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Qatar Chamber hosted the first meeting of the Qatar-Azerbaijan Joint Business Council in the chamber’s Lusail headquarters Monday. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed and Azerbaijan Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov, as well as Qatar Chamber second vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari.The council meeting was co-chaired by Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohammed bin Jawhar al-Mohammed, who is also chairman of the Qatari side, and Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) chairman Orkhan Mammadov, who is also head of the Azerbaijani Side. The meeting discussed numerous co-operation opportunities between the Qatari and Azerbaijani business sectors across various fields, as well as the investment climate and opportunities available for companies in both countries.Al-Kuwari said the business council confirms the common keenness of both sides to strengthen economic ties and open broader horizons for cooperation in various commercial and investment sectors. He noted that the joint council is not just a platform for consultation, but rather an effective bridge to connect the business community in the two countries, enabling companies to exchange experiences, explore promising opportunities, and build strategic partnerships that serve the interests of the private sector and support joint economic development.Al-Kuwari also expressed confidence that the council would contribute to facilitating the flow of mutual investments, enhancing bilateral trade, and creating a more attractive environment for investors in both countries, especially in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, tourism, technology, and food industries, among others.Heydarov stated that the first meeting of the joint business council represents a new boost to the friendship and mutual trust between the two countries — an advancement that will positively impact the business community, particularly the private sector.He noted that discussions between the two sides are ongoing to enhance the mechanisms for developing trade relations through the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Committee. He expressed his confidence that the Qatar–Azerbaijan Business Council will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade relations between the private sectors of both countries.Al-Mohammed said the council reflects the keenness of both friendly countries to enhance economic and trade cooperation relations between them, stressing that they have strong and growing relations that include various fields, especially economic and trade, supported by many co-operation agreements and MoU signed between both nations.  

Qatar Chamber hosted Monday the activities of the ‘2nd Conference on Environmental, Social, and Institutional Governance (ESG) Qatar 2025’, organised by Hawkama Centre for Public Relations, in cooperation with the Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) in England and Qatar Chamber as a strategic partner.Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali bin Saud al-Thani, president of the conference, affirmed that ESG has become a major driver of business worldwide. He stressed that companies seeking to strengthen their competitiveness in global markets and attract foreign direct investment must adhere to the highest international standards, with ESG now forming an integral component of these standards.He noted that Qatar holds a leading position in adopting ESG frameworks, guided by a proactive vision that places sustainability at the core of its national priorities. He explained that ESG standards serve as a fundamental pillar for building sustainable sectors such as tourism, financial services, and technology.Sheikh Dr Thani emphasised that ESG has evolved into a strategic tool for managing risks, generating growth opportunities, enhancing reputation, and attracting capital and talent. He warned that companies neglecting these standards risk falling behind in an increasingly dynamic and rapidly changing global economy.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri said the conference plays a key role in raising awareness about the implementation of ESG standards across economic sectors. He noted that the event provides an important platform for showcasing best practices in governance, reporting, financial integration, and innovative approaches to sustainability.Alan Darby, Corporate Partnerships manager at ISEP–UK, said Qatar plays a leading role in integrating ESG standards, noting that ISEP co-operates with various Qatari entities and companies to implement best practices in this field.He also affirmed that the risks associated with climate change will have direct impacts on the economy, businesses, and supply chains. He noted that while these challenges pose significant risks, they also open the door to new economic opportunities, with the private sector expected to play a key role in addressing and leveraging them.Engineer Abdulwahab Bukshaisha from the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said Ashghal works to integrate ESG standards across all stages of its projects, placing community safety and quality of life at the top of its priorities.He noted that Ashghal is committed to developing facilities and urban infrastructure that enhance security and safety while promoting best practices. He stressed Ashghal’s commitment to working with a spirit of innovation to support the future of the State and reinforce the principles of sustainability.

