UK-GCC Consultation Lines
January 5, 2022
The GCC is a customs bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab
Emirates. It’s already an important trading partner for the UK with almost £24 billion of UK exports
and bilateral trade worth over £32 billion in 2020. An agreement with a large, diverse and vibrant
group such as the GCC will help break down barriers to trade and supporting growth and jobs for UK
workers.
The Department for International Trade has launched a consultation requesting input from
consumers and businesses across all sectors that will help us craft a deal that levels-up the UK. We
would like as much detail as possible about the opportunities, barriers, and challenges different
groups face when working, or trying to work, with GCC countries, to maximise benefit for the UK
through a future trade deal.
This consultation is for all UK businesses, whether they currently trade with the GCC, or would like
to. It takes about 30 minutes to fill out and does not require any specialist information.
The consultation is closing on 14 January 2022. Once the consultation closes, the responses will be
carefully considered to understand where our interests are most critical. This will determine the UK’s
final negotiating scope and mandate and so this is the best way for businesses across the UK to make
their voices heard on a future trade deal with the GCC.
Please find the link to the consultation HERE.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the GCC team: GCC-Hub@trade.gov.uk
