The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) organised a meeting with a delegation representing Sweden’s biggest players in the fields of Information Technology, communications, automotive, logistics, and shipping services.
During the meeting, QBA chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani stressed on the need to discuss potential partnerships and co-operation opportunities between different Qatari and Swedish organisations, especially in the private sector.
Sheikh Faisal noted that Qatar is witnessing a “comprehensive renaissance in all fields.”
“It also seeks to transform the economy from an economy based on oil and gas to an economy based on knowledge, technology, and sustainability,” he stressed.
QBA board member Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani al-Thani also stressed on the importance of exchanging visits and trade delegations between the two countries, and called for the development of co-operation in the tourism sector.
“Qatar has become an important destination for tourism in the region. There is also a need to encourage Qataris to visit the Kingdom of Sweden and enjoy nature and its picturesque landscape,” Sheikh Hamad said.
QBA first deputy chairman Hussein Alfardan praised the economic relations between the two countries, especially in the automobile sector, particularly vehicles that are environmentally-friendly. He also called for the need to strengthen trade co-operation between the two countries.
Ambassador Eva Polano said Sweden has achieved “a high level of security and well-being conditions,” following the “remarkable development” of its economy. She added that the country was also able to build a knowledge-based economy through modern research and technology.
She also stressed that Sweden is keen to develop economic co-operation with Qatar, “which has many advantages and promising investment opportunities in many areas.”
According to Polano, co-operation initiatives with Qatar may include the areas of innovation and scientific research, and the use of technology in cities and construction of major projects implemented by Qatar to develop the infrastructure and preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Max Bjuhr, ambassador of trade and promotion at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said other opportunities and projects that Swedish companies are currently implementing in Qatar cover different sectors such as renewable energy, recycling, water treatment, food security, and environmentally-friendly vehicles, as well as healthcare.