Qatar Chamber (QC) discussed on Sunday with Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), bilateral trade and economic relations between Qatar and Portugal and ways to further develop them, to strengthen ties between the business communities of both countries and enhance the role of the Qatari and Portuguese private sectors.This came in a meeting between Acting Director-General of Qatar Chamber Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Director of AIP Pina Pires and AIP Project Partner Manul Campos, held at QC's headquarters.In his remarks, Al Mansori praised the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the commercial and economic fields. He noted that bilateral trade between Qatar and Portugal reached QAR 441 million in 2024, stressing the Chamber's commitment to deepening trade relations with Portugal and expanding partnerships between Qatari companies and their Portuguese counterparts.For her part, Filomena affirmed the interest of Portuguese business owners in exploring available investment opportunities in Qatar and establishing partnerships with Qatari businesspersons and investors -whether in Qatar or Portugal- across various sectors including industry, trade, construction, agriculture, transport, and communications. She invited private sector companies in Qatar to visit Portugal and learn more about the opportunities available there.She added that the visit aims to enhance cooperation and coordination with the Qatar Chamber in organizing joint business events and meetings targeting Qatari and Portuguese companies, as well as hosting trade fairs to showcase the products and services of the private sectors in both countries, pointing out that AIP is the largest business association in Portugal, functioning also as a chamber of commerce and industry.

Qatar Chamber acting director general Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri held a meeting Sunday with Filomena Pina Pires, director of the Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), and Manul Campos, AIP Project Partner. The meeting discussed bilateral trade and economic relations between Qatar and Portugal and ways to further develop them.It also addressed potential co-operation between the Qatar Chamber and AIP, including co-ordination to sign an agreement to strengthen ties between the business communities of both countries and enhance the role of the Qatari and Portuguese private sectors.Al-Mansouri praised the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the commercial and economic fields. He noted that bilateral trade between Qatar and Portugal reached QR441mn in 2024, stressing the chamber’s commitment to deepening trade relations with Portugal and expanding partnerships between Qatari companies and their Portuguese counterparts.Pires affirmed the interest of Portuguese business owners in exploring available investment opportunities in Qatar and establishing partnerships with Qatari businessmen and investors, whether in Qatar or Portugal, across various sectors, including industry, trade, construction, agriculture, transport, and communications.She invited private sector companies in Qatar to visit Portugal and learn more about the opportunities available there. She added that the visit aims to enhance co-operation and co-ordination with the Qatar Chamber in organising joint business events and meetings targeting Qatari and Portuguese companies, as well as hosting trade fairs to showcase the products and services of the private sectors in both countries.Pires also noted that the Portuguese Industrial Association is the largest business association in Portugal, functioning also as a chamber of commerce and industry.

Qatar Chamber (QC) announced the formation of a Sub-committee for Travel and Tourism Agencies, operating under its main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee.This came during a meeting of QC's Tourism and Exhibitions Committee headed by HE Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Committee, Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani, with the attendance of other committee members.The sub-committee is tasked with addressing the most important challenges facing the travel and tourism agencies, coordinating closely with the main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee to solve the obstacles, and to identify the most important views of travel and tourism agencies owners on ways to develop the tourism sector.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani said that the formation of the sub-committee aims to overcome the difficulties facing travel and tourism agencies and to coordinate, via QC, with the concerned authorities in the country to resolve these obstacles.He noted that the sub-committee will be a unified platform for coordination and cooperation among travel and tourism agencies, which will significantly streamline the main committee's work in identifying proposals in order to raise it to the relevant authorities, stressing QC's keenness to support the private tourism sector and enhance its contribution to developing the tourism sector and raising the efficiency of tourism services in Qatar.

