Business
Years of Culture initiative strengthens Argentina's economic presence in Doha
The Years of Culture Initiative has announced that the Investment and Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Buenos Aires will open an office in Doha next year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and the Ministry of Economic Development of Buenos Aires.
The agreement paves the way for new mechanisms of support for Argentine companies seeking access to markets across the region.
In a statement on Thursday, the initiative noted that the partnership between the two countries, fostered through the Years of Culture programme, has laid the foundation for deeper economic relations.
The MoU marks a growing Argentine commercial presence in Qatar, following the visit of an Argentine delegation led by Minister of Economic Development of Buenos Aires Hernan Lombardi, accompanied by Undersecretary for Investment Affairs Augusto Ardiles.
Advisor for Latin American Affairs at the Years of Culture Initiative Mohammed al-Kuwari said that over the past year, the Years of Culture Initiative has shown that cultural exchange builds trust, understanding, and sustainable economic partnerships. The growing commercial presence of Argentina in Qatar, reflected in these agreements, is a direct result of the relationships forged throughout the year, a testament to how cultural diplomacy can open the door to purposeful investment and innovation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Financial Centre Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida said the MoU builds on more than fifty years of strong partnership between Qatar and Argentina. It represents a significant step towards enhancing structured and effective cooperation between the QFC and the Ministry of Economic Development of Buenos Aires.
Together, he added, they are committed to enabling business growth. Through this agreement, they aim to establish a more supportive environment that facilitates cross-border expansion by easing market access and activating mutual support mechanisms.
Lombardi stated that this agreement reflects the confidence our Buenos Aires team places in Qatar as a strategic partner for innovation, investment, and long-term co-operation. Establishing the Buenos Aires Investment and Foreign Trade Promotion Agency's office in Doha and strengthening the institutional ties through the QFC marks a new chapter for Argentine companies seeking a footprint in the Gulf region.
Lombardi added they look forward to building on this momentum and creating tangible opportunities that benefit both economies.
The Years of Culture Initiative has increasingly become a driver of economic growth, in addition to its role as a model of cultural diplomacy. This year, the Initiative has played a pivotal role in defining new pathways for co-operation by enabling consistent, direct engagement between innovators in Argentina and Qatar's business community, government institutions, and financial sector.
Several Argentine companies specialising in biotechnology, health technologies, multimedia, and applied artificial intelligence are now preparing to establish operations in Qatar through the QFC, a step that further strengthens Argentina's presence across the Gulf Co-operation Council region.
Led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Years of Culture Initiative fosters long-term cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It aims to promote mutual respect between diverse cultures, inspire unity among peoples, enhance dialogue, and deepen understanding.
At its core, the Years of Culture programme serves as a bridge connecting nations across various sectors, including cultural heritage, creative industries, social and economic development, and innovation, enriching Qatar's relations with partner countries even beyond the conclusion of each cultural year.