Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael Camunez and Ambassador LeBaron with the winners of the Commerce Department’s International Achievement in Trade Award
By Peter Townson
Prominent members of the local business community gathered last night to celebrate close business ties between Qatar and the US, as US government officials presented a special award to a number of organisations in Qatar.
US Ambassador Joseph LeBaron and Assistant Commerce Secretary for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camunez presented the Commerce Department’s International Achievement in Trade Award to seven companies at a ceremony.
The reception saw officials from Aamal Holdings, Alfardan Group, Ali Bin Ali Group, Almana Group, Jaidah Group, Kassem Darwish Fakhro & Sons Group, and Mannai Corporation receiving the award, which highlighted their contribution to the Qatar-US trade relations.
The prizes were presented to Aamal Holdings Chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani; Al Fardan Group Chairman, Hussein al-Fardan; Ali Bin Ali Chairman, Adel Ali bin Ali; Al Jaidah Group Chairman, Jassim Jaidah, and Kassem Darwish Fakhro & Sons Group Chairman, Hassan Kassem al-Darwish, while GM Mohamed Helmy received the award on behalf of Mannai Corporation Chairman, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and CFO Tariq al-Mana received the award on behalf of Almana Group Chairman, Omar al-Mana.
A spokesperson explained that “the award recognises prominent Qatari companies that have made significant, long-term contributions to advancing US-Qatar trade.”
The award-winners’ companies have promoted trade in a variety of areas, ranging from medical and pharmaceutical services to education, from automotive sales to pleasure boats.
LeBaron praised the close ties between the two countries, and said: “As exemplified by the delegation here tonight, we believe that US-Qatari trade and investment will produce tangible benefits for our economies and move us toward a more prosperous, secure future by generating commercial commitments, technology sharing and high value jobs in both countries.”
Assistant Secretary of State Camunez said: “These are companies and families that have been long standing private sector leaders that have helped to create the success that Qatar has become, and will be a big part of the future of this society.”
“Last year’s awards were given in recognition of those state-owned enterprises that have also been important partners of the US, but tonight’s awards have been given to private sector companies, as the private sector is the engine of growth in society and we wanted to recognise and thank these companies for their leadership and their partnership with the US.” 
He said that the US continued to welcome Qatari investment, and said that the relative lack of investment from Qatar in the US was an issue that had been discussed during his visit here.
“We have an important relationship with Qatar, which compares favourably with other countries in the Gulf,” he said, adding “we are heavily invested in this economy.”
“Like any relationship it’s based on trust, on friendship and on mutual respect,” he said, adding “I think there is a mutual affection and admiration between the US and Qatar, and I think our trade relationship reflects that admiration.”

 

The award-winning companies
Companies winning the US Commerce Department’s International Achievement in Trade Award:
Recipient: Aamal Holdings Chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani.
Aamal Holdings, for its leadership in securing significant market share for American pharmaceutical, medical, hospitality and express courier service companies.
Recipient: Al Fardan Group Chairman, Hussein al-Fardan
Alfardan Group, in recognition of its flagship role in elevating American luxury jewelry, accessories, and pleasure boats in Qatar over the past five decades.
Recipient: Ali Bin Ali Chairman,  Adel Ali bin Ali
Ali Bin Ali Group, for its strong performance in fostering American beverages, IT solutions, imaging services, consumer electronics, and fast moving consumer goods for nearly seven decades.
Recipient: Almana Group Chairman, Omar Almana
Almana Group for championing American education and superior brands in the automotive, information communication technology, and beverage sectors.
Recipient: Al Jaidah Group Chairman, Jassim Jaidah
Jaidah Group, for its partnerships with US companies in the energy, automotive, hospitality, and information communication technology sectors in Qatar spanning over the past seven decades.
Recipient: Kassem Darwish Fakhro & Sons Group Chairman, Hassan Kassem al-Darwish
Kassem Darwish Fakhro & Sons Group, for advancing the largest portfolio of American brands in the medical, travel, consumer finance, household and industrial appliances, construction equipment and building materials industries for over seven decades.
Recipient: Mannai Corporation Chairman, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani
Mannai Corporation, for its fundamental role in growing the market share of premium American brands in the automotive, information communication technology and appliances industries in Qatar over the last six decades.