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Joint ventures (JVs) and collaborative initiatives with international partners, such as Sweden-based agritech firm, Moving Floors, could help propel Qatar to the forefront of sustainable farming, creating a positive impact on the economy.Moving Floor CEO and co-founder Peg Söderberg expressed optimism about potential collaborations with the Gulf state, saying a collaboration can position Qatar as a leader in sustainable, high-quality agricultural equipment, attracting further investment and driving economic growth.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times following a recent visit to Qatar to explore investment opportunities, Peg Söderberg, further explained: “A partnership between Moving Floor and Qatar can have several positive economic impacts. It can create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, from technology installation and maintenance to farm operations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives can enhance the skills of the local workforce, fostering innovation and expertise in sustainable farming.”Söderberg pointed out that Moving Floor manufactures prefabricated modules that are installed at farms. Citing Qatar’s “excellent logistics” and free zones, she said the country could, in the long term, serve as a strategic export hub for Moving Floor, as well as a gateway to surrounding regions.“Most countries strive for self-sufficiency in food production, at least to some extent, as it is the backbone of society. This means Moving Floor has a big global market potential as we can renovate or build new barns, whether they are small or mega-farms,” she emphasised.Aside from JVs, Söderberg noted that Moving Floor is also anticipating potential opportunities for technology transfers and playing a role in Qatar’s existing agriculture investment projects to implement the company’s sustainable farming systems in the region and hot, arid Gulf climates.“Our technology is adaptable to various climates, including the hot and arid conditions of the Gulf region. Collaborating with Qatari agricultural projects can help implement sustainable farming systems that are efficient and resilient.“We can bring our expertise in automated cleaning solutions, which can be tailored to meet the unique environmental and agricultural needs of Qatar, ensuring enhanced productivity and sustainability. Localising sales and assembly is part of the Moving Floor go-to-market plan,” Söderberg stressed.She also said: “In a joint venture, Sweden and Qatar can leverage their respective strengths to create a powerful synergy. With more than 100 commercial dairy farms and 10 university collaborations running, Sweden’s expertise in sustainable farming and advanced agricultural technologies can provide innovative solutions and best practices.“Meanwhile, Qatar’s financial resources can support large-scale implementation and infrastructure development. This partnership can drive advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, combining Swedish innovation with Qatari investment to achieve shared goals in food security and economic growth.”Söderberg noted that other forms of collaboration between Moving Floor and Qatari partners that could drive innovation and impact foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in this sector include pilot farms, research and development (R&D) partnerships, training programmes, and knowledge exchange initiatives.She said: “Establishing research centres in Qatar focused on sustainable agriculture could drive innovation and adaptation of technologies to local conditions. Training programmes for local farmers and agricultural workers on the use of automated systems and sustainable practices can enhance skills and productivity. These collaborations can attract further FDI by showcasing Qatar as a hub for advanced, sustainable farming practices.”Söderberg added: “Automated cleaning systems maintain high sanitation standards, reducing the risk of contamination and disease. Additionally, our technology can improve traceability in supply chains by providing accurate records of cleaning and animal health, supporting transparency and trust in food production.”

Qatar has abundant opportunities for Swedish companies to contribute to the Gulf nation’s ambitious goals to position itself as a regional hub for sports, tourism, and mega-events, Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya has said.Citing the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Bhattacharyya emphasised Swedish telecom giant Ericsson’s successful 5G rollout during the global sporting event. “This underscores how the company assured the technical backbone during the football matches. We also had a Swedish firm providing the state-of-the-art pool for the World Aquatics Championships that Doha recently hosted,” he pointed out.Beyond infrastructure, the ambassador emphasised that people-to-people ties are flourishing through the sports arena: “Sweden is a great sporting nation. And Swedish experts are working in Qatar across football, table tennis, horse riding, and more. Swedish teams visit here frequently for the country’s training camps, leveraging Qatar’s world-class facilities.”Similarly, Bhattacharyya lauded Aspetar, a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital headquartered in Doha and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Under Aspetar’s elite athlete healthcare services, the ambassador said Swedish national level athletes regularly receive world-class treatment and rehabilitation there. “Sweden is also well-known for sports therapy and there is further scope for collaboration in this field” Bhattacharyya noted.Asked how businesses from Sweden and Qatar could contribute to strengthening cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding, Bhattacharyya underscored commonalities between the two nations, describing them as smaller countries that have transitioned from subsistence level to export-led wealth.“Both peoples, Qataris and Swedes, were traditionally hardy, self-sufficient and very hardworking, affected by the often harsh climate and nature in both countries, so there is some kind of basic similarity in their inherited cultural substrata. Today, Sweden is a very hyper-modern, innovative European country with fairly individualistic values.“Qatar, on the other hand, has a more family-oriented, collectivistic value. But still, or precisely because of the differences, there is ample space for collaboration in culture, sports and other areas” the ambassador explained.According to Bhattacharyya, Qatar’s acquisition of a major Turkish 18th century art collection “The Biby Collection”, formerly owned by Sweden, reflects linkages in traditional arts. However, he noted that unconventional synergies are also underway, such as interconnecting the Qatari, Indian, and Swedish film industries through a multi-nation co-production initiative.“It pays to think out of the box. It’s not always just between Qatar and Sweden. Qatar is a great midway point between many geographies and with top-modern facilities here, allowing room for creative initiatives”.Moreover, the ambassador noted that Sweden’s large Arab diaspora provides a bridge, evidenced by the prominent Malmo Arab Film Festival, one of the biggest Arab language film festivals in Europe, where Qatari films have received various awards and prizes.Bhattacharyya also suggested opportunities for mutual learning with Sweden’s approach to inclusive economic growth, citing Swedish expertise in adapting workplaces for those with special needs like autism. “Qatar and Sweden can learn together, especially in implementing new pedagogic methods and technologies for elderly people and children with special needs, such as autism. These are areas where Sweden has a strong focus.“We have companies specialising in the needs of people who are visually or audibly impaired, or other functional impairments. We have adapted our workplaces to address the needs of these people. And I believe Qatar is taking the same direction, so, again that’s another great area for collaboration,” Bhattacharyya further emphasised.

