UK Chancellor to Press for Gulf Trade Deal in Riyadh Visit

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will seek to accelerate trade talks with the Gulf states during a visit to Saudi Arabia, as she tries to boost the country’s growth prospects ahead of her crucial budget.

Reeves will begin a two-day trip on Monday to meet chief executives and government figures at the Future Investment Initiative, a summit in Riyadh, according to a statement from the Treasury on Sunday. A priority for the visit will be advancing progress on a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, it said.