German Business Council Qatar elects new board

GBCQ’s new board headed by re-elected chairman Boris van Thiel.

The German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ) has elected its new board of directors during its “Annual General Members Assembly” held on June 10 at the Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel.

Boris van Thiel, who was re-elected as chairman of the board, said he aims to strengthen the relationship of the council with the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK), the German Embassy in Doha, and the local Qatari business community.

Van Thiel is joined by newly-elected board members Adel al-Mannai (Teyseer), Henning Zimmermann (DB Schenker), Dr Helmut Landahl (Hochtief Solutions), and Peter Binneboessel (Arc de Triomphe).

“Over the last years, Qatar has developed into one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In the dynamic business climate of the Gulf region, German products enjoy an excellent reputation, which is showcased in the increasing bilateral trade which amounted to approximately €2.02bn in 2013, reflecting a long and successful partnership,” van Thiel said.

Aside from its new board, the GBCQ has also elected a new treasurer, auditors, and arbitration committee.

The election of officers was highlighted by the launching of the council’s latest members directory, which will be distributed among local German companies, Qatari and other foreign firms, as well as public offices and embassies.

The GBCQ was founded in December 2002 in Doha as a non-governmental and non-profit seeking association representing all interested German and Qatari companies.

The main objective of the council is to promote business relations between Germany and Qatar by forming a platform where representatives of both nations can meet and exchange views and ideas. Its members have grown to 150 with Qatari companies comprising more than one third of its roster.

The GBCQ is managed by the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK). AHK Qatar is the official institution authorised by the German Federal Government and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce to represent the interests of German companies and associations in Qatar.