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Bolivians have elected Rodrigo Paz of the center-right Christian Democratic Party (PDC) as their new president, ending nearly two decades of rule by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.With 97% of ballots counted, Paz secured 54.5% of the vote in Sunday's run-off, according to figures released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).Paz is scheduled to take office on November 8, succeeding outgoing President Luis Arce, who chose not to seek re-election after a five-year term marked by Bolivia's worst economic crisis in four decades.The country is currently grappling with a severe fuel shortage caused by collapsing gas exports and dwindling foreign currency reserves, which have pushed inflation above 23% and led to long queues at fuel stations.Paz's economic platform focuses on cutting government spending, particularly fuel subsidies, while encouraging private-sector expansion and implementing a model of "capitalism for all" based on decentralization and fiscal discipline before resorting to new borrowing.

Oil prices slipped in early Asian trading on Monday, weighed down by concerns over a potential global supply glut and renewed US-China trade tensions that have heightened fears of slower economic growth and weaker energy demand. Brent Crude futures fell $0.24, or 0.4%, to $61.05 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped $0.21, or 0.4%, to $57.33, erasing gains from the previous session. Both benchmarks declined more than 2% last week, marking a third consecutive weekly loss, following the International Energy Agency's warning of a growing supply surplus expected in 2026. Trade friction between the world's two largest oil consumers intensified after Washington and Beijing imposed additional port fees on vessels carrying goods between them — a tit-for-tat move that analysts say could disrupt global shipping flows and dampen demand for crude.

Qatar Chamber is participating in the 28th Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Conference and Exhibition, which opened Sunday in Cairo. Board member and Chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly is representing the Chamber in the event, which addresses economic integration and opportunities for international partnerships. Held under the patronage of the League of Arab States, the conference serves as a strategic platform for fostering joint investments and forging international partnerships that support economic growth across Arab and African nations. The event brings together a high-level gathering of economic leaders, experts, policymakers, and investors from the Arab region, Africa, and the wider international community. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Al Obaidly said the conference comes at a critical time of economic momentum in the Arab and African regions, calling for enhanced cooperation and the establishment of meaningful public-private partnerships. He stressed that industry and investment are key engines of modern economies and essential pillars for sustainable growth. He also noted their strategic importance in addressing global economic challenges, diversifying economies, and creating job opportunities. Al Obaidly highlighted Qatar's strong focus on both industry and investment under its National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable, diversified economy less dependent on hydrocarbons. He pointed to the development of advanced industrial and free zones, world-class infrastructure, and a range of investor-friendly policies in Qatar, including full ownership incentives, streamlined procedures, and broad support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Al Obaidly further noted the vital role Qatar's private sector plays in driving industrial and investment development, with Qatari companies successfully contributing to the country's production base and engaging in strategic projects both at home and abroad. He concluded by emphasizing the role of Qatar Chamber in supporting industrial investments, facilitating partnerships between Qatari and international business leaders, and promoting initiatives that enhance the business climate and attract investment.