Qatar and Sweden share a high potential in forging sustainability partnerships driven by innovation and knowledge exchange, according to the CEO of FAM, a Swedish private holding company founded by the Wallenberg family.Hakan Buskhe recently led a high-level business delegation to Qatar comprising Swedish CEOs, who explored the country’s investment opportunities and industrial landscape to foster partnerships between Swedish and Qatari companies.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Buskhe highlighted both countries’ parallel development pursuits, including Qatar’s sustainable development goals outlined in its 2030 National Vision, and Sweden’s expertise in renewable energy, urban planning, and environmental technologies that could support Qatar’s efforts.Buskhe also emphasised the potential range for knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation between Qatar and Sweden across sectors like sustainable cities, waste management, circular economy, agriculture, and food security.“There is strong potential for joint sharing of knowledge. For example, Sweden has been carbon-neutral in supplying electricity due to various circumstances for many years. We have utilised that to develop our products for the global market.“Of course, Qatar has its unique requirements. Yet, from what I've gathered through our interactions with various institutions and companies in Qatar, there is a significant opportunity to evolve and enhance sustainability. This shared goal aligns us closely,” Buskhe explained.Citing another commonality between both nations, Buskhe lauded Qatar Foundation’s (QF) focus on sustainability through research and development (R&D), saying this reflects the mutual commitment to sustainability, innovation, and learning from each other’s experiences.“It is important to note that Sweden and Qatar have different development paths. Among Sweden’s natural resources is iron ore; we have forests and many rivers, as well as green steel and sustainable electricity.But I think the understanding and the willingness to go in that direction is also very strong in Qatar as it is in Sweden. It is a genuine direction for both countries. And I think we can compare notes and learn from each other,” Buskhe explained.On the back of knowledge sharing and innovative collaboration befitting Qatar and Sweden’s forward-looking visions, Buskhe also emphasised the potential breadth of a sustainability partnership spanning renewable energy, agri-tech, smart cities, and circular economy solutions, among others.Buskhe pointed out that Sweden boasts a longstanding tradition in waste management, citing waste as “a good resource.” He noted that only “1%” of Sweden’s waste is sent to landfills, while the remaining “99%” is recycled or repurposed. He stressed that waste disposal and management is not solely a government responsibility but a collective effort of society.“In Sweden today, people spend the weekends sorting or engaging in recycling-related activities. Growing up in the ‘60s, we didn’t have this type of waste management. However, each individual has an impact on society, so everyone, not just the government of the city or municipality, must be responsible for doing their part in the circular economy.“Not only can Qatar and Sweden exchange or compare notes in the area of industrial technology and machinery, but also in terms of mindset whether it is on recycling or other ways to protect the environment,” Buskhe further explained.

Major players and stakeholders in Qatar’s private sector have expressed keen interest in partnering with their counterparts in the Philippines, according to the southeast Asian nation’s top diplomat here. Ambassador Lillibeth V Pono told Gulf Times that the Philippine embassy in Qatar has been facilitating connections between both countries’ private sectors amid efforts by the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr to push for more foreign direct investment (FDI). According to Pono, one of the mandates of the embassy is to promote the Philippines’ economic interests through economic diplomacy and economic intelligence initiatives, as well as sharing opportunities and facilitating dialogues with businesses and other private sector stakeholders. The ambassador said the embassy is also assisting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines during the conduct of the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM), which is organised by the DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) – Dubai and Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Pono also expressed optimism for potential collaboration between the private sectors of the Philippines and Qatar, citing business-to-business dialogue involving “big initiatives that could not be revealed at the moment.” However, Pono said the memorandum of understanding signed by Qatar Chamber with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), as well as with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during the “historic” state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani last April 2024 reflect the robust relations between both nations’ private sectors. In an interview with Qatar News Agency, PCCI president Enunina Mangio described His Highness the Amir’s state visit as “a significant event for the Philippine business sector” and “represents Qatar’s sincere interest in contributing to the Philippine’s development goals.” During her speech at the embassy’s recent commemoration of the 126th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence held in the presence of HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi in Doha, Pono lauded His Highness the Amir’s visit as "a demonstration of efforts to galvanise the action needed to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights.” Pono said: “During the visit, we witnessed the signing of several landmark agreements and the straightforward and sincere dialogue between the Amir and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr on further expanding the scope of bilateral co-operation, notably in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defence, culture, climate change, and labour, among many other areas.” The ambassador also said: “The Philippines and Qatar commit to working closely to foster stronger economic relations, and we will be glad to have more and more Qatar investors becoming part of the Philippines’ growth trajectory. “We are a reliable and stable partner with our sound micro-economic fundamentals, an agile, educated, and skilled workforce, and business-friendly climate. We are now considered as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region, expected to hit 6% growth in 2024 from 5.5% in 2023.”

Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi has ensured Italy’s full support for Qatar’s initiatives and programmes to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons into key sectors like technology and manufacturing.Toschi lauded the country’s economic transformation plans, citing recent announcements such as Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which is the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.“We are currently witnessing the Qatari economy diversifying further...at this moment on the economic front, Italy commends Qatar’s economic diversification, and will continue to support it and be part of it,” Toschi told Gulf Times.Toschi also noted that the strength of Italy’s delegation at the Qatar Economic Forum underlines the keen interest of Italian companies in participating in Qatar's diversification plans.“We had a record participation of Italian businesses at the recently concluded Qatar Economic Forum, which clearly indicates Italy’s commitment. By far, this was the highest number of Italian companies and this is a sign that we are here to continue partnering and supporting this diversification,” he remarked.Toschi also praised the directions laid out by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, which focus on sustainability, energy diversification, high technology, and manufacturing.“This presents a very clear picture of what the government is laying out, which we will continue to support,” affirmed the ambassador, who added that Italy will also back Qatar’s investments in education, higher education, artificial intelligence (AI), and efforts to attract tech startups.On high technology, Toschi underscored the need for ensuring safety through proper governance when harnessing the power of AI, citing Italy’s “double approach,” which combines ethical guidelines and regulations with accelerating AI R&D.The ambassador also lauded the pioneering work of the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) in areas like large language models (LLMs), underscoring the keenness to expand Italy-Qatar collaboration on AI.“We want to expand our conversation with Qatar on artificial intelligence. Qatar has an important institution like Qatar Computer Research Institute that is leading the regional conversation on artificial intelligence, including large language models, which is something we’re extremely interested in,” he stressed.On Qatar-Italy trade, Toschi revealed Italy’s agri-food and food and beverage (F&B) exports to Qatar surged over 40% year-on-year in the first few months of this year versus the same period in 2023, citing “huge enthusiasm” for Italian F&B products.

Greece’s economic resurgence with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the helm is seen to open potential Qatari investments in a wide range of sectors, including energy, tourism, and high-tech industries.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Energy and Environment Holding CEO Roudi Baroudi underscored the growing bilateral ties of both countries, saying Qatar is well-positioned to capitalise on Greece’s economic stability, which has been attracting foreign direct investments (FDI).“After the bond and fiscal crisis that Greece went through in 2012-2014, it took them a few years of solid reconsolidating their books with the assistance of the IMF, the World Bank, and especially the EU...the stupendous economic growth brought about by Prime Minister Mitsotakis has brought a lot of FDI back.“Qatar has always had certain private investments in the financial and energy sectors. Today, Greece is a hub for diverse investment opportunities and its economy is open to different markets other than just tourism, real estate, and industry, but they have direct access to Europe, as well, in terms of oil and gas,” Baroudi explained.Baoudi noted that the energy sector, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), is vital in enhancing further Qatar-Greece investment opportunities and economic ties. He also said Qatar’s decades-long expertise in the LNG industry could help catalyse Greece’s bid to become a major logistics centre.“Greece has probably the largest ships, crude tankers, and gas tankers in the world, making them one of the leaders in the global maritime business. Qatar’s LNG capabilities are already well-established with more than a dozen LNG ships working for QatarEnergy subsidiaries,” Baroudi noted.At the Qatar Economic Forum held in Doha last month, HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari emphasised that Qatar’s energy sector is performing “very well,” citing QatarEnergy’s plans for a new LNG expansion project that would further raise the country’s LNG production capacity to 142mn tonnes per annum.Al-Kuwari said, “We are going to increase Qatar’s (liquefied natural gas) production by 85% in a phased manner until 2030. We are going to be reaching 142mn tonnes per annum of LNG.”According to Baroudi, recent developments in Qatar’s energy industry could extend potential investment opportunities with Greece beyond shipping to LNG infrastructure. “Qatar’s expertise could be crucial as Greece expands its LNG port to supply gas to neighbouring countries following the Ukraine-Russian war. QatarEnergy is also making strategic investments in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as in Cyprus and Egypt as part of a larger regional strategy,” he said.Baroudi also pointed to knowledge exchange as another avenue for collaboration and investment in terms of port management. “There is no question that Hamad Port will benefit a lot from further co-operation with the Port of Piraeus, which is Greece’s largest port, and the second largest in the Mediterranean,” Baroudi stated.Asked about potential partnerships outside the energy sector and port management, Baroudi said both countries could also forge joint opportunities in digital connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean tech. Among other industries, Baroudi also noted that Qatar could expand its tourism and hospitality footprint amidst Greece’s favourable economic environment.

