US ambassador-designate to Qatar Dana Shell Smith has expressed her commitment to helping expand the US-Qatar bilateral relations.
The US-Qatar Business Council recently hosted a luncheon roundtable discussion with Smith. The event was attended by some 30 senior leaders from major
companies based in the US.
During the roundtable discussion, the member companies briefed Smith on their views of the commercial climate and potential US government initiatives to advance bilateral relations.
Patrick Theros, president of the council and former US ambassador to Qatar, opened the meeting held at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC, by welcoming Smith and reviewing important issues, opportunities and challenges facing American businesses
in Qatar.
The discussions centred on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatarisation, the growing demand for slots at the American school, youth engagement and the shift in Qatar’s investment strategy towards the US.
Smith, who was confirmed by the Senate as the next US ambassador to Qatar on July 10, expressed her commitment to helping expand the
US-Qatar bilateral relations.
She also expressed her dedication to advancing the business and commercial relationship by being a strong advocate for US companies in Qatar.
Member companies also took the opportunity to recount their experiences in doing business in Qatar and discuss their hopes and plans for the future. They agreed that US companies enjoy special advantages in Qatar for their technical expertise, reliability and management skills.
They also expressed a strong commitment to working together to cement and continue the “very good relationship” shared by the two countries.