HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with President of Germany Joachim Gauck at Bellevue Palace in Berlin yesterday.
QNA/Doha
HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani has stressed the depth of economic relations between Qatar and Germany, highlighting the rise in trade volume for 2013 by 12.5% compared to the previous year.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce released a statement of the minister’s speech during the Qatari-German Economic Forum, which was held yesterday in Berlin by the ministry in co-operation with Qatar Chamber and the Qatari embassy in Germany. A number of senior Qatari officials in state institutions and businessmen from both countries participated in the event.
The minister expressed his appreciation of the forum, which he said will give a new dimension to the partnership between Qatar and Germany in all fields. He highlighted the strength of relations between the two countries.
The minister said that Qatar gives a top priority to German investors, with 27 companies operating in Qatar fully-owned by Germans. In addition to 112 others working in developing railways, trade, services and infrastructure owned by joint Qatari and German capital.
HE the Minister said there are German investments carried by the Qatari companies, such as Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec ) , Qatar Clariant company as well as Qatari investments in Germany that cover many areas of economic activities including Qatari companies that have different proportions of stocks of some companies such as Volkswagen, Hochtief and Siemens, along with many of the operational processes in addition to the portfolio in the field of real estate.
He predicted that volume of Qatari investments will rise in Germany at a rapid rates next stage, welcoming at the same time more German investment to enter the Qatari market and win a share of the opportunities provided by the Qatari economy.
The minister stressed that Qatar is working on sharing a sustainable partnership and future economic relations with Germany, and direct long-term investments in order to achieve a higher level of economic and social development for the interest of the two countries’ peoples.
“We are looking forward to open broad prospects for further co-operation within the framework of this bold and constructive partnership in order to create many opportunities and achieve greater co-operation, especially in the areas of technology, knowledge and scientific training and research”, the minister added.
He called for concerted efforts in the private and public sectors, to enter a new phase of fruitful and constructive co-operation, relying on trust and mutual transparency between the two countries.
For his part, the Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, praised the forum, saying it will enhance bilateral economic relations, especially in the private sector. He expressed his hope that the forum can be held on a regular basis to boost bilateral relations further.
He also praised the recent developments in bilateral relations, particularly in investment.
The Chairman of Qatar Chamber highlighted the strong performance of the Qatari economy, which is becoming one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
He noted that Qatar ranked 19th among 60 developed countries in the Global Competitiveness report of 2014. The strong performance is a result of the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
For his part, Director General for Economic Affairs and Sustainable Development at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Dieter Haller, pointed out that Qatar and Germany can do a lot on both public and private levels, adding that trade relations proved to be successful.
Olaf Hoffmann ,Vice President of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Dorsch Holding GmbH stated that the volume of trade between the Arab region and Germany rise up to 50bn euros, pointing out that Qatar is an important partner for Germany.
Emir meets German president, officials
QNA/Berlin
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday with President of Germany Joachim Gauck at Bellevue Palace in Berlin.
The meeting reviewed co-operation ties between the two friendly countries and means of developing and enhancing them on all fronts, in addition to exchanging views on the overall regional and international situations.
Besides the members of the Qatari delegation, a group of German ministers were present at the meeting.
HH the Emir met yesterday at his residence in Berlin with Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Energy Sigmar Gabriel and his accompanying delegation.
Talks during the meeting focused on areas of co-operation between the two countries and prospects of developing them in various fields, in addition to exchanging views on regional and international developments.
HH the Emir also met at his residence in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the accompanying delegation.
Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations as well as a range of issues of common interest.
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani paid a visit yesterday afternoon to the Municipality of Berlin.
Mayor Klaus Wowereit and a number of ranking officials were on hand to receive HH the Emir.
They discussed areas of co-operation and a number of issues of mutual interest.
After the meeting, the mayor accompanied the Emir on a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and briefed him on the landmarks in the German capital.
The meetings were attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir.
