Qatar and the US discussed opportunities for co-operation and joint ventures between the two countries in finance, investment, real estate and small and medium-sized enterprises on the sidelines of the Qatar-US Economic Forum held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The event was held as part of Qatar’s ‘economic tour’ in the United States.
The two sides also reviewed the projects related to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and opportunities and challenges in the sectors of tourism, energy and food security.
Qatar Exchange CEO Rashid al-Mansouri stressed on the importance of the participation of US investment funds in the Qatar Stock Exchange, especially as the stock market is currently diversifying sources of income and investment.
Al-Mansouri revealed there was interest from US financial institutions and business leaders in the United States to know more about the QSE and how to invest in it.
Pointing out that the bourse was trying to attract investments and opportunities and introduce legislation and enhance the investment environment, he said there are no taxes in Qatar, which found positive response from American investors.
Mohamed Hassan al-Malki, head (Development and Planning) at Economic Zones Company (Manateq) said the company aimed to attract foreign investments into free zones, pointing out that it works directly with the Free Zones Authority in this regard.
Al-Maliki explained the benefits Qatar provides to investors, and spoke about the sectors assigned for investors.
Abdullah Yacoub al-Sayed, director (Project Delivery) Qatari Diar, spoke about the company’s investments in and outside Qatar and referred to the Washington DC City Center project.
He pointed Qatar has many projects and opportunities in various sectors, as well as the conducive investment environment and legislation that is attractive to foreign investments.
Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, (Qatar Development Bank) said the Qatar-US Economic Forum in Raleigh was an opportunity for investors in the two countries to network and establish possible ventures.
Al-Khulaifi said that the Qatar Development Bank, which signed two agreements during the economic tour in the US, was keen to link SMEs to the country’s labour market, creating jobs and helping create manufacturing facilities in the country.
Abdulbasit al-Ajji, director (Business Development and Investment Promotion) at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce spoke about “opportunities and challenges in the tourism, energy and food security sectors”.
Fahad al-Kuwari, head, policy department at the Ministry of Energy and Industry, stressed on Qatar’s commitment to the energy contracts concluded with various countries, pointing out that the gas exports reached consumers worldwide on time despite the blockade imposed on the country.
He also referred to Qatar’s recent decision to increase its LNG output by 30% to 100mn tonnes per year.
Al-Kuwari explained that the “expansion plans in the country’s gas production came at a crucial time because in future the demand for energy is expected to rise.”
Al-Kuwari pointed out Qatar also encouraged “new and renewable energy” and there was a plan to generate 200MW of electricity through solar energy.
Nasser Ali al-Muslamani, director (Planning and Quality) at Qatar Tourism Authority discussed the country’s efforts in developing the tourism sector and opportunities for collaboration and co-operation available in the sector.
HE Sheikh Ahmed and other dignitaries at the forum.