The Qatar Chamber (QC) held on Tuesday the Qatari-Hungarian Business Meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Mohamed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi, QC Board Member, and Viktor Dombi, Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Region at the Foreign Economic Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His Excellency Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, QC Board Member, also attended the meeting.Discussions focused on enhancing trade and economic relations between Qatar and Hungary, as well as exploring potential areas for cooperation and partnership between Qatari and Hungarian business communities, particularly in the sectors of construction, building materials, interior design, 3D architecture, smart furniture, digital architecture, and AI.Mohamed Al Ahbabi affirmed that the State of Qatar and the Republic of Hungary enjoy well-established relations across various fields, particularly in the economic and commercial domains. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between both countries reached about QR 375 million in 2024, highlighting the presence of several Hungarian companies operating in Qatar across diverse sectors, and the existence of numerous agreements signed between both nations in various fields.He emphasised that there is great potential for the private sectors of both countries to strengthen cooperation by establishing trade and investment partnerships that serve their mutual economic interests and help increase bilateral trade. He pointed out that there are many promising investment opportunities available in several economic sectors, especially those represented by the visiting delegation, including engineering, design, and construction.Al Ahbabi further noted that Qatar has developed an attractive investment environment in recent years, supported by modern legislation, world-class infrastructure, and incentives offered to foreign investors. These factors, he said, have made Qatar a preferred destination for international companies seeking stability and growth in the region.He invited the Hungarian business community to explore the vast opportunities offered by the Qatari market, particularly in industry, food security, tourism, renewable energy, technology, and logistics, among other promising sectors.His Excellency Eng. Ali Al Misnad affirmed that the Qatar Chamber welcomes cooperation between Qatari business owners and their Hungarian counterparts, noting the mutual interest of both sides in further developing their relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors, which will contribute to enhancing mutual investments and stimulating the volume of trade exchange.In turn, Viktor Dombi affirmed that Qatar has become a regional model of innovation and sustainability, praising the role of the Qatar Chamber in strengthening cooperation with the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in promoting relations between the Qatari and Hungarian private sectors.Dombi highlighted the great potential and broad prospects for cooperation between companies from both sides across numerous sectors. He stressed the Hungarian side's commitment to supporting available cooperation opportunities and to overcoming any challenges that may hinder their development.He also expressed the Hungarian side's support for all initiatives aimed at enhancing partnerships between Qatari and Hungarian investors in fields such as agriculture, financial technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cosmetics, medical tourism, water management, and research.

Acting General Manager of Qatar Chamber (QC) Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansouri, met on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Chamber's headquarters, with the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the State of Qatar, Natalia Al Mansour. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in the trade and economic fields, as well as the role of the Qatari private sector in promoting trade exchange between the two countries. The meeting also touched on the arrangements for holding the Qatar-Slovenia Business Forum in Doha in November, with the participation of a high-level Slovenian delegation, alongside a number of Qatari and Slovenian businesspersons and investors. Al Mansouri affirmed the Chamber's readiness to cooperate with the Slovenian side to further develop trade and investment relations between the two countries. He noted that trade exchange between both countries amounted to about QR 138 million in 2024, highlighting the mutual desire to enhance the role of the private sector in stimulating investments and boosting bilateral trade.

Qatar Chamber's Acting General Manager, Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansouri, met on Wednesday with Trade and Investment Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the State of Qatar Jonathan Kamara Bio. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance collaboration in commercial and economic fields, highlighting the role of the Qatari private sector in promoting trade exchanges. It also discussed preparations for the upcoming Qatari-Sierra Leone Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Doha in January 2026, which will include a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone along with business owners and investors from both sides. Al Mansouri affirmed the Chamber's readiness to work with the Sierra Leonean side to strengthen trade and investment relations, particularly in the agriculture, industry, and engineering sectors.

The US dollar climbed to a two-month-high in early Asian trading on Wednesday, as mounting risks surrounding the US government shutdown stoked investor anxiety and lifted demand for safe-haven assets. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six major peers, rose 0.3% to 98.91, its strongest level since August 5. The New Zealand dollar weakened as much as 1% to $0.5739 after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand unexpectedly cut interest rates by 50 basis points, signaling the possibility of further monetary easing amid worsening economic indicators. The Australian dollar slipped 0.4% to $0.6559, while the dollar strengthened 0.4% against the yen to 152.54, hovering near its highest level since February. Meanwhile, the euro declined 0.3% to $1.1618 and the British pound fell 0.2% to $1.3395. The offshore Chinese yuan eased 0.1% from the previous session to 7.1506 per dollar.

