Saudi Arabia formally joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) today, becoming the organization’s 149th member.

The Kingdom was approved for membership in the WTO on November 11, 2005. It became a full member 30 days later, on December 11, two days before the WTO summit begins in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, a high-level Saudi delegation has arrived in Hong Kong, led by Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Hashem Yamani. The delegation also includes Minister of Transport Dr Jubara Al-Sureisiri; Minister of State Abdullah Alireza, who is also the deputy chairman of the delegation; Abdulwahab Attar, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the WTO in Geneva; Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Assistant Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for Petroleum Affairs; and Dr Mohammed Al-Jassir, Vice Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.

Saudi Arabia is the world’s 13th largest merchandise exporter and 23rd largest importer.

Return