Qatar Chamber hosted a high-level German trade delegation Wednesday, headed by Katharina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation was received by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, in the presence of several board members, a group of Qatari businessmen, and German ambassador Oliver Owcza.During the meeting, the German delegation and Qatari business leaders discussed co-operation relations, the investment climate in both Qatar and Germany, available investment opportunities, and the role of the private sector in promoting bilateral trade.They also discussed ways to enhance co-operation in key economic sectors such as energy, industry, and information technology. Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the strong and friendly relations between both countries, as well as the economic co-operation, which reflects the keenness of both leaderships to advance this partnership to broader horizons. He noted that Germany has long represented a model of excellence in advanced manufacturing and innovation and is one of the fundamental pillars of the global economy.He emphasised that the Qatar Chamber is proud of the presence of many German companies — known for their high technical expertise and global standards — whether as major partners or as independent entities in numerous large-scale projects in the country. Sheikh Khalifa also pointed out that Qatar has emerged as a leading commercial and industrial hub thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and modern logistical facilities.He said the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached QR6.6bn in 2024, noting that the meeting with the German delegation represents a practical step toward a stronger economic future for both nations. He expected that the ongoing dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and the activation of investment partnerships would open new horizons for co-operation. Sheikh Khalifa noted that Qatari investments in Germany, which span multiple sectors, are clear evidence of Qatar’s confidence in the German economy. At the same time, the Qatari side values the role of German companies operating in Qatar and their contribution to the development of many productive sectors.He called on companies from both sides to take advantage of the promising opportunities available in fields such as manufacturing, advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare, sports, education, and many other sectors.Katharina affirmed that Qatar is a major and highly important partner for Germany, noting that 110 German companies had expressed a desire to join the delegation to Qatar, as all of them are interested in establishing partnerships and alliances with Qatari companies. She said 20 leading companies representing various sectors accompanied her on this visit and are eager to develop strategic alliances with their Qatari counterparts. She highlighted that the volume of trade between the two countries, particularly Qatar’s exports of raw materials and petrochemicals to Germany, reflects the strength of the bilateral partnership.She added that the growth of Germany’s GDP, along with the strong performance of the Qatari economy, which is expected to achieve 5% growth in the coming years, presents significant opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two nations.The German Minister also noted that around 100 German companies are currently exploring opportunities related to digital transformation in Qatar and are ready to participate actively in this sector. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their strong desire to expand co-operation and establish commercial partnerships across various sectors, especially in energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, carbon emissions reduction, satellites, space technology, and aviation.

The Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber and the Community Service and Continuing Education Center at Qatar University (QU) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing a framework for institutional collaboration between the two parties in implementing specialised training programs in arbitration, conciliation, and mediation.This partnership seeks to enhance the efficiency of arbitrators and promote professional awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.The agreement was signed at the QICCA headquarters by QICCA Vice Chairman, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani and Head of Strategy and Development at QU, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani affirmed that the signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in QICCA's journey, emphasizing that it aims to promote and strengthen the culture of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Qatar.He also noted that this partnership aligns with QICCA's strategy to enhance academic cooperation with leading educational institutions, both locally and internationally, based on the belief that such collaboration is a key pillar in developing and advancing the arbitration environment in the State of Qatar.For her part, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi said that the agreement with QICCA aims to enhance the legal capabilities of companies and institutions, enabling them to manage their contractual relationships effectively and safeguard their rights in line with best legal practices.Al Marzouqi noted that, under this agreement, a series of joint training courses will be implemented in coordination between the two parties, covering areas such as commercial law, local and international arbitration, conciliation and mediation, and dispute management.She added that the agreement also includes a programme for the preparation and qualification of arbitrators.The 'Qualification and Preparation of Arbitrators Programme' is a comprehensive professional training designed to prepare national and Arab professionals to serve as certified arbitrators. It enables participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing arbitration, as well as the procedures for forming arbitration panels and issuing and enforcing arbitration awards.The programme comprises five sequential training stages, combining theoretical and practical components in various aspects of commercial arbitration.These include drafting arbitration agreements, managing arbitration hearings, and preparing rulings and legal memoranda.Since its launch in 2016, in partnership with QU, the programme has graduated more than 320 participants, most of whom are Qatari professionals working in the field of arbitration, who have significantly contributed to enriching the arbitration landscape in the State of Qatar.

The Qatar Chamber hosted the ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’, which concluded Saturday in Doha.The event featured the ‘Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities’ and the ‘Arab Exhibition for Productive Families’ held on the sidelines of the recently held ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’.The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League – Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – Bahrain Office, and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.The event was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Dr Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Mohammed bin Saleh al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain and chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Dr Khaled Hanafy, secretary general of the Union of Arab Chambers; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general and head of the Office of the secretary general of the League of Arab States;Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development of Jordan; Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidli, director general of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the Gulf States; and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek al-Nabulsi, director of the Department of Development and Social Policies at the League of Arab States.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a variety of products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors representing Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, al-Kuwari emphasised that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al-Kuwari also underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the chamber’s encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.