A Swedish company specialising in automated cleaning solutions for farms has highlighted how its innovative technology aligns with Qatar’s objectives towards sustainable practices and developing robust food production systems.Peg Söderberg, CEO and co-founder of Moving Floor, was in Qatar recently as part of a high-level delegation of leading Swedish companies that explored the Gulf nation’s investment climate and business opportunities.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Söderberg emphasised that the company’s automated cleaning solutions can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farms.“By maintaining cleaner environments, the health and well-being of farm animals improve, leading to higher yields. Cleaner floors reduce the risk of diseases, lower the need for antibiotics, and promote faster growth rates in livestock.“Additionally, automated systems reduce labour costs and increase operational efficiency, allowing farmers to focus more on strategic aspects of farming, ultimately boosting productivity...furthermore, automating cleaning is labour-saving and has a quicker payback than traditional housing equipment,” she explained.According to a World Bank study, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are “among the most water-scarce countries globally.” Söderberg said, “It is important to mention as water is scarce in Qatar, Moving Floor does not use any water in the daily cleaning of the floors as this is only done mechanically...in some farming systems, water is excessively used for daily cleaning. Moving Floor reduces all that cleaning water usage, which is essential considering Qatar’s water scarcity.”Söderberg also pointed out that Moving Floor’s technology directly supports Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals by creating healthier farming environments. She further said these benefits can attract investment by demonstrating Qatar’s dedication to modern, sustainable agriculture, appealing to investors interested in environmental stewardship and public health.Asked how reduced ammonia emissions and antibiotic use align with Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals and attract investment, Söderberg noted that Moving Floor’s technology can reduce up to 85% of ammonia emissions, which contributes to less smell, better air quality, and lower environmental impact.“We are seeing stringent legislation being implemented in the EU countries, limiting the ammonia emissions from farms by 50, 60, 70, and 85%, respectively for countries, such as Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. As of now, Moving Floor is the only innovative barn cleaning solution that can decrease as much as 85% of the emissions, providing us with a unique market position,” Söderberg stressed.She also said, “Improving the hygiene of the environment where the animals live leads to improved health and less antibiotics use. This is important as the majority of antibiotics globally are used in farming, contributing to the increase of antimicrobial resistance, deemed by WHO as the top three threats to humankind.”Söderberg added: “By minimising ammonia from livestock farming, our technology contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, ensuring a high feed efficiency of the animals (amount of kcal per litre of milk for example) is key when it comes to sustainable animal husbandry. Especially important for a region that imports the majority of the feed.“The total reduction of CO2 is estimated at 10-20% depending on animal type. This aligns with Qatar’s broader environmental objectives and showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable development. Implementing our solutions can make Qatar’s agricultural sector more eco-friendly and resilient.”

The Swedish embassy here is working on bolstering contacts between Qatar and Sweden’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystems to drive innovation, potential partnerships, and talent sourcing, according to top diplomat, Gautam Bhattacharyya.The Swedish ambassador lauded institutions like Qatar Foundation and Education City, as well as its technology parks and incubation centres, including the country’s infrastructure and transport systems, which provide a conducive ecosystem for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.“Everything is set. The next step is to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar and attract talented individuals and companies. Sweden boasts an abundance of such resources. Hitherto, neither Sweden nor Qatar have perhaps engaged so much that both their respective innovative ecosystems know each other, in-depth.“Consequently, we are collaborating closely on initiatives that would establish more systematic connections between Swedish and Qatari institutions or organisations, such as incubators, software technology parks, and various innovation programmes and agencies,” Bhattacharyya told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.While Sweden has had several delegations in this field, Bhattacharyya also called for more traffic and engagement between Qatar and Nordic countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Baltics.“Our presence in the Gulf region, particularly in Qatar, is somewhat low-key. Given the advanced nature of the Swedish and Nordic economies, our engagement can be remedied by high-level visits in both directions, including deeper engagement on the political front, as well as in the business and academic spheres. That is precisely the dynamic we are trying to build. We see traction in that regard and are very optimistic for the future”, he emphasised.Bhattacharyya pointed out that Sweden’s expertise in the field of sustainable green technologies, as well as digitalisation, machine learning, cybersecurity, and deep technology, also offers more potential avenues for cooperation with Qatar’s private and public sectors.“Sweden is a leader in green technologies and we also have a large number of startups and unicorns in this field. We have a huge ecosystem of companies in Sweden pioneering new technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, with a particular focus on sustainability applications,” the ambassador explained.Similarly, he said Sweden is also a leader in transport and the electrification of buses, cars, and trucks. In the field of aerospace, the ambassador said a Swedish company is on its way to producing electric hybrid aeroplanes. “After the summer, a regular ferry route of the Stockholm Public Transport Authority will be operated by an all-electric ferry for the first time,” he noted.Bhattacharyya also underscored Sweden’s longstanding and growing footprint in Qatar, citing the presence of major engineering companies and large corporate firms in the telecom, oil and gas sectors and downstream industrial sectors, amongst others.

British companies could play a vital role in helping Qatar succeed in its ‘Third National Development Strategy’ (NDS3), the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030, ambassador Neerav Patel has said.Speaking on the sidelines of the recently launched ‘British Food Week’, which is currently running across LuLu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar, Patel emphasised Qatar’s clear stance in building “a modern, knowledge-based, highly skilled economy,” following the announcement of NDS3 in January this year.“There are many British enterprises that are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in realising Qatar’s vision. The breadth of the trade in both directions ranges across defence, education, health, advanced manufacturing, technology and AI, science, culture, and sport. We are looking to expand our footprint across these fields, while simultaneously enhancing our existing partnerships,” the ambassador pointed out.Similarly, while addressing a panel discussion with Dr Mohamed Althaf, director, LuLu Group International, held during the event, Patel noted that Qatar is in the top 10 destinations for British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), citing LuLu Group’s role in encouraging among British SMEs “a real appetite and desire to come to Qatar.”“There’s a real match between supply and demand; British brands and businesses are emerging in sustainable, organic, and vegan spaces. There are so many new suppliers coming on stream in the UK and they’re finding a real demand here,” Patel explained.On the broader Qatar-UK trade and economic ties, Patel said both nations share more than £7bn worth of trade in both directions.“There’s more than £40bn of country investments in the UK officially, covering several sectors, such as aerospace, manufacturing, health, and education, among others. We're also going into new areas, such as technology and AI and; of course, consumer and retail are at the heart of that.“Most importantly, there are so many British businesses that want to come and trade with the country counterparts on those areas that are prioritised in the Third National Development Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030, including areas like logistics, data, AI, tech, and tourism,” the ambassador pointed out.For his part, Althaf emphasised that the UK has emerged as a centre of culinary innovation, particularly in terms of plant-based proteins, functional food, healthy food, and dairy products, as well as sectors that cater to modern health and sustainability concerns.“There is a lot of innovation that has happened in the UK and our partnership with them continues to deepen and expand with various universities and other institutions, allowing opportunities for synergy between education, research, and industry,” Althaf stressed.Althaf also underscored LuLu’s world-class distribution centre in Birmingham, citing its forensic testing centre and halal certification facility, and how it ensures food and cultural needs are aligned.Since its establishment in the UK two years ago, Althaf said, LuLu’s Birmingham distribution centre has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Best International Trade. “It is a remarkable achievement, so I believe this has contributed a lot to expanding cultural relationships,” Althaf added.

