“This is one of embassy’s efforts to boost trade by empowering the Indonesian business community in Qatar”
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The Indonesian embassy will be holding a discussion entitled “how to start business in Qatar and what sectors are worth tapping” on Monday from 6pm to 9pm at the ambassador’s residence in West Bay.
Mohamed al-Aula, second secretary for Economic Affairs at the embassy, told Gulf Times that they have invited 40 people from the Indonesian community.
Business delegates from Jakarta are also expected to grace the activity.
“This is one of embassy’s efforts to boost trade by empowering the Indonesian business community in Qatar,” he said. The embassy is hoping that the number of Indonesians doing business in the country will further increase through this kind of initiative.
He disclosed that about 30 entrepreneurs are engaged in various small and medium enterprises in Doha.
Al-Aula said the discussion will also provide tips, suggestions and strategies on how Indonesian expatriates especially those who are working in oil and gas companies could run a business in Qatar despite their busy schedule.
He added that the speakers will come from the embassy’s partner, UHY Ammo & Co.
It is learnt that Indonesians are keen on investing in import-export business (furniture and consumer goods), online selling, and similar businesses.
He noted that some Indonesian entrepreneurs in Qatar may also share their experiences and knowledge which will be helpful to the participants during the discussion.
The vice-consul believes this initiative will also boost the trade relations between the two countries.
Indonesian Ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi has earlier disclosed that the bilateral trade volume in 2013 between Indonesia and Qatar is expected to surpass the $1.6bn record set in 2012.
He stressed that there had been a 300% increase in trade volume in a span of one year since he took over as envoy to Qatar.
Indonesia is trying to increase its exports to Qatar mainly on infrastructure-related raw materials such as cement, nails, steel, and similar products.
It exports other products such as electronics, motor vehicles (Toyota and Suzuki cars assembled in Indonesia), petrochemicals and furniture.
The embassy also announced that it will open an outlet for high-end Indonesian home decorations and furniture at Ezdan mall in March. This will showcase original products made by small and medium enterprises in Indonesia.
“Our main goal is to engage our high-income expatriates in business,” said al-Aula.
