By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter
German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel has lauded Qatar’s efforts to develop and promote the use of renewable energy to spur economic development.
“Germany wants to diversify its gas supply sources and transport routes, and share its high-level of expertise in renewable energies. We, therefore, welcome the supply agreements that have been set up between companies in Germany and Qatar,” said Gabriel, who was speaking at Qatar Chamber’s two-day “1st SMEs Conference,” which concludes today at the Four
Seasons Hotel.
He also stressed that Germany welcomes Qatar’s strides to integrate “green technologies” in the construction of stadiums and other facilities to be used in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“We see no contradiction in using oil and gas while promoting the use of renewable energies; there are many channels to explore in the areas of infrastructure and Qatar is making great strides in its preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“And Germany welcomes the fact that Qatar is endeavouring to make the World Cup a zero-carbon emission event,” Gabriel stressed.
Citing its broad experience in the areas of vocational training, engineering, and renewable energy, Gabriel said many German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are looking to Qatar to explore investment
opportunities here.
He added that since most German SMEs are family-owned, “they intend to forge long-lasting partnerships with their
international counterparts.”
“The German business community is a competent and reliable sector, and this is also especially true for German SMEs. The strengths of our small and mid-sized economy are based on their commitment to engage in long-term investments,” Gabriel said.
According to Gabriel, SMEs serve as “the backbone of German economy and drivers of
innovation.
Unlike large corporations, Gabriel said that SMEs in Germany cannot afford to hire lawyers and waste money on bureaucracy.
“SMEs need a stable framework, as well as a long-term perspective, clear jurisdiction, and transparent tax system. They are more focused on the business unlike the bigger companies that are able to employ many lawyers thus, making them capable of investing in international markets,” he elaborated.
He added, “So, if you convince them that your economy is stable, with a clear framework, fair, and has a transparent administration, then you will be able to convince them to come and invest in your country.”
Gabriel said more than 140 players from Germany’s private sector have expressed “keen
interest” to invest in Qatar.
“Our SMEs are ready to enter international levels of co-operation. German SMEs offer ideal investment opportunities to investors from Qatar and you are welcome partners for Germany,” Gabriel emphasised.
Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said the “1st SMEs Conference” aims to promote entrepreneurship, stimulate services for local SMEs, to support diversification, and create employment opportunities
for the national workforce.
“Our projects have proven their ability to balance the domain of business and development and to generate employment and to boost the wheel of development of the country,” Sheikh Khalifa added.
German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel
