Qatar’s investment-friendly climate was again highlighted in two work sessions held as part of the Qatar-US Economic Forum in Miami, Florida in the United States on Thursday.
The sessions were organised by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) in co-operation with Qatar Chamber, the American Chamber of Commerce, Qatar Businessmen Association, and Qatar-US Business Council.
These were part of the “economic tour” that covers four US states. They covered the challenges and opportunities and how to establish partnerships in different fields.
The first session discussed the challenges and opportunities of joint ventures in the fields of investment and tourism in Qatar.
Abdulbasit al-Aji, director, Department of Business Development and Investment Promotion at the MEC said the ministry worked to support all sectors and enhance investment opportunities in Qatar.
“Last year, there was an initiative to review policies and procedures to enhance investment opportunities for investors from around the world, aimed mainly at benefiting from improving economic situation,” he said.
Al-Aji touched upon the “good position” of the Qatari economy internationally and the incentives for investors in the country.
He also gave a detailed presentation on how to start business in Qatar and the role of MEC in easing the business environment and the flow of foreign investments.
Nabil al-Buainin, CEO, Qatari Diar, reviewed the company’s projects in the US, which have helped create many job opportunities in the United States.
He said the company had been focusing on the ‘City Centre DC’ project as part of its investment at the city centre.
He pointed out that Qatari Diar was looking to establish joint ventures for its projects around the world. He also talked about Lusail City project and its opportunities.
Saooud al-Buainin from Qatar Development Bank gave a presentation on QDB services, specifically meant for the private sector, in addition to its efforts in promoting small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Rashed al-Qurese, head (Marketing) at Qatar Tourism Authority, pointed out that Qatar provided visa-free entry to citizens of more than 80 countries as part of its tourism promotion. This evoked favourable response from tourists from Russia, India, Australia, Africa and Brazil among other countries.
Besides, Qatar Airways now flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide and attracted more than 5mn tourists to Hamad International Airport, Qatar’s gateway to the world.
The number of visas issued increased by 26% in 2016, in addition to tourists coming by sea.
The second session dealt with FIFA World Cup 2022, which Qatar is hosting and topics such as implementing projects, challenges and opportunities available for the Qatari-US co-operation in logistics, energy sectors and food security.
Abdulrahman al-Khayarin, Widam Food Company CEO, said the company achieved positive results in 2017. The company, he said, imports from as many as 87 countries in the world, describing the potential scope of co-operation with US companies as promising.
Fahd al-Kuwari, head (Policies Department) at the Ministry of Energy and Industry led the attendees through the history of the oil and gas industry in Qatar and Qatar’s strong position in this field.
Mohamed Qassim al-Emadi, representative of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, gave a comprehensive presentation on FIFA World Cup 2022 projects.
Similarly, Mohamed al-Malki (Manateq) explained the role of the company and its services and the great potential that exists for joint investment opportunities in Qatar, especially in logistic services.