Emerging technologies, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and digitalisation, present significant opportunities for joint innovation projects between Qatar and Sweden. These collaborations align with the vision of both nations to develop knowledge-based economies.Håkan Buskhe, the CEO of Swedish private holding company, FAM, emphasised how Sweden and Qatar, both being small export-driven economies, recognise the importance of continuous innovation to remain competitive globally."Because Sweden and Qatar are smaller nations, we must be innovative; we need to stay at the forefront of development and sustainability, particularly in AI and digitalisation, among many other specialised fields. Because when you cease to innovate, you risk being bypassed by others. The competitive landscape is significantly tougher now compared to just two years ago, or even a decade ago, for everyone.""What I learned during our visit to Qatar is the mindset: Innovation is at the forefront of change for the better and is essential to providing good living standards for the people of the country. I believe this is the way forward to remain competitive over time. Both Qatar and Sweden rely heavily on exports, so it's crucial that we ensure that we are innovative in a sustainable way,” Bushke told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Recently, Bushke led a high-level delegation of prominent Swedish companies to Qatar, including CEOs from IPCO Sweden, Munters Group, GreenIron, and Moving Floor, who engaged with high-level Qatari stakeholders.Bushke noted that both countries could reinforce complementary strengths, particularly Qatar’s resources and Sweden’s technical expertise, to foster productive innovation partnerships.Asked how Swedish companies could benefit from Qatar’s strategic location in the region and role in global trade, Bushke said: “Likely, we will see an increased presence of our companies in Qatar. Additionally, I believe this region is becoming more significant in terms of financial and economic development overall.“Similarly, with substantial investments in research, life sciences, and other specialised areas, countries like Qatar are gaining significant interest. This includes a focus on digitalisation and smart city initiatives. Companies such as Ericsson and Saab, among others, have devoted considerable effort towards developing sustainable and digital cities.”Bushke also highlighted the role that Swedish agriculture and food processing technologies could play in supporting Qatar's focus on food security and self-sufficiency. He noted that Swedish companies have developed a broad array of solutions to ensure that farm animals are well-cared for, which leads to "better products."He said: “For example, we utilise AI in chicken breeding. This technology can identify, from thousands of other chickens, which ones are healthy or not, and pinpoint any other issues that need to be addressed.”Bushke added: “At the same time, part of Qatar’s national security strategy is to be capable of producing its own food. Being overly dependent on external sources is something I would not recommend, given the current global climate and geopolitical tensions in various regions. Therefore, efficient and high-quality food production is crucial.”

On the back of partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, Qatar is seeking to be a leader in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs Sami Mohamed al-Shammari has said.Al-Shammari made the statement in an opening speech during Microsoft’s ‘Lead the Era of AI’ event on Tuesday held in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai. The event celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft’s cloud data centre region in Doha.He said: “Since 2016, our partnership with Microsoft has been actively driving digital transformation across government entities, enhancing efficiency, and delivering superior public services. Together, we have implemented robust cloud solutions, boosted our cybersecurity, and used the power of AI to optimise public services.”Al-Shammari said the MCIT’s partnership with Microsoft resulted in the following achievements: 143 government entities utilising Azure cloud services; 43 entities leveraging data, AI, and analytics services on Azure; 10 entities adopted M365 Copilot since its launch in November 2023; 20 entities developing their custom copilot solutions; and 1,393 professionals trained in data and AI over the past three and a half years through joint MCIT-Microsoft efforts.“In addition, in partnership with Microsoft, we launched the Zero Trust Programme to support government entities in implementing a Zero Trust security model that adapts to the complexity of the modern environment, embraces the mobile workforce, and protects people, devices, applications, and data wherever they are located. This initiative leverages existing government investments in Microsoft technology and solutions,” al-Shammari emphasised.He also said: “With the latest advancements in AI at their fingertips, public and private sector enterprises in Qatar are well positioned to drive progress towards the ambitious Digital Agenda 2030 aiming to make Qatar a smart and technologically advanced country.”Al-Shammari also underscored the positive impact of cost optimisation from MCIT’s collaboration with Microsoft.“By partnering with Microsoft Azure to digitise government operations, we have achieved $7.3mn in cost savings, supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. The strategic resource optimisation and Azure Hybrid Use Benefits have further reduced operational costs by 50%, projecting annual savings of $26.4mn,” he explained.Speaking at the event, Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf underscored the “tremendous growth” in cloud applications and AI capabilities, saying these “require a robust and secure infrastructure to ensure their development and effective use.”“By further building the data centre region, we are unlocking unprecedented possibilities for AI-driven innovation across Qatar. Organisations will be able to harness the power of Microsoft’s trusted cloud to unlock the full potential of AI to enhance decision-making, transform industries, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Khalaf said.One of the highlights of the event included the ‘AI Innovation Awards’, which recognised institutions in Qatar that have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in driving digital transformation and creating a positive societal impact through the use of AI.Qatar Airways, Power International Holding (PIH), Real-Time Crowd and Transportation Management of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology - Tasmu Programme, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Hayya, Invest Qatar, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Al Jazeera Media Group, and Qatar News Agency received their respective awards from HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai.