The Qatar Chamber hosted "The high-level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation," from Nov. 6 to 8, 2025.The event featured the "Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities" and the "Arab Exhibition for Productive Families" held on the sidelines of the "Second World Summit for Social Development."The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League - Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, stressed that the initiative represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasized that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al Kuwari also underscored the Qatar Chamber's commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the Chamber's encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased various products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors from several Arab countries.

QNB Group and the Qatar Chamber have signed a sponsorship agreement for the Seventh Gulf Businesswomen Forum, under which QNB will sponsor the event as a Strategic Partner.The agreement was signed by Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri and QNB Group executive vice-president of SME Banking Ismail Mohamed al-Emadi, in the presence of Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) secretary-general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi and Qatar Chamber board member Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, who is also chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum.Organised by the FGCCC, in co-operation with the Qatar Chamber and with the support of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council, the forum will be held under the slogan ‘Entrepreneurship and Investment Sustainability’ on November 12-13 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Msheireb, Doha.The forum aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and promote sustainable investment among businesswomen in GCC countries. It will highlight mechanisms for supporting women’s participation in sustainable investment and explore ways to transition from traditional business models to more innovative, digital, and knowledge-driven approaches, in line with the GCC’s collective vision for a knowledge-based economy.Al-Mansouri said, “We highly value QNB Group’ s sponsorship of the forum, which reflects the bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting Qatari and Gulf women, enhancing their participation in driving economic transformation, and representing the private sector in regional and international arenas.”He emphasised that the partnership with QNB represents a significant contribution to the success of the forum, reinforcing its position as a leading Gulf platform for dialogue and networking among businesswomen, as well as a venue for exchanging expertise, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering co-operation on future projects.QNB Group’s sponsorship represents a strategic platform for the economic empowerment of female business owners in GCC countries, reflecting its commitment to supporting their role in accelerating the transition towards a knowledge economy in the region.The sponsorship also supports the ongoing partnership with Qatar Chamber, reflecting joint efforts to promote women’s business entrepreneurship to more innovative and digital-based approaches, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the sustainable development strategies of GCC countries.

Qatar Chamber hosted Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Kerala, who was in Doha recently with his accompanying delegation. Vijayan and his team were received by Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, in the presence of Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid al-Thani and LuLu Group International chairman M A Yusuff Ali. Also present at the meeting were Qatar Chamber board members Abdul Rahman al-Ansari and Shaheen al-Mohannadi, along with Indian ambassador Vipul. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in trade and economic fields, exploring ways to enhance it. They also reviewed the role of the private sector in promoting mutual investments and increasing trade exchange between the two countries. Al-Kuwari highlighted the strong relations between Qatar and India, particularly in economic and trade fields, noting that these relations have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. He said India is a strategic trading partner for Qatar, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn in 2024. He also affirmed Qatar’s keenness to strengthen and expand such relations, stressing the chamber’s support for fostering partnerships and alliances between Qatari and Indian business communities.

Qatar Chamber recently concluded the 33rd session of its training programme for customs brokers and representatives. Organised in collaboration with the General Authority of Customs (QAC), the month-long programme aimed to qualify customs clearance operators and enhance their knowledge of regulations related to customs procedures. It further sought to advance the customs clearance profession, improve the performance of workers in this sector, provide high-quality customs services to the public, and reduce congestion at customs ports. The training covered a wide range of topics, including preferential international agreements, customs procedures, customs tariffs in accordance with the harmonised system, provisions and rules of origin, customs law, and the Al-Nadeeb Programme. Since its inception in 2015, the programme has played a pivotal role in preparing many customs brokers and representatives. Upon completion, trainees receive attested certificates from Qatar Chamber that qualify them to take the final test administered at the premises of QAC. The chamber regularly organises this programme as part of its efforts to equip the Qatari business community with skilled customs brokers, thereby facilitating and expediting clearance procedures at the country's ports.