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Qatar Chamber held a meeting Monday with a business delegation from India to discuss trade and economic relations and ways to enhance them, as well as opportunities for private sector collaboration and partnerships and promising sectors for Qatari investment in India.The delegation was led by Sanjay Beswal, co-chair of the International Affairs Committee at PHDCCI India, while Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi headed the Qatari side.Addressing the meeting, al-Ahbabi highlighted the strong co-operation between Qatar and India at all levels, particularly in trade and economic relations. He noted that India is one of Qatar’s most important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn last year. He added that the Indian business community plays an active role in supporting Qatar’s economic development through the presence of numerous Indian companies operating across various sectors in the Qatari market.Al-Ahbabi also emphasised Qatar Chamber’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and co-operation between Qatari and Indian companies through joint investments and projects across diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and food security.He invited Indian companies to explore the investment opportunities available in Qatar, highlighting the country’s advanced infrastructure and progressive legislation, which pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Qatari and Indian business communities.For his part, Beswal noted that PHDCCI is one of India’s oldest chambers, established over 128 years ago, and includes a wide range of leading companies, including SMEs across all sectors.He expressed his keenness to enhance co-operation with Qatar Chamber to develop stronger partnerships between the business sectors of both countries, especially given the shared desire to expand trade and economic co-operation. He highlighted the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, noting that India is one of Qatar’s leading exporters.Beswal said many Indian companies are keen to invest in Qatar and collaborate with Qatari counterparts across all sectors, inviting Qatari investors to explore India’s promising investment opportunities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, services, renewable energy, technology, and innovation, supported by legislative reforms, incentives, and a pro-business environment.He also invited Qatari businessmen and investors to visit India to explore available opportunities and meet their Indian counterparts to discuss co-operation and joint ventures.The meeting also included a presentation highlighting investment opportunities in India across sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, transport, smart cities, technology and innovation, food security, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and fintech.Also present at the meeting were Deepak Pundir, commercial attaché at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, along with a number of Qatari businessmen and their Indian counterparts.

Qatar beat Yemen 1-0 in the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup match played at the Grand Hamad Stadium on Sunday.Faisal Saeed scored the winner for the hosts. Qatar will next play Oman on Wednesday before meeting the UAE on September 27th.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to Governor-General of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Marcella Althea Liburd on the occasion of her country's Independence Day.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani also sent a similar cable to Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Michael Drew on the occasion.

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi received a copy of the credentials of ambassador of Germany Oliver Owcza and ambassador of France Arnaud Pescheux. HE the Secretary-General wished both ambassadors success in carrying out their duties, stressing that they will receive full support to strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and their respective countries, in order to achieve closer co-operation across various fields.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday hailed the "vital role" played by Qatar in winning the release of a British couple held by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.He welcomed the release of Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, who had been arrested in February, saying: "This long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family.""I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar," including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, "in securing their freedom", Starmer added in a statement.

Second Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba and ambassador of the Republic of Peru to the State of Qatar Gonzalo Voto Bernales discussed trade and economic co-operation between the two countries and explored ways to further strengthen these ties, reports QNA.Discussions also highlighted the role of the private sector in stimulating trade and enhancing bilateral trade exchange. In a statement, Qatar Chamber indicated that it was agreed to organise a business meeting between Qatari businessmen and their Peruvian counterparts.The meeting, scheduled for later this month, will focus on identifying opportunities to enhance trade and investment cooperation, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade. The Qatar Chamber and the Lima Chamber of Commerce will coordinate the session via videoconference. Both sides expressed a strong desire to increase trade exchange between the two countries, which reached QR41mn in 2024.

Qatar and the United States have played a key role in stabilising the European energy crisis due to the reduction of Russian piped gas supply, according to International Gas Union (IGU).“The 2022-2024 European energy crisis following the reduction of Russian piped gas supply was stabilised using LNG imports from the US and Qatar,” IGU said in its just released Global Gas Report 2025.Similarly, East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea rely on spot LNG purchases to balance seasonal fluctuations, establishing natural gas and LNG as tools for preventing deeper economic or social fallout through resilient and diversified supply, the report noted.Gas has proved itself a vital component of global energy security. LNG trade has historically offered cross-border flexibility to respond to shifting demand- supply dynamics during market uncertainties, it said.Amid rising demand, there is indication of growing LNG supply reinforcing natural gas’ role as a reliable fuel to meet expected shortfalls.Despite tightness in the near term, the global LNG market is expected to gradually ease over the next few years, and move into surplus as new supply comes online toward 2030.Around 270 bcm of approved or under construction liquefaction capacity is currently in the pipeline to be commissioned by 2030, primarily driven by projects in the US and Qatar.This marks a new growth phase following a prolonged period of stagnation, reflecting the inherently cyclical nature of the liquefaction sector.These cycles are driven by the capital-intensive nature of projects – typically costing around $0.75bn per bcm – and long development timelines, often spanning four to five years from FID to operation. To manage market risk, developers usually secure most of their capacity through long-term contracts.“Due to these factors, the LNG market is expected to remain broadly balanced, with limited opportunity for new developments in the short term and ample supply by 2030,” IGU said.Uncertainty surrounding the timing of LNG supply persists despite the expected surge associated with the next wave of LNG projects. In October 2024, TotalEnergies revised its forecast, now anticipating that the next wave of LNG supply will only come to market from 2027, two-years after the previously projected 2025 timeline.The supply outlook remains uncertain due to potential delays as well as regulatory, technical and financial risks to projects. While there is a potential for increased project FIDs as a result of US import tariffs, policies such as the sanctions on Russian LNG are set to strike a blow to global LNG supply as upcoming projects’ ability to acquire necessary equipment, secure vessels and find buyers is becoming increasingly limited.IGU said, “Disruptions to key LNG transit routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, increase shipping times and costs, undermining project economics and investor confidence. This may lead to slower FIDs for projects dependent on long-distance or chokepoint- exposed routes.”

