The UK and the GCC took a step towards boosting trade relations during their third round of trade negotiations,The National reported yesterday. Saudi Arabia agreed to remove a trade barrier and open up its market to British honey firms in a move estimated to net UK businesses some GBP 6 mn over five years. Meanwhile, the UK agreed on a trade mission to Dubai, with the aim of helping businesswomen build connections with British companies.

What trade negotiations? Trade talks between the UK and the GCC — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — over a potential GBP 1.6 bn free trade agreement, officially started in June. The talks come as the UK looks to secure more trade partners after its exit from the EU.

Egypt + Denmark agree to cooperate on shipping, transport: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederikson held a joint press conference yesterday following a meeting (watch runtime 14:25), to discuss bilateral cooperation in the shipping, transportation, and renewable energy sectors, alongside issues of human rights and illegal migration, El Sisi said. Frederikson is on a three-day visit to Egypt, according to Al Shorouk.

OTHER THINGS WORTH NOTING THIS MORNING-

  • New rail connection between Iraq + Iran? Iraq and Iran are “ready” to construct a new rail link connection from the border crossing Khosravi in Iran to Karbala in Iraq, Miad Salehi, the CEO of Iran’s railway company, said. (Mehr News Agency)
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