Germany is ready to support the economic measures taken by Qatari authorities by acting as an intermediary to help businesses better understand national policies that were implemented following the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
According to German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel, the measures that were implemented globally to contain the spread of Covid-19 have profound repercussions on economies all over the world.
“And we need to make sure that the health crisis will not be followed by a deep economic crisis… like in Germany and the EU, Qatar has announced a comprehensive support package for the benefit of companies active in Qatar.
“Among them, many German companies contribute to the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the diversification of the Qatari economy,” Muzel told Gulf Times.
Muzel pointed out that the embassy is in constant dialogue with German companies, adding that some of them “are facing very challenging times at the moment,” particularly in the hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors, as well as in the services sector, in general.
“German companies are very much committed to their presence in Qatar, which sometimes dates back many decades, and they are eager to continue their fruitful co-operation with their Qatari partners.
“We believe that sharing national experiences can be instrumental in learning from each other and establishing best practices. We also believe that companies can share valuable insights with the authorities in order to devise the most effective measures to stem the downturn of the economy in Qatar.
Together with partner countries from the EU and other countries, the ambassador said Germany is ready to be part of “this second economic challenge linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“We are currently facing a global and unprecedented challenge to our globalised way of life, which we have grown so accustomed to, to our economic situation, and most importantly to the health and lives of so many of our citizens.
“With more than 2.1mn people infected by the virus and 146,088 lives lost (as of April 18), the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic are daunting all over the world,” Muzel emphasised.
However, the ambassador noted that the threat the pandemic “has brought to light amazing and encouraging signs of solidarity and friendship among nations. The best example is the support Qatar and Germany are providing to our Italian friends who are hit so hard by the pandemic.”
Muzel said Qatar has recently supplied two field hospitals and medical equipment to Italy, while German hospitals are treating more than 120 patients from its neighbouring countries in intensive care units, including a large number from Italy.
“Also, the German Foreign Ministry and Qatar Airways, and its CEO Akbar al-Baker, have joined forces to repatriate thousands of German nationals stranded all over the world. Many local initiatives have emerged helping those who are infected in many different and creative ways.”
He added: “The Qatari authorities have acted swiftly and decisively to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country and to protect the health and safety of the population in Qatar. It is now our common obligation to support these efforts by complying with the rules and regulations despite the sometimes difficult constraints this imposes on each and every one of us.”
“The pandemic proves to us that international co-operation is more important than ever. Covid-19 does not stop at borders neither should our solidarity and co-operation. We will only be able to overcome this crisis if we can get a grip on it globally. Germany will therefore focus its presidency of the EU on winning the fight against the pandemic.”
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