FTA talks reach across the Gulf

Commerce Ministry also plans tonegotiate separate pact with Israel

China is to accelerate the negotiation of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council next year, and launch FTA talks with Israel.

Zhang Shaogang, director-general of the department of international trade and economic affairs at the Ministry of Commerce, said the expected FTA with members of the GCC can help China buy energy products from the region at lower prices, and pave the way for Chinese companies to explore other markets in the Middle East.