Ecuador Vice President Otto Sonneholzener said the trade relationship between Qatar and his country is growing fast.

"Trade relationship has increased this year by 40%," he told the media at a reception in Doha on Wednesday.

Sonneholzener is in Doha on a four-day visit, during which he will attend the inauguration of Doha Forum 2019 on Saturday.

"Efforts are on to boost bilateral co-operation and launch new opportunities for investment in both countries. We are initiating steps to expand trade volume between the two countries," he explained.

Talks will be held with Qatari officials during his visit, focusing mainly on the energy sector, the Ecuador vice president said.

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Protocol director Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, prominent Qatari businessman Hussain Alfardan, Ecuador ambassador Ivonne A-Bakki and other dignitaries attended the reception.

Sonneholzener stated that steps are underway to encourage Qatari investment in Ecuador in agriculture and aquaculture sectors. "We are the largest exporters in shrimp, tuna and bananas, and second largest exporters in roses and cocoa. Qatari investors can expand their network to Ecuador. Bananas and roses are among the main exports to Qatar.

"We are looking for the possibilities for exporting shrimps. There is a lot of scope for the two countries to co-operate in tourism, real estate and infrastructure development sectors. Qatar is interested in running one of the ports in Ecuador. Talks have been held in this regard. Ecuador is safe for investment and tourists."

The Ecuador vice president also revealed that talks are on with Qatar Airways to start a connecting flight from Doha to Quito via Rome. He hailed Doha Forum, terming it an ideal venue to promote diplomacy, dialogue and diversity.



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