Bilateral trade between Qatar and Turkey registered a 49% year-on-year increase to QR7bn in 2018, indicating the growing economic ties between the two countries.

This was announced by Sultan bin Rashid al-Khater, Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, after inaugurating the third edition of Turkey Expo Qatar, featuring the participation of more than 150 Turkish companies.

The expo has seen the presence of senior Qatari and Turkish officials, business leaders, investors and representatives of companies from the two nations. It will conclude on Friday.

"The Turkey Expo Qatar embodies the deep-rooted and friendly Qatari-Turkish relationship across various fields," al-Khater said, adding this will enable Qatari importers to discuss agreements with Turkish manufacturers to represent them in the local markets.

The participation of 150 Turkish companies in the exhibition reflects the keenness of both nations to expand cooperation in various fields, increase bilateral trade, and explore new and innovative horizons to promote joint investments in sectors that serve mutual economic aspirations.

The Turkey Expo Qatar covers a number of key sectors including construction, real estate, technology, health, tourism, energy, environmental management, infrastructure, furniture, food, transportation and agriculture.

The exhibition is aimed at cementing both Qatar and Turkey’s positions as regional focal points for economic cooperation by establishing mechanisms for joint investments and enhancing bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The expo, which seeks to attract more than 10,000 visitors, will feature bilateral meetings and gatherings aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships between the public and private sectors of both countries, in addition to offering Qatari businessmen and companies the opportunity to learn about various Turkish industries.

Turkey is one of Qatar's top customers for non-oil exports, Qatar Chamber had said in a report. In August 2018, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani had pledged to invest $15bn in Turkey.