ع
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation to the GCC-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur where the focus was on deepening economic and trade relations. The minister used the platform to reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental considerations. Discussions also covered opportunities in the digital economy and ways to enhance connectivity between the two regions.
Arab News figures show that two-way trade between the GCC and ASEAN reached $130.7 billion in 2023 with both sides aiming to increase that amount to $180 billion by 2032. The publication reported that GCC investments in ASEAN have accumulated to $75 billion over 20 years while ASEAN members have invested $25 billion in the Gulf. These numbers formed the backdrop for talks that sought to translate potential into concrete partnerships.
In his address to the summit, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Kingdom through its Vision 2030 reform program was committed to fostering an attractive investment environment and facilitating trade. “We seek to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, clean, and renewable energy, and to leverage China’s Belt and Road Initiative to support regional connectivity and integration between ASEAN and GCC countries,” he said. He added that the countries also sought to develop the digital economy by empowering startups, expanding public-private partnerships and enhancing exchange programs.
The inaugural GCC-ASEAN summit held in Riyadh in October 2023 and co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indonesian President Joko Widodo set the stage for the current round of ministerial consultations. That gathering established mechanisms not only for economic cooperation but also for political dialogue, security and climate action according to Arab News coverage of the event. Subsequent meetings have sought to build on that foundation with the next leaders’ summit scheduled for Malaysia.
Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid stated during the trilateral talks with China that the parties aimed to increase bilateral trade and engage in free trade agreement negotiations. The GCC is ASEAN’s seventh-largest trading partner and both blocs see substantial untapped potential in their economic relationship. The emphasis on free trade comes as global supply chains adjust to recent geopolitical shifts and protectionist measures.
An Arab News assessment of GCC-ASEAN relations from 2023 highlighted that the Southeast Asian bloc with its population exceeding 650 million offers a dynamic market for Gulf exporters and investors. The foreign minister’s participation in the Kuala Lumpur meeting reflected ongoing efforts to advance free trade negotiations between the two blocs. Outcomes from the discussions are set to include closer coordination on energy transition projects and technology exchanges.
