Business
QBA explores investment opportunities with Iraqi minister of trade
The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) is keen to explore investment opportunities in Baghdad, it was announced Tuesday.
This came after QBA deputy chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani al-Thani hosted a luncheon in honour of Atheer Dawood al-Ghurairi, Iraq’s Minister of Trade, who is visiting the country along with his accompanying delegation.
They were received by QBA chairman His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, in the presence of QBA members, during the meeting, which reviewed areas of cooperation in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, in addition to addressing several topics of mutual interest.
The luncheon was attended by QBA members Khalid al-Mannai, Salah al-Jaidah, Nabil Abu Issa, Abdul Salam Issa Abu Issa, Maqbool Habib Khalfan, and Yousef Ibrahim al-Mahmoud, along with QBA general manager Sarah Abdallah.
The meeting, held at the majlis of Sheikh Dr Khalid, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the commercial, economic, and investment sectors. Discussions also highlighted the role of the private sector in developing trade exchange and mutual and joint investments.
Sheikh Faisal underscored that the close relations between Qatar and Iraq represent a distinguished model in the region. He emphasised that the increased exchange of visits between the two sides reflects a shared commitment to enhancing economic partnerships between Doha and Baghdad.
Sheikh Dr Khalid affirmed the strength of Qatar-Iraq ties, describing them as a model of constructive cooperation. He noted that the leadership of both countries is keen to strengthen strategic ties across various sectors, especially in the economic fields.
He believes such strategic partnerships contribute to achieving the visions of both nations through the effective engagement of the private sector, which serves as a cornerstone of successful economic development.
Sheikh Dr Khalid said Iraq represents an important economic and commercial market for Qatar. He said this was clearly reflected during the recent visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Iraq, which underscored the commitment to strengthening co-operation in implementing strategic projects across vital sectors, including energy, manufacturing industries, food security, education, logistics services, real estate, and other areas of mutual economic benefit.
The minister invited the QBA to visit Baghdad and explore the potential investment opportunities across various sectors. Al-Ghurairi said his delegation held several meetings with key entities like Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Hamad Port.
He stressed Iraq’s keenness to enhance economic integration with Qatar and referred to a study prepared by the Ministry of Trade on diversifying import sources from the GCC countries.
The study outlines practical measures to expand the base of trading partners, diversify logistics gateways, and reduce transport costs by leveraging the advanced services available at Qatari ports.
He said Iraq and Qatar are discussing an agreement for the protection and promotion of investments, which would strengthen the investment environment and open broader opportunities for joint ventures in the sectors of industry, services, trade, and infrastructure.
The minister lauded Qatari investments in Iraq, noting that the Iraqi side is keen to increase Qatari private sector investments in Iraqi cities, where numerous opportunities are available across various sectors.