Qatar is exploring investment potential in Serbia, especially in the European country’s tourism sector; while seeking investments from there in Doha’s infrastructure development, as part of enhancing economic relations between the two countries.
In this regard, Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani disclosed the interests of local businesses to study the potential investment opportunities, especially in the tourism sector of Serbia, which saw 2.2mn visitors due to its attractive nature and famous springs of hot water, which constitutes an important resource for therapeutic tourism. Serbia expects to get European Union membership by 2020.
Sheikh Faisal made this remark at a private business dinner in honour of Tomislav Nikolic, the president of Serbia and his accompanying delegation; in the presence of Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahd al-Thani, Qatari ambassador to Serbia, and Jasminko Pozderak, Serbian ambassador to Doha.
Nikolic highlighted many attractive investment advantages, including its unique location in Europe, where it is located at the crossroads of Central and South-Eastern Europe, as well as the presence of several agreements between Serbia and neighbouring countries such as a free trade pacts with the European Free Trade Association and the Convention Central European Free trade and also has preferential trade regime with the European Union, and the GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) with the US system as well as the individual free trade agreements with Russia.
Sheikh Faisal also invited the Serbian companies and businessmen to explore the investment opportunities and incentives offered in Qatar, especially in infrastructure that is attractive for investments.
The other members present on the occasion were Hussain Alfardan, QBA first deputy chairman; Sheikh Khalid bin Thani al-Thani, QBA second deputy chairman as well as QBA board members, Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani and QBA members Saud al-Mana and deputy general manager Sarah Abdullah.