China and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) carried out FTA talks in Riyadh from June 22 to 24, capital of Saudi Arabia. A Chinese delegation of officials from MOFCOM, MFA, MIIT, MPS, MOF, MOA, MOC, GAC, SBQTS, SPCA, NTA, CAAC, and SATCM participated in the negotiations. The two sides exchanged views on such issues as trade in goods, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade，sanitary and phytosanitary measures，economic and technological cooperation and text of free trade agreements, and positive progress was made.

GCC is a regional organization of significant international influence and strong economic strength. It has six member states，which are Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain . In recent years, economic and trade relations between China and GCC members are developing rapidly, GCC has became China’s eighth largest trading partner, and is a newly emerging market which China is making efforts to explore.

China – GCC FTA is China’s second largest Free Trade Area to be set up, to which the leaders from both sides attach great importance. Currently, in a situation that the global financial crisis is having a varying impact on the world economy, pushing forward the FTA talks and trade liberalization process reveals the determination of the two sides in jointing efforts to overcome difficulties and seeking joint-development.