German businesses continue to view Qatar as a trusted partner, with bilateral trade ties and energy co-operation holding firm despite geopolitical turbulence.
Dr Martin Henkelmann, Regional CEO of the German Chambers of Commerce (AHK) covering Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Pakistan, said the presence of German companies in Qatar remains stable, underpinned by more than two decades of institutional commitment through the German Industry and Commerce Office in Doha.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Dr Henkelmann emphasised that German firms value reliability and trust, qualities that have characterised their long standing relationship with Qatar.
This foundation, he noted, continues to guide investment decisions and reinforces confidence in the country’s business environment.
The long term energy partnership between Germany and Qatar, formalised in 2022, remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, said Dr Henkelmann, noting that the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to technical exchange and know how transfer, with dialogue platforms being expanded to strengthen coordination between stakeholders on both sides.
German engineering and construction firms also remain engaged in Qatar’s infrastructure pipeline, supported by the country’s clear development path under the Qatar National Vision 2030, he emphasised. Dr
Henkelmann said opportunities in technology, healthcare and infrastructure continue to attract German expertise, with companies taking a long term view rather than being swayed by short term geopolitical volatility.
He pointed out that German businesses are increasingly shifting from project based cooperation toward knowledge and innovation driven partnerships. “The next step is therefore not only exporting products, but increasingly contributing through local partnerships, research and development co-operation, training initiatives, and long term technology transfer,” Dr Henkelmann explained.
Dr Henkelmann also highlighted the role of the German Chamber, working closely with Team Germany, including the Embassy of Germany in Doha and the German Business Council Qatar, to actively support companies.
“We are facilitating direct exchange between businesses, logistics providers, authorities, and other stakeholders to improve coordination and share reliable market information in real time,” he said.
In addition, the chamber provides market intelligence, business partner matching, networking platforms, and close coordination with both German and Qatari partners.
Dr Henkelmann noted that in uncertain times, “trusted networks and direct communication channels become even more valuable for maintaining business continuity.”
Sectors such as digital health, smart industry solutions, cybersecurity, vocational training, sustainable urban development and environmental technology were identified as areas where German companies could expand their presence in Qatar.
Dr Henkelmann said these fields represent the next phase of bilateral engagement, moving beyond traditional contracts toward deeper collaboration in innovation and skills development.
German businesses, he said, are highly regarded for quality, reliability, and technical expertise, noting that the challenge now is to translate those strengths into partnerships that deliver long term value for Qatar’s diversification agenda while opening new avenues for German firms to contribute to the country’s growth.
Dr Henkelmann added: “The German companies’ view is long-term and future-oriented and therefore not driven by geopolitical ups and downs.”
