Minister, US team hold talks to boost trade ties

HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani yesterday discussed, with a visiting US business delegation, the means and mechanisms to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations and ways to promote bilateral relations between Qatar and the US.
The meeting, held in the framework of co-operation activities between the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the US-Qatari Business Council, reviewed the results of the US-Qatari strategic dialogue, held recently in Washington, DC.
The Minister pointed out that Qatar has increased its investments in the US over many years, contributing to the creation of millions of jobs in the US. These included partnerships with many American companies including ExxonMobil,
ConocoPhillips and Raytheon.
HE Sheikh Ahmed explained there are more than 5,000 US citizens currently working in Qatar’s private sector, and that thousands of other jobs in the US depend on the existing investments with Qatar.
He cited the successes achieved by the Qatari economy, including the rise in the GDP during 2017, to reach about $220bn, compared to $218bn in 2016. According to the latest World Bank report, Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to rise
to 2.6% in 2018.
Also yesterday, as part of the preparation for the upcoming business mission to the US next month, the Minister met a group of Qatari investors and businesspersons. Qatar Businessmen Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani and Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani were present.
The minister discussed the preparations for the upcoming US business tour which will coincide with the visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
He further stressed the importance of the trade mission and anticipated increased trade exchange volume between the two countries and growth in mutual investments. (QNA)