australia, and major economic blocs.
“It is essential for GCC states to adopt a unified position when concluding more economic agreements with world countries in a way that better benefit Gulf citizens,” he stressed.
Sheikh Khalifa also outlined “the great and positive impact” that will be reflected on trade in the GCC in the event of resuming the round of negotiations with EU countries that started in Riyadh and Brussels earlier, “but had stopped for a long time.” 
He noted that the renegotiation of a free trade agreement will contribute to establishing easy procedures of import and export operations and will have a positive impact on business owners in the region.
The webinar also reviewed other topics, such as industrial integration in the health, medical, agricultural, and food industries, as well as investment in food security.
The meeting also discussed two proposals to establish a rapid traceability system for foodstuffs and medicines in GCC countries to address various crises and epidemics, and to develop a mechanism for value added tax (VAT) refund.