The inaugural ‘Qatar Trade and Treasury Transformation Summit’ held Wednesday in Doha reflects the country’s commitment to investing in a knowledge-based economy, which aligns seamlessly with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

“This commitment...is being pursued through a strategic plan rooted in innovation, efficiency, and flexibility, placing Qatar at the forefront among leading nations in this field,” Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani further said in his speech during the event’s opening ceremony.

Held in the presence of Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the summit discussed modern trends and views in trade and the treasury sector.

It also tackled digital transformation in banking operations and its role in enhancing corporate treasury capabilities through innovative and intelligent cash and payment solutions, as well as ways to foster innovation and accelerate digital development in Qatar.

Sheikh Khalifa, who is also chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar, expressed his confidence that the summit would serve as a platform for open dialogue and direct discussions on the future of trade and finance that go beyond theory, leading to implementation for the benefit of institutions and communities alike.

He also affirmed the Qatar Chamber’s and ICC Qatar’s conviction that the private sector is the best qualified to set global business standards that foster innovation and drive development in the financial and commercial sectors.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that the summit’s working sessions address key areas, such as the digitisation of trade finance, treasury transformation, cross-border payments, and the key role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the capabilities of treasury professionals in both large and small companies, along with other factors that foster a culture of financial planning and sound institutional investment.

Speaking at the event, al-Malki emphasised that the summit serves as a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the future of business and digital transformation in the finance sector and smart commerce. He noted that the event also provides an opportunity to explore the best practices and adopt innovative solutions that contribute to building a sustainable future.

According to al-Malki, Qatar places great importance on building a flexible and integrated commercial, industrial, and financial system based on the highest standards of innovation, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and balanced, stable economic policies, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Over the past years, al-Malki explained that Qatar has actively invested in developing its technological infrastructure to embrace emerging technologies, keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and attract more investment in this field.

“Technological transformation and innovation lie at the heart of the country’s national strategies, serving as key pillars in the restructuring of the national economy and the transition toward a digital, efficient, and sustainable future,” al-Malki emphasised.

He stressed that the pivotal role of the private sector in supporting the economic, industrial, and commercial system is by focusing on innovation and keeping pace with the technological revolution.

Al-Malki added: “We look forward to the constructive discussions during this summit, which we believe will foster fruitful partnerships and drive sustainable transformation in trade and treasury, ultimately enhancing our global competitiveness and advancing our sustainable development goals.”