Qatar’s investments in Turkey stood at $22bn last year, an official of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) stated during the "Qatari-Turkish Business Forum" hosted virtually by Qatar Chamber Tuesday.
Conversely, Turkey’s investments in Qatar reached $122mn, TOBB vice president Selcuk Ozturk also said during the event, which he co-presided with Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani.
Ozturk, who noted that Turkey ranked fourth in the list of countries importing Qatari products in H1 2020, reported that there are 179 Qatari companies operating in Turkey in a range of sectors, while Turkish companies are involved in many projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and others, such as the Hamad International Airport and Al Thumama Stadium.
In a speech, he said that Turkish companies are eager to explore investment opportunities available in Qatari market and to build partnerships with their Qatari counterparts.
During the forum, Ozturk lauded the economic relations between both countries, and noted that economic co-operation in various fields are witnessing rapid growth, thanks to bilateral meetings and joint forums between businessmen from both sides.
According to Sheikh Khalifa, the forum would help bolster co-operation between the business communities of both countries, and in promoting trade exchange and investment opportunities available in Qatar and Turkey.
The forum reflects the “strong and close” relations between Qatar and Turkey, especially economic and commercial ties, said Sheikh Khalifa, who noted that the leaders of both countries “are keenly interested in developing both countries’ bilateral relations in all aspects.”
“Bilateral relations between Qatar and Turkey have evolved significantly in recent years, which affirms that trade exchange has witnessed great growth during the past three years,” Sheikh Khalifa stressed.
He said Qatar-Turkey trade recorded “substantial growth” in the first half of 2020, reflecting robust trade relations, “which are witnessing more alliances and partnerships between business sectors.”
“Qatar is replete with a myriad of promising opportunities for investment in all fields and industries, as well as in tourism and services, especially with the preparations to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“Qatar has made tireless efforts to develop its infrastructure, issued legislation and laws that enhance the investment environment, and provided investment incentives that enhance its position as an investment destination,” he emphasised.
Sheikh Khalifa added that Qatar offers “plenty of opportunities” that attract Turkish investors, “especially with the strong desire of Qatari businessmen to forge alliances and partnerships with their Turkish counterparts.”
The virtual forum was held in the presence of Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari and second vice chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, as well as other board members of the chamber. Qatar’s ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak al-Shafi and his counterpart, Turkish ambassador Mehmet Mustafa Goksu, also delivered speeches during the forum.
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