Armenia is encouraging Qatari businessmen to pour investments into the former Soviet republic’s tourism, mining, and education, among others, according to its President, Armen Sarkissian.
Sarkissian made the statement during a private meeting organised Sunday in Doha by the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), which also hosted an accompanying delegation, which included the Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the National Fund.
The president said tourism is the “most important and easiest potential opportunity” for Qatari investors, in light of the discussion to provide daily flights between Doha and the Armenian capital of Yerevan.
Sarkissian said Armenia is rich in natural resources, such as copper, zinc, gold, and lead, making the country famous for its jewellery, gold, and diamond industry. Similarly, Armenia’s education sector “has achieved great results” and started exporting its educational systems to foreign markets like France and Germany, the president said.
Also, the presence of a large number of international banks “is indicative of the development of the banking sector in Armenia,” said Sarkissian. He underscored the importance of considering Armenia as “the gateway to Eastern Europe.”
The meeting was also attended by Armenian ambassador Gegham Gharibjanian, who said the visit to Qatar aims to discuss co-operation opportunities and the development of economic relations between Qatar and Armenia.
Welcoming Sarkissian and his delegation were QBA board member Saud al-Mana, and QBA members Khalid al-Mannai, Nabila Abu Issa, Maqbool Khalfan, Ihsan al-Khiaymi, and Mohamed Althaf, as well as QBA deputy general manager Sarah Abdallah.
Al-Mana underlined the importance of Sarkissian’s visit, which focused on ways to strengthen co-operation ties between the two countries, and how to boost economic and trade relations. He stressed that Qatari businessmen are interested in identifying possible areas of co-operation and investment opportunities being offered in Armenia.
During the meeting, QBA members also showcased the fields, sectors, and products offered by their companies, which represented almost all vital sectors in Qatar, including construction, automotive, food and consumer goods, banking, and luxury goods, among others.
They also expressed interest in exploring new international markets and their readiness to identify areas of co-operation in Armenia. QBA members also confirmed their keenness to support and develop bilateral relations in various fields; both parties agreed to organise a visit “to study these opportunities closely and learn more about the Republic of Armenia.”
Sarkissian thanked the QBA for hosting the meeting, during which he expressed the importance of developing relations between the two countries and getting more acquainted with the business environment in Armenia and some of the major investment projects that may attract the interest of Qatari businessmen.
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