Qatar Chamber hosted the Qatar-Burundi Business Forum recently to explore ways to enhance commercial and economic co-operation between the private sectors of both countries.
The meeting was led by Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism of Burundi and Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari.
The Chamber's board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli and Burundi’s ambassador to Qatar, Isidore Ntirampeba, also attended the event, including businessmen from both sides.
In her remarks, Nijimbere stressed that the delegation's visit reflected the Burundian government's interest in bolstering economic cooperation with Qatar, attracting Qatari investments to her country, and informing Qatari investors about the investment climate and opportunities in Burundi.
Nijimbere noted that there will be an increase in mutual visits and the signing of agreements between both countries in the coming period. She highlighted the incentives offered by Burundi to attract foreign investments for the implementation of the Burundi National Vision 2040.
She emphasised that her country provides an attractive investment environment, including infrastructure development, ports, and airports, as well as improvements in legislation, procedures, and the financial system related to foreign investments.
The minister also called on the Qatari business community to visit Burundi and explore the investment opportunities available in various sectors, including mining, industry, agriculture, and textiles, among others.
Al-Kuwari, on the other hand, emphasised that the meeting comes within the framework of the distinguished relations between Qatar and Burundi and the agreements signed between them, as well as the common interest in bolstering cooperation relations between both sides.
He noted that despite the distinctive relations between the two countries, bilateral trade volume “remains below expectations” and expressed hope that the coming period would witness an increase in trade exchange between the two countries and within the private sectors of both sides.
Al-Kuwari said Qatari businessmen are keen to explore Burundi's investment climate and opportunities. He said Burundi is rich in natural resources, such as nickel, uranium, copper, gold, and platinum, among others. Additionally, the country offers arable land.
He underscored the chamber’s commitment to encouraging Qatari businessmen to invest in Africa in general, stressing that Burundi offers many opportunities that attract Qatari investors. Burundi provides multiple investment incentives and facilities, creating a safe and affordable investment environment, he said.
During the forum, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between al-Kuwari and the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Oliver Suguru to enhance co-operation between the private sectors of both countries.
The general director of the Burundian Development Agency, Didace Ngenkumana, presented ‘Investment Opportunities in Burundi’, while Suguru discussed ‘Agriculture Sector in Burundi’.
Mohamed al-Mulla, investor relations specialist at the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar, gave a presentation on the investment environment of the country and the financial incentives and facilities it provides to investors.
During the meeting, a presentation was also given on investment in Romania titled ‘10 Reasons for Establishing Business in Timis’, during which a number of the investment advantages of the region were reviewed, including the good location and infrastructure represented by a transportation and road network, and the qualified workforce, as well as the incentives it provides to foreign investors and the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Timis.
Participants of the Qatari-Burundi Business Forum, which was held in Doha recently.
