Saudi Cabinet Approves Trade Authorities Merger

The Saudi Cabinet has approved the merger of the General Authority for Foreign Trade and the Saudi Export Development Authority into a single body named the General Authority for Foreign Trade and Export. The move brings foreign-trade and export-development functions under one umbrella.

Under the decision, all preparatory measures and any required regulatory actions must be submitted within 180 days. The new authority's operational start date will depend on the approval of its organizational arrangements.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources will chair the board of the new authority, while the Minister of Commerce will serve as vice-chairman. Unifying the two entities is intended to streamline the Kingdom's trade and export policies and reduce overlap between related government functions.

Why it matters

For businesses, exporters, and investors operating in the Kingdom, consolidating trade and export mandates under one authority could mean clearer points of contact and more coordinated support for companies looking to sell goods and services abroad. This aligns with broader efforts to grow non-oil exports and strengthen the private sector's role in the economy.

At this stage, no changes to fees, application procedures, service validity periods, or official digital channels have been announced. Residents and business owners should expect further details once the new authority's structure is finalized and its services begin. Saudi Living will continue to follow developments and share updates as official information becomes available.

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