The State of Qatar participated in the 124th meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee of the GCC countries, held in the capital of the State of Kuwait. His Excellency Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari led the State of Qatar's delegation participating in the meeting. During the meeting, approval was granted for the outcomes of the 85th meeting of the Committee of Central Bank Governors, the outcomes of the meetings of the Customs Union Authority, and the 15th meeting of the Committee of Tax Administrations. In addition, discussions were held regarding the development of a comprehensive electronic system to serve all types of indirect taxes. The meeting also addressed the latest developments in the negotiations of free trade agreements between the GCC countries and other nations and international blocs, as well as the programme for achieving economic unity among GCC member states by the year 2025. This was alongside a number of topics of mutual interest to the GCC states aimed at achieving economic integration and enhancing innovation and economic resilience in the face of common challenges.

Doha is preparing for a packed October schedule of world-class events, exhibitions, and conferences, highlighting its growing status as a vibrant regional hub for innovation, culture, and economic development. The events span key sectors including healthcare, sports performance, real estate, education, hospitality, and sustainability, offering opportunities for professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs to exchange expertise and strengthen regional and global cooperation. October 4: QTRI Old Doha Port Aquathlon 2025 Athletes will take part in a thrilling multi-sport race of running and swimming, competing to complete the course in the fastest time possible. October 7–8: Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2025 This dialogue will focus on fostering regional cooperation and shared expertise to tackle pressing climate challenges. The program will feature high-level panels, spotlight sessions, and workshops led by leading entities from across the GCC. October 9–11: Aspetar World Conference 2025 Aspetar will bring together global experts for a three-day multidisciplinary conference covering sports injuries, medical conditions in sports, sports science and performance, sports pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry. October 10: World Mental Health Day The Sports for All Federation will mark the occasion with a special event at the Museum of Islamic Art, raising awareness of mental health through community engagement. October 12-14: Cityscape Qatar and Qatar Real Estate Forum Two major platforms for real estate professionals, investors, and homebuyers will showcase opportunities for investment, property development, and homeownership in Qatar and beyond. October 13–15: 3rd Qatar Proteomics Conference This international scientific forum will gather leading researchers and academics to share the latest developments in proteomics and bioinformatics, with a program of seven sessions focused on cutting-edge technologies and key health challenges. October 14-16: INDEX Design Qatar 2025 and Big 5 Construct Qatar More than 250 local and international brands will showcase innovative products, solutions, and services from over 25 countries, making these exhibitions a leading destination for interior design, construction, and building technology. October 17–19: medical education conference: The Power of Connection: Leveraging Technology for Humanistic Medical Education Focused on technology and humanistic values in medical education, the conference will bring together educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators to explore how rapid technological advances can be integrated with ethics, compassion, and patient-centered care. October 17-24: FIP Asia Padel Cup 2025 The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex will host Asia's top padel teams in a week-long competition, promising an exciting atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. October 23-November 2: Qatar World Cup 10-Ball 2025 The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation will welcome the world's elite billiards players for this premier global tournament. October 25-26: Exploring the Nexus of Climate, Health, and Environment Experts, policymakers, and researchers will convene to examine the interconnectedness of climate change, environmental health, and sustainability through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and research debates. October 25: Al Wakrah Run Part of the Qatar Sports for All Federation's Running Series, this desert race in Al Wakrah will bring together runners of all levels in a community sporting event. October 28-30: Hospitality Qatar 2025 Now in its 10th year, the exhibition has established itself as a leading platform for the hospitality industry, bringing together thousands of global professionals and innovators to exchange experiences and shape the sector's future with a focus on innovation and sustainability. October 30-November 1: UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship Qatar will once again make waves as it hosts a round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship for the first time since 2015, marking the thrilling return of the event after a 10-year absence. With this diverse and high-profile lineup, Qatar reaffirms its role as a premier destination for global events, offering rich educational, professional, and entertainment experiences for participants and visitors from around the world.

All three major Wall Street indices finished at record highs for the third straight session on Monday, buoyed by optimism over corporate earnings and resilient economic data. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index advanced 29.58 points, or 0.44%, to end at 6,693.96.The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 156.04 points, or 0.69%, to settle at 22,786.71.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 70.65 points, or 0.15%, closing at 46,385.92.

