The General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) of Saudi Arabia participated in the preparatory meeting for the 41st Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 2, 2025. The meeting, which will run from November 3 to 4, focuses on developing export strategies among OIC member states and reviewing outcomes from six key economic and trade cooperation working groups. Saudi Arabia’s engagement underscores its commitment to fostering economic integration and shared prosperity within the Islamic world.
Context and Background
The preparatory meeting in Istanbul sets the agenda for the upcoming 41st Ministerial Session of COMCEC, a principal organ of the OIC dedicated to enhancing economic and commercial collaboration among its 57 member states. COMCEC serves as a vital platform for policy coordination, aiming to increase the share of Islamic countries in global trade and strengthen economic resilience. Saudi Arabia, as a founding member of the OIC and a leading economy within the bloc, plays a central role in these deliberations, consistently advocating for practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for all member nations.
Key Details and Objectives
According to official information, the preparatory meeting will delve into specific mechanisms to develop and improve export strategies across the OIC. A core task is the comprehensive review of outcomes generated by six specialized working groups, which cover areas critical to economic integration. The committee is also mandated to review the implementation report of the OIC’s overarching strategy and work program, assessing progress across various cooperation domains. Jihad Al-Huthil, the Director General of International Organizations at GAFT, emphasized the Kingdom’s proactive role, stating that Saudi Arabia continuously shares best international practices in trade with fellow member states through the COMCEC framework. This exchange is designed to directly contribute to enhancing and improving the overall landscape of economic and trade cooperation among OIC countries.
Implications for Regional and International Trade
Saudi Arabia’s participation, led by GAFT, signals a strategic effort to shape a more cohesive and competitive economic bloc within the OIC. By focusing on export strategy development, the discussions aim to address common challenges such as market access, diversification, and value-chain integration. Strengthening intra-OIC trade aligns with broader global economic trends favoring regional partnerships and can contribute to greater stability and self-reliance. The Kingdom’s leadership in sharing expertise and international best practices positions it as a key facilitator of this economic uplift, fostering an environment where knowledge transfer accelerates development across member states.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This diplomatic and economic engagement is a direct reflection of the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership role regionally and internationally. Participation in forums like COMCEC advances the Vision’s economic diversification objectives by expanding trade networks and creating new partnerships. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global connector and a responsible stakeholder in the international economic system. By driving constructive dialogue and cooperation within the Islamic world, Saudi Arabia is not only contributing to shared economic prosperity but also actively building the resilient, interconnected global economy envisioned for the future, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of stability and growth in the region and beyond.