The volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Mexico saw a 33% jump to reach $263mn in 2018 over $199mn recorded in the previous year, according to figures revealed by Qatar Chamber on Tuesday.

In a meeting with a Mexican delegation led by ambassador Graciela Gomez Garcia, Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari said investments of both countries focused on energy, food stuffs, healthcare, sports, and tourism.

During the meeting, al-Kuwari not only emphasised the robust economic and cultural relations of both countries but underscored the need to expand and develop cooperation relations of Qatar and Mexico’s business sectors.

He also noted that there is mutual interest between Qatar Chamber and the Mexican delegation to “upgrade cooperation relations to higher levels.”

“Qatar’s economy is open to all world economies and its investment climate welcomes the forging of new trade alliances and partnerships between the Qatari and Mexican private sectors,” al-Kuwari said.

The first vice chairman also noted that Qatar Chamber is calling on investors from both sides to explore business opportunities and review the building of new partnerships for the benefit of both economies.

Meanwhile, Garcia said the convergence of business communities from both countries, as well as mutual visits of business delegations have contributed to the growth of Qatar-Mexico trade.

“The Mexican delegation is eager to learn about investment opportunities and main sectors in the Qatari market and establish alliances and transactions with Qatari businessmen, especially that Qatar is witnessing a number of major projects in which the private sector is engaged,” Garcia said.

Garcia stressed that the Qatari-Mexican Business Council established last year would help in enhancing cooperation and coordination relations between businessmen from both sides and increasing trade volume, as well as exploring investment opportunities and overcoming obstacles faced by both countries’ investors.