A Qatari economic delegation visited the city of Bordeaux in southwest France as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and France and to expand economic ties with various French regions.The delegation was led by His Excellency Chairman of the Qatar Chamber (QC) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani, and His Excellency Board Member of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Thani. The visit was organized at the invitation of Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar's Ambassador to France, and in cooperation with the Qatari-French Economic Circle (Cadran). The visit included tours of key industrial sites and major companies, such as the headquarters of Thales Group and Olicrom, a French company specializing in smart color-changing materials, as well as visits to several research centers in Bordeaux and its surrounding areas. During the trip, the Qatar Chamber and the Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a cooperation agreement to enhance economic relations and open new opportunities for collaboration. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani and Patrick Seguin, President of the Bordeaux Chamber, in the presence of Qatar's Ambassador to France. The Qatari delegation also participated in a business roundtable to discuss cooperation opportunities between Qatari and French companies, introduce Bordeaux, the Gironde region, and their leading economic sectors, and present Qatar's business climate and the investment opportunities available in both countries. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani emphasized the close relationship between the two friendly countries, describing France as a trusted strategic partner for Qatar. He noted that cooperation between the two countries goes beyond traditional diplomacy to reflect a partnership based on trust, shared vision, and achievements.He highlighted the significant growth of Qatari investments in France in diverse sectors including real estate, sports, hospitality, and innovation, and pointed out the increasing interest of French companies in entering the Qatari market. He added that bilateral trade exceeded 1.3 billion Euros last year. He also praised Bordeaux as a global center for advanced industries such as aerospace, defense, high technology, and logistics, fields that align with Qatar's priorities for building a diversified, knowledge-based, and sustainable economy. Patrick Seguin highlighted the importance of this meeting as an important step toward strengthening business cooperation between Qatar and France. His Excellency the Ambassador said that the State of Qatar and the Bordeaux region share complementary strengths, with Bordeaux's expertise in advanced technologies, environmentally friendly industries, and key sectors such as health, security, and tourism combining with Qatar's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and ambitious economic diversification program to create many promising opportunities for collaboration. He explained that this visit provides a valuable opportunity to explore these possibilities and begin successful commercial partnerships between the two sides. His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Thani praised the strength of Qatar-France relations and the desire of both countries to further develop them. He noted that the frequent official visits by leaders and private sector representatives from both countries demonstrate their commitment to advancing bilateral relations to a model level. He also highlighted Qatar's major progress in legislation, logistics, and infrastructure, along with its significant investment incentives and geographic proximity to large regional markets. He affirmed that the Qatari Businessmen Association is ready to explore all available investment opportunities in both Qatar and France. The association aims, through a group of investors and major companies, to strengthen the role of the private sector and establish genuine partnerships with the French private sector in both countries. This effort seeks to diversify joint investments in key economic sectors, expand economic, technical, and scientific cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of information between Qatar and France.

The Qatar Chamber held a meeting on Thursday with the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the State of Qatar Dana Goldfinca. The meeting discussed ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries, explored potential areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Latvian private sectors, and highlighted key investment opportunities for Qatari business persons in Latvia.Speaking at the meeting, QC Board Member Abdulrahman bin Abduljalil Al Abdulghani stressed that the current volume of trade between Qatar and Latvia remains very modest, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of both countries to expand trade exchange and mutual investments.For her part, Ambassador Dana Goldfinca expressed Latvia's keenness to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Qatar, pointing to promising sectors for Qatari investments such as information and communications technology, food security, tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics.She further noted that Latvia offers attractive investment opportunities through its eight free zones, which provide various incentives and facilities for foreign investors. She also emphasised her country's openness to Qatari investments across all sectors.The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Qatar Chamber and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate communication and foster stronger ties between the business communities of both countries.