Ecuador, which has its only embassy for the Gulf region in Doha, is optimistic of strengthening bilateral relations with Qatar, ambassador Ivonne A-Baki said.
“I have identified several areas of trade and businesses where there could be more intense co-operation between Doha and Quito,” she explained in a media interaction prior to the visit of Ecuador’s trade and investment minister Pablo Campana to Qatar.
The Latin American nation’s envoy described Qatar as an amazing destination with remarkably good scope for attracting a large number of tourists if it is marketed in a big way in South America, while highlighting the necessity of introducing direct air connectivity between Doha and Quito, Ecuador’s capital city.
“Quito is somewhat at the centre of the world and it would be easy for travellers from our neighbouring countries like Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, and Chile to travel to Qatar if there is a direct flight from Quito,” said A-Baki, who is of Arab descent.
The ambassador pointed out that now people of these countries need to travel either to Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, which are eight to nine hours away from their places for their onward journey to Qatar.
While exuding confidence, the Ecuadorian envoy said she feels there is greater necessity of developing relations between people of both the Latin American and Arab regions as both are curious to better understand the traditions, culture and interests of each other.
“Introduction of a direct flight will certainly contribute to bringing more people in coming days to both the regions,” she said.
Currently, Qatar Airways is operating cargo flights from Quito to Doha. About one million roses are airlifted a week from Quito to Qatar, said the ambassador, who also hoped the introduction of regular passenger flights could help export Ecuadorian bananas among other things to this region.
“Ecuador is one of the largest producers of bananas in the world and people in Qatar could also get a chance to regularly savour fruits and vegetables from Ecuador along with those from other markets.”
A-Baki said she visited the new Hamad Port and was impressed with its state-of-the-art facilities. “Now that Qatar is having a world class port, capable of receiving large mother vessels, I’m sure there would be more liner connectivity between Doha and countries of our region as well in coming days.”
The ambassador said since her arrival in Qatar about three months ago she has had negotiations with several ministers, officials of Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Airways, Manateq, representatives of businesses and many others, seeking investment opportunities both in Qatar and Ecuador. 
She singled out for praise the interest shown by HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti for identifying more areas for closer co-operation between Qatar and Ecuador.  
“Both Qatar and Ecuador stand to gain considerably from such business opportunities as there are many areas where the two countries need each other. 
“While Qatar has rich technologies in oil and gas, Ecuador has expertise in such areas as mining, dairy farming, shrimp farming and industrial manufacturing among others,” said the envoy.
A-Baki, who is the resident ambassador of Ecuador in Qatar is also looking after Oman, Kuwait, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. The envoy, who had also served in Washington earlier, is also a former minister of trade and investment in Ecuador.