Qatar is ‘a strong regional ally of the United States’

Qatar is now one of the strongest regional allies of the US, the US embassy’s charge d’affaires Ryna Gliha said yesterday while formally opening the US pavilion at Dimdex 2016 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
While expressing happiness at the growing bilateral relations, Gliha said the US has been one of the largest import partners of Qatar with exports worth $4.3bn in 2015. The official said the large percentage of these exports is attributed to aircraft, transportation and heavy equipment.
While exuding optimism to have more opportunities in the future as well, Gliha recalled that in 2014, more than $10bn worth of business was awarded to the US defence and security.
The trade and investment relations between the US and Qatar continued to prove resilient with increasing interest for US goods and services although this year has witnessed a fall in oil prices, regional unrest and uncertainty in global markets, said the diplomat.
The US official also urged the US companies to not only consider the sales of equipment or services, but also training programmes and support services in line with the actual needs and requirements of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Knowledge transfer and supporting Qatar’s continuing efforts to develop its technical and military capabilities are the key, he said.
“It is pleasing that 17 exhibitors from the US are taking part in the Dimdex, which is a US department of Commerce certified event,” added Gliha. Earlier, the National Anthems of the US and Qatar were sung to mark the opening of the US pavilion.