American companies specialising in digital technology have expressed a strong interest in expanding their footprint in Qatar, adding to the presence of US tech giants Microsoft and Google here.Qatar’s attractiveness as an investment destination for US businesses was at the forefront of meetings between various Qatari ministries and 20 US companies led by Khush Choksy, senior vice-president of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East, Central Asia and Turkiye.Choksy highlighted Qatar’s concentrated focus on developing its technology, biotech, and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, where American companies have a strong competitive advantage.This keen interest of US businesses on Qatar’s digitalisation journey came at the heels of recent announcements made by the Qatari government.At the recently concluded QEF 2024, HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai emphasised Qatar’s commitment to fortifying its regional digital leadership and driving digital transformation in the Arab world.HE al-Mannai lauded His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s allocation of a QR9bn incentive package to support comprehensive digital transformation, including a $1bn fund to support regional entrepreneurs and emerging companies in line with the goals of the country’s Third National Development Strategy.During Qatar Web Summit 2024, al-Mannai also announced that the government will support the private sector in driving Qatar’s digital economy, defining the key developments in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and the outlines for the digital innovation plan in Qatar for the next five years.The minister also underscored the significance of the Digital Agenda 2030 in promoting a knowledge-based digital economy and boosting digital transformation across industries and highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the success of Web Summit Qatar 2024 and the role of both SMEs and the private sector in bolstering the national digital economy.“US technology companies have made significant investments in Qatar, with Microsoft, Google, and others establishing data centres and operations in the country. American companies have a strong advantage on technology, biotechnology, and AI, which are areas that Qatar is trying to develop. We’ve seen major players in different niches focusing on Qatar,” Choksy told Gulf Times.Aside from technology, Choksy emphasised that the US Chamber of Commerce aims to foster ties and enable more American educational institutions to form partnerships and establish campuses in Qatar's Education City. These educational exchanges provide talent and resources for businesses, Choksy also pointed out.“Increased collaboration between American universities and Qatar’s educational institutions will benefit US businesses, particularly those that are already established in Qatar, as well as other companies in the States that are seeking to come here,” he said.Choksy also added that the US Chamber of Commerce is constantly working with Qatari authorities to provide conditions and frameworks that will foster greater investment by American companies, which includes discussions on laws related to the financial sector, insurance, data privacy, and other regulatory aspects.

Qatar and Denmark share unique strengths that can contribute to various aspects of healthcare, including medical research, technology and healthcare delivery, Anders Bjorn Hansen, the ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, has said.Hansen made the statement on Wednesday during a signing ceremony renewing the strategic contract between Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company, and Novo Nordisk, renowned for its expertise in treating chronic diseases, such as diabetes, haemophilia, and obesity.Aamal Company CEO Rashid al-Mansoori; Jay Thyagarajan, corporate vice-president of Novo Nordisk (Business Area Middle East, Africa and CIS); and Venkat Kalyan, vice-president and general manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf, attended the signing ceremony held in Doha.“Denmark and Qatar have always shown interest in collaborating within the healthcare sector...this collaboration involves sharing best practices, strategies, and resources to improve their populations’ overall health and well-being,” Hansen emphasised.He added: “And discussions are ongoing with the health authorities in Qatar with the intention of establishing a long-term partnership aiming to strengthen and expand stakeholders’ networks for an integrated approach to tackle chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.”In a speech, al-Mansoori welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation for the longstanding relationship between Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk, which is built on mutual trust and a shared vision.Essam Faragalla, general manager of Ebn Sina Medical, said: “Ebn Sina Medical has been supporting Qatar’s healthcare sector since the early 1970s by providing the best pharmaceutical products through collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk.“We are delighted to celebrate our longstanding relationship with Novo Nordisk and sign this strategic agreement to continue supporting Qatar’s healthcare sector. Today marks not only the renewal of an agreement but a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in healthcare.”He added: “Our partnership with Novo Nordisk embodies our dedication to providing exceptional healthcare solutions and delivering the best patient-centric care. Together, we will continue to innovate and advance the future of healthcare.”Thyagarajan said, “Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company committed to driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. Qatar is experiencing positive growth in the healthcare sector but faces a significant health burden with chronic diseases (prevalences ranging from 41% in obesity, 19.5% in diabetes, and 23% in cardiovascular disease). The collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Ebn Sina becomes increasingly vital to strengthen the healthcare landscape in Qatar.“Combining Ebn Sina's medical infrastructure footprint and Novo Nordisk's innovative treatments, we are set to improve patient outcomes and address these pressing health challenges head-on.”Kalyan added: “Our partnership with Ebn Sina in Qatar has been a longstanding success story. We deeply appreciate their dedication in delivering Novo Nordisk’s treatments for many years, and we look forward to continuing to improve people's lives together.”With the rapid growth of the healthcare sector in Qatar, Ebn Sina Medical continues to play a pivotal role by partnering with world-renowned pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The partnership ensures the continued supply of top-tier pharmaceutical products and healthcare consumables to Qatar’s private and public sectors.Since collaborating in 1998, Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk have launched numerous initiatives to improve care for diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases in Qatar. The partnership has brought innovative healthcare solutions to the region, particularly Qatar, benefiting patients and society through awareness campaigns and patient education initiatives supported by both companies.

