Qatar, Germany sign agreements

The two countries signed and agreement exempting holders of official biometric passports from the terms of entry visas to Qatar or Germany.

Another agreement was signed on establishing a nursing school in Qatar between Al Faisal group and Germany’s Vivantes Hospitals and the German Academy. 

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and Klaus Wowereit, also witnessed an agreement to establish a nursing school in Egypt between Al Faisal Group and Vivantes Hospitals.  

On Monday the Prime Minister had called on the private sectors in both the countries to enter into joint ventures.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Business and Investment in Qatar Forum in Berlin on Monday the Prime Minister said: “Perhaps it is appropriate to take the opportunity of this forum to call on the private sector in both Qatar and Germany to carry out joint investments in the African continent, which is rich in natural resources, economic potential and investment opportunities, especially in the fields of agriculture, livestock, tourism and mining,” the Premier noted.

The Prime Minster said that Qatar is moving steadily towards achieving sustainable development of a knowledge-based economy. 

He said Qatar will achieve that based on the four pillars (economic, social, human and environmental development) of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which has been initiated by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit and a number of officials attended the opening ceremony.

The Prime Minister said that the Qatari economy grew by an average of 13% from 2008-2012, due to an increase in hydrocarbon exports. He said that the growth pattern was reflected in Qatar’s budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year which focuses on economic diversity and reflects growing investment opportunities in Qatar.

 Aamal in German JV to open medical centre

The contract was signed yesterday at the Qatar Berlin Forum by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of Aamal Company, and Dr Nizar Maarouf, vice director of Vivantes International Medicine, in the presence of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit.

The outpatient centre, which will be managed by Vivantes, will offer a clinic with leading doctors in different fields, a diagnosis centre using the most up to date telemedicine technology and visiting professors from Germany to consult with patients in Qatar.

In addition, through Al Faisal without Borders Foundation, Aamal will work with Vivantes to open a nursing school in several under-developed countries.

“This centre will contribute to Qatar’s policy of providing high quality, strong health services in our country. This contract is another successful agreement between the government of Berlin and Aamal Company, building on the already strong mutual business foundations that are in place,” Sheikh Faisal said.

Vivantes is Germany’s largest state-owned healthcare group. It offers international healthcare consulting and management services and is involved in numerous large-scale projects all over the world. In Germany, it has nine hospitals including nursing schools, education centres and the biggest academy for healthcare management.

“Aamal is the partner of choice for its impressive track record in attracting foreign investments to Qatar. Al Faisal Holding, a major shareholder in Aamal Company, is considered one of biggest Qatari investors in Berlin, where Vivantes is headquartered,” according to Maarouf.

With this investment, he said Berlin government is looking forward to further co-operation between both countries.

Last February, Al Rayyan Tourism and Investment, the international hospitality subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding Company, has signed purchase agreements for two hotels in Berlin, Germany.