The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has hosted a dinner in honour of Swedish Minister for International Development Co-operation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa and his accompanying delegation.On the sidelines of the luncheon, both parties held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral co-operation, particularly in trade and economic sectors, as well as exploring the investment climate and opportunities available in both countries. The discussions also addressed the role of the private sector in promoting mutual and joint investments and enhancing trade exchange.The minister was accompanied by CEOs and representatives of various Swedish companies operating across multiple economic sectors, including Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya.QBA board members Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani and Sherida al-Kaabi welcomed the minister and his delegation in the presence of QBA members Khalid al-Mannai, Ibrahim Jaidah, Ashraf Abu Issa, Yousef al-Mahmoud, Dr Mohamed Althaf, and QBA deputy general manager Sarah Abdallah.During the meeting, Sheikh Nawaf affirmed the QBA’s commitment to developing and expanding co-operation, partnerships, and knowledge exchange between the two countries, and exploring available investment opportunities.He noted that Qatari-Swedish relations have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, particularly in the fields of technology, innovation, renewable energy, and healthcare. He also highlighted the Qatari private sector’s interest in strengthening partnerships with its Swedish counterpart, whether through joint ventures or the exchange of expertise and modern technologies, contributing to sustainable economic development in both countries.Sheikh Nawaf emphasised that Qatar and Sweden enjoy strong and rapidly growing relations, especially in commercial and economic fields. At the private sector level, there are numerous opportunities for partnership and collaboration between Qatari and Swedish companies, particularly in technology and innovation-driven sectors.The minister lauded the significant progress Qatar has achieved across various sectors. He noted that holding a business forum between entrepreneurs from both countries reflects a shared commitment to expanding co-operation to broader horizons. He also invited Qatari companies to invest in Sweden’s technology sector, pointing out that the country ranks among the top countries globally in innovation.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Sunday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Abbas Araghchi, on the sidelines of the preparatory ministerial meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, scheduled for Monday in Doha.Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, as well as regional developments - particularly the recent treacherous Israeli attack targeting Doha.HE Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and uphold its sovereignty in response to the brazen Israeli assault.For his part, the Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated his country's solidarity with Qatar, strongly condemning the attack as a blatant violation of international law and norms and a serious threat to the security of Qatar and the wider region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met Sunday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, scheduled for Moonday in Doha.They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation relations between the two countries, as well as developments in the region - particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and uphold its sovereignty in response to the blatant Israeli attack.For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar, strongly condemned the Israeli attack, and categorically rejected any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar, as well as the stability of the region.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received on Sunday a phone call from the President of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Nikos Christodoulides.During the call, the President of Cyprus expressed his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar and its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings, stressing that such an act constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws and norms and poses a serious threat to the security of the State of Qatar and the countries of the region.For his part, His Highness the Amir affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and sovereignty in the face of the treacherous Israeli attack. His Highness expressed gratitude to the President of Cyprus for his sincere sentiments and for Cyprus's valued solidarity with Qatar and its people.

Qatar opened their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship campaign with a determined performance but ultimately fell short against a strong the Netherlands side, losing 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 26-28, 25-23) in their Pool B opener in Quezon City, Philippines Saturday.Despite the loss, Qatar pushed the European team to the limit, showing grit and composure especially in the third set, where they fought back to win 28-26 and extend the match.The Qatari squad matched the Netherlands in kill blocks (9 each) and committed fewer unforced errors (26 compared to 29), highlighting their discipline and defensive effort.Opposite Youssef Oughlaf led the scoring for Qatar with 17 points, while seasoned outside hitters Ribeiro Renan and Nikola Vasic chipped in with 11 points apiece.The Netherlands, however, made the difference from the service line, firing nine aces to Qatar’s two.They also edged Qatar in attack with 57 spike kills to 52.Dutch opposite Michiel Ahyi topped all scorers with 20 points, while Tom Koops sealed the victory with the match-winning point in the fourth set.Qatar now turn their focus to their next match against world powerhouse Poland tomorrow, followed by their final Pool B game against Romania on September 17.