Opportunities abound for creative partnerships between Qatar and Mexico, Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman said during a knowledge sharing session held in Doha recently.
The event, held at Doha Bank’s headquarters in West Bay, explored the business and investment opportunities in both countries, and was geared at opening “a new chapter’ in Qatar-Mexico bilateral relations.
Co-hosted by ProMexico and the Mexican Embassy in Qatar, the event gathered several senior officials, including members of Doha Bank’s senior management and the business community from both nations.
Speaking on Mexico’s economy and Qatar-Mexico bilateral relationship, Seetharaman said Mexico’s economy is expected to grow by 1.85% in 2018.
He said Mexico’s exports to Qatar include trucks, vehicles, and refrigerators, while Qatar’s exports natural gas and aluminium alloy to Mexico. Qatar-Mexico trade is close to QR700mn, he continued. 
“In October 2017, the Qatar Financial Centre announced the licensing of Dunn Lightweight Architecture, a subsidiary of the Mexican company Dunn Arquitectura Ligera SA de CV, which specialises in fabric and tensile structures under its umbrella. They will take part in the construction of stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar and Mexico can synergise relationships to build great relationships,” Seetharaman said.
During the event, Mexican ambassador Francisco Niembro discussed the key role of Mexican residents in Qatar’s social and economic development and the “outstanding increase” in tourists from Qatar to Mexico, as well as the potential for Mexican companies in Qatar in areas such as food and projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Juan Cepeda, director of ProMexico for the Middle East, said, “Qatar and Mexico have strengthened commercial ties in the last three years. We have accomplished in bringing Mexican companies to invest in Qatar, and we have also concrete trade projects on different sectors, such as automotive, food, creative industries, and fashion. We are happy with the evolution of this relationship and we are confident that we will improve it in the future.” 
Alejandro Blasco Ruiz, director of relationships with investors of Banobras, gave insight on the opportunities in infrastructure space, why people should consider Mexico, and on investor protection and private public partnerships in Mexico.