Germany’s top diplomat in Qatar has expressed optimism that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will continue to provide business opportunities for German companies and German-Qatari joint ventures.
Ambassador Claudius Fischbach made the statement during the virtual annual general assembly and election of board of directors of the German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ). Fischbach, who is GBCQ honorary board member, also stated that bilateral trade between Qatar and Germany has grown to $2.3bn.
The council’s newly-elected board is composed of Henning Zimmermann (Schenker Logistics), chairman; Deesch Papke (Volkswagen Group Middle East), vice chairman; Marzooq Tareq al-Shamlan (Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding); Adrian Wood (Siemens); and Elias Chedid (Seib Insurance & Reinsurance).
In a meeting, the board discussed the council’s strategy and contribution to the German and local business community. In a statement, the GBCQ noted that it is determined to further strengthen the bilateral economic ties between the both countries and organise business events that facilitate knowledge exchange and focus on creating platforms to build new partnerships. The board’s vision will be presented to all members at the end of November, the statement added.
“Despite these challenging times, we are confident to provide an added value to all our members by finding new opportunities that are mutually beneficial,” Zimmermann pointed out. The GBCQ was founded in December 2002 by private representatives of the German business community in Doha. Being a non-governmental and non-profit seeking association, its aim is to provide a local networking platform for German and local companies in Doha.
The council organises social and business events on a regular basis for members and non-members. GBCQ is managed by the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK).
AHK represents the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and is part of the main pillars of foreign investment promotion of the Federal Republic of Germany.
