Promoting trade is one of the most important reasons for any economic gathering, whether in the form of a free trade zone, a customs union or an economic union. Increasing trade is a major objective of establishing a customs union. According to the economic theory, the customs union leads to increased trade between its members by removing or reducing trade barriers. In turn, the increase in trade exchange is the main mechanism of influence through which to achieve other objectives of the establishment of the Customs Union, such as increasing specialization, lower prices and increase production efficiency, and increase the market and efficiency. A number of studies show that the customs union of any economic gathering leads to higher terms of trade. The GCC countries have started since the beginning the establishment of the Council in May 1981 to make the necessary legal and practical arrangements for the establishment of the GCC Free Trade Area through the conclusion of the unified economic agreement signed in November 1981, which included the main provisions of the GCC Free Trade Area. The Free Trade Zone has been characterized mainly by exempting the industrial, agricultural and natural resources products of the GCC countries from customs duties provided that they are accompanied by a certificate of origin from the competent governmental authority in the countries exporting the goods, in addition to the following:

* To allow the import and export of national products to and from the GCC countries without the need for a local agent or take any procedures other than the certificate of origin and competition of export.

* In the case of customs duties or insurance on any goods of national origin due to doubt about the authenticity of their origin, this insurance or customs duties shall be returned to the owner of the goods after confirmation of their nationality.

* The system of immediate clearance to end the customs procedures for the goods that are accompanied by passengers at border posts of the GCC States.

* Preparation of export data for goods of national origin in border centers of the GCC States.

* The allocation of special corridors at the ports between the Member States of the citizens of the GCC States and the plates bearing the words “citizens of the GCC States”.