GCC states to ink free trade deals with India, Pakistan

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states will soon ink free trade deals with India and Pakistan, an Omani official has said.

The first round of the free trade negotiations between the GCC, India and Pakistan will commence by November 15, Economic Affairs Undersecretary in Oman's ministry of national economy, Abdulmalik Bin Abudullah Al Hinai, was quoted as saying by the 'Gulf News' daily.

The timeframe and the list of commodities to be covered under the agreement would be finalised in the first round of talks, he said adding that a free-trade zone between the GCC, India and Pakistan will encourage trade.

The official also said the GCC states will also enter into similar negotiations with Turkey.