Turkiye is planning to bring a major business delegation to Qatar for extensive business-to-business (B2B) meetings to explore business opportunities across key sectors, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), the country’s top diplomat in Doha has said.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of Project Qatar 2024, Turkish ambassador to Qatar Dr Mustafa Goksu ensured Turkiye’s “brotherly support” to help achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as the country’s digitalisation efforts.He said the business delegation from Turkiye is expected to arrive in Qatar “after the summer season either in October or November.” He said the Embassy of Turkiye in Qatar is ready to facilitate B2B meetings between Qatari companies and their Turkish counterparts to identify promising investment avenues, with a focus on emerging domains like AI and digital technologies, among other sectors.The ambassador also said the Turkish pavilion at this year’s Project Qatar is showcasing the different products and services of around 18 companies, which is “much bigger” than the number of participating companies in last year’s edition.“These participating companies have already exported to Qatar, the Middle East, and to other countries around the world. Qatar has always been a very important country to us. This market is very important, which is why we are bringing more companies every year,” the ambassador explained.Goksu also noted that the growing number of participating Turkish companies in the annual Project Qatar reflects their confidence and optimism in the Qatari market.“We are very confident about the Qatari market. Turkiye has completed many projects in Qatar, and we are still participating in ongoing projects in the country,” he said.The ambassador noted that trade volume between Qatar and Turkiye has been increasing steadily since 2023, following the expected dip in trade post-FIFA World Cup 2022. He said in the run-up to the World Cup, Turkiye was involved in many large-scale projects related to Qatar’s preparation for hosting the first World Cup in Qatar and the Middle East.

Entrepreneurs in Qatar stand to gain from seizing opportunities in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and “stay ahead” amid rapid developments in the technology sector.On the sidelines of Project Qatar 2024’s opening ceremony on Monday, Aamal CEO Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori emphasised the need for entrepreneurs and startups in the country to stay ahead of the curve “and not wait for others to take the lead.”“Entrepreneurs in the country must stay ahead of the curve. It is not an option to wait and see what others will do because of the risk of getting left behind. If your competitors get there before you, it will be too late. Do not wait for an opportunity, so if it comes, be ready to seize it. Otherwise, someone else will,” al-Mansoori told Gulf Times.Citing the recently-concluded Qatar Economic Forum 2024, where HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai participated in an extensive discussion about ‘Artificial Intelligence: Regulation & Innovation’, al-Mansoori lauded the Qatari government for its focus on the country’s digitalisation journey.“What the minister said during the forum about Qatar’s commitment and seriousness in digitalisation is correct. This is evident from the initiatives led by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and the presence of numerous incubation centres that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs. This plays a key role in the growth of Qatari entrepreneurs developing applications, which the country is currently witnessing,” al-Mansoori explained.Al-Mansoori also said: “As a nation, Qatar has been putting investments in this area domestically, particularly in its people, students, and companies. Previously, I had the privilege of working with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and I'm aware of their investments in Silicon Valley, so we must show our presence in this field.”He also said it is Aamal’s first time participating in Project Qatar, citing the event’s importance in opening opportunities for many companies to network and expand their reach, secure deals, and explore other opportunities and market trends.“Aamal is a listed company, so our shareholders need to see the companies participating in events like this. It is also an opportunity for our investors, stakeholders, and visitors to come and see the different companies under Aamal. Next year, we are planning for some bigger things, so more companies to participate,” al-Mansoori noted.He said Aamal’s facility management division, which is utilising a lot of innovative tools in that domain, is present at the event. Additionally, the company’s participating partner companies are showcasing innovations and advanced technologies like 3D printing, lasers for various cutting processes, and other eco-friendly products like green cover cables and environmentally sustainable bricks.“Overall, Aamal’s participation in this year’s Project Qatar places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices,” al-Mansoori added.

HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari led on Monday's opening ceremony of Project Qatar 2024, which will run until May 30 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Organised by IFP Qatar with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the 20th edition of the event is featuring 130 Qatari firms and 120 international companies from 25 countries.The inauguration was graced by several distinguished guests and official delegations, including Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at MoCI, Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi, and a large number of prominent business leaders.Additionally, more than 60 ambassadors from participating countries and heads of diplomatic missions in Qatar, along with dozens of international trade delegations attended the opening ceremony.Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, said: “The construction market in Qatar is on the brink of a transformative era with the aim to fulfil Qatar National Vision 2030. This new chapter emphasises the development of industrial and social infrastructure projects, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies and elements of smart cities into construction endeavours.”Mshaimesh noted that the 20th edition of Project Qatar marks a significant transformation in terms of sectoral diversity. Emerging sectors, such as smart manufacturing, sustainable construction, and digital innovation account for a significant portion of the participation.He said, “As Qatar seeks to attract foreign investment and expertise to support its ambitious infrastructure ongoing and planned projects, the event focuses on strengthening partnerships between Qatari and international companies, attracting exhibitors and visitors from key markets worldwide, and facilitating cross-border collaborations and joint ventures.”According to Mshaimesh, this year’s Project Qatar attracted a large number of exhibitors offering green building solutions, renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient products, and sustainable construction practices.“As smart manufacturing gains momentum globally, exhibitors specialising in Industry 4.0 technologies, automation solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and digital manufacturing processes are prominent in this year's line-up at Project Qatar,” he explained.Citing a report by Mordor Intelligence, Mshaimesh said Qatar’s construction market is estimated at $62.95bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $97.42bn by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.13% during the forecast period.Project Qatar has attracted this year around 250 exhibitors, including 120 international companies from 25 different countries, four of which are participating with national pavilions, along with 130 Qatari companies, including major governmental and semi-governmental entities and leading private sector companies.The list of sponsors and partners for the event this year includes MoCI and Ashghal as Strategic Partners; Qatar Tourism (Destination Partner); Qatari Diar (Property Development Partner); Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Al Sraiya Holding Group (Platinum Sponsor); Nask Chemical Solutions (Industrial Sponsor); Imar Group, Aamal, and Sahand Industrial Group (Gold Sponsors); QTerminals (Silver Sponsor); Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) (Official Sustainability Partner); Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) (Industrial Consulting Sponsor); Oriental Trading Company (OTC) (Integrity Sponsor); and Gulf Crafts (Innovative Branding Sponsor).Along with the exhibition, the four-day conference will cover key issues related to the construction, industrial, sustainability, and environmental sectors.The first day’s sessions focus on the most significant current and future projects in Qatar and the investment opportunities available within them, featuring speakers from Ashghal, the Ministry of Transport, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority.The second day, under the title ‘Towards a Climate-Resilient Future’, will be held in partnership with Gord, covering sustainability and climate change issues. It will conclude with the ‘Eco Champions’ awards ceremony in which Gord will honour the pioneers of eco-innovation and community resilience in Qatar to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a greener future.The third day under the title ‘Towards Smart Manufacturing’ will be held in collaboration with GOIC. It will focus on the recent developments in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, exploring the latest trends of Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.IFP Qatar will also host an awards ceremony to honour local and international companies in recognition of their vital role in ensuring the continued success of Project Qatar.

Qatar’s strong economy is among the key factors that play an important role in attracting investors to the country, according to LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali MA.Yusuffali was in Qatar recently for the opening ceremony of the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, which gathered more than 1,000 global leaders, CEOs, and 427 government officials from 124 countries.Speaking to Gulf Times at the forum, Yusuffali said: “Under the dynamic leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar is witnessing progress every day. The country is economically strong and guided by visionary leadership. These are essential elements that any investor, including us, requires.”He added: “I’m attending Qatar Economic Forum every year. Qatar is a vital market for LuLu Group. We are expanding our footprint in different areas in Qatar: hypermarkets, logistics centres, and the procurement of other hypermarkets in Qatar. These are the three areas that we are concentrating on.”Explaining this further, Dr Mohamed Althaf, director, LuLu Group International, said LuLu Group is on track with its expansion plans in the country, citing the opening of a second outlet in Al Khor, which is in the northern part of Qatar.Althaf said LuLu Group is keeping a close eye on Qatar’s population growth, particularly in important locations, ensuring the presence of LuLu hypermarkets there. “We are going through the overall development of Qatar. Doha and the rest of the country, including its cities, are expanding, so we are also growing with the population.”Indian ambassador Vipul also lauded LuLu’s growing presence in Qatar, which he said plays a significant role in the upward trajectory of Qatar-India trade, economic, political, and cultural ties.He emphasised that India’s exports to Qatar range between “$1.5bn and $2bn at any given year.”“LuLu is a very important player in terms of promoting India-Qatar trade,” Vipul added.

An economic working group from Qatar is slated to visit smart farm exporters in South Korea, followed by bilateral discussions for co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) from May 27.According to a statement from MAFRA, Yousuf Khalid Al-Khulaifi, Director of Agriculture Affairs Department of the Ministry of Municipality, will be leading Qatar’s economic working group, comprising officials from the agriculture investment and banking sectors.The delegation will visit a Korean model of smart farm innovation industrial complex in the city of Gimje in Jeonbuk State, a province in the southwest of the Korean peninsula, as well as the Rural Development Administration, smart farm exporters, and other places from May 27-31.Qatar’s economic working group will hold a meeting Monday with MAFRA, which will explain the current status of South Korea’s smart farms and related government policies. Afterward, the two sides will discuss ways of bilateral cooperation regarding the agenda discussed in the first meeting of the committee. In particular, the networking session following the bilateral meeting on the same day is expected to provide opportunities for South Korean companies to discuss investment cooperation with the Qatari side.Lee Sang-man, director general of MAFRA’s Agri-Food Innovation Policy Bureau, said: “Qatar’s economic working group’s visit to Korea has served as clear evidence showing that overseas countries have a lot of interest in the competitiveness of K-smart farms.“We will make more efforts to advance discussions for cooperation with foreign governments, including the State of Qatar, to ensure that such interest will lead to an increase in exports of K-smart farms. We will also continue to strengthen export support policies to help Korean smart farm exporting companies expand their businesses in overseas markets.”South Korea and Qatar amended the memorandum of understanding on smart farm co-operation in the presence of Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in October 2023 and established the ROK-Qatar Smart Farm Co-operation Committee, a director general-level working committee.On February 22, the two sides held the first meeting of the ROK-Qatar Smart Farm Co-operation Committee in Doha, as a follow-up measure to the bilateral summit diplomacy. The Qatari delegation’s visit to South Korea is a follow-up to the first meeting of the committee.