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Qatar Chamber’s Gold Committee held a meeting Tuesday to review several inquiries submitted by members concerning the import of gold, silver, and jewellery. Qatar Chamber board member Naser bin Sulaiman al-Haider, who is also committee chairman, presided over the meeting held at the chamber’s Lusail headquarters.**media[388832]**During the meeting, Abdullah Jassim Haji, head of the Customs Value Department, delivered a presentation on gold import procedures and highlighted the challenges facing companies and factories operating in the gold and jewellery sector. Haji said the Customs Value Department is keen on strengthening co-operation between the private sector and the General Authority of Customs (GAC), and to facilitate procedures related to the import of precious metals, thereby supporting the growth and competitiveness of Qatar’s gold and jewellery industry. The meeting was attended by representatives from the GAC, including Ali Mohammed al-Marri, assistant director of the Exemptions Department; and Salah Abdul Samee, expert at the Customs Policies and Procedures Department.

Qatar Chamber recently participated in the ‘First Gulf Forum for Building the Capacities and Skills of Home-Based Business Owners’, hosted by Kuwait.The two-day forum was organised by the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the GCC States, in partnership with the Federation of GCC Chambers. The event brought together representatives of government entities, the private sector, and entrepreneurs from across the Gulf region.Fatima Issa al-Kuwari, Training Department head, represented the chamber at the forum and participated in a panel discussion on the role of GCC federations and chambers of commerce in supporting emerging projects.In her remarks, she emphasised the importance of home-based and emerging projects, which are among the promising engines of economic and social growth in GCC countries, calling for a supportive ecosystem that enables training, development, and access to opportunities for this category.She also highlighted the pivotal role played by Qatar Chamber in empowering home-business owners by designing high-quality training programmes, organising specialised events, and connecting them with numerous supporting entities through the training workshops it hosts.These workshops, she noted, focus on developing entrepreneurship skills and presenting inspiring success stories, contributing to enhancing the capabilities of project owners and improving their readiness to enter the market and transition toward sustainable business models.Al-Kuwari said the chamber also enables home-based projects to promote their products, and adopts initiatives that raise awareness about commercial transformation, while offering opportunities that strengthen the role of entrepreneurs in the national economy.She added that the shared vision of GCC chambers today is to build an integrated Gulf environment that supports innovation and enables home-based and emerging projects to evolve from simple initiatives into commercial ventures capable of competing and generating significant economic and social value. 

Qatar Chamber has participated in the 10th edition of the Qatar Business Law Forum held recently in Doha.Leading the delegation was Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, including Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, and Qatar Chamber Legal Affairs Department director Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) also participated through a dedicated pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the forum.In his remarks at the opening ceremony, al-Kuwari emphasised that over the past decade, the forum has played a crucial role in enhancing Qatar's business environment. He noted that the event has contributed significantly to the development of legal systems, the strengthening of compliance, and the promotion of professional communication between experts and practitioners.He emphasised that Qatar Chamber, as a supporter of the Qatari private sector, believes that the presence of an advanced legal environment is the cornerstone of any competitive and robust economy, and a foundation for a more attractive and sustainable business climate.Al-Kuwari added that attracting foreign investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and facilitating business activity all depend on an effective legislative system that keeps pace with global developments, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030.He affirmed that the event represents an important platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the most pressing contemporary legal issues, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cross-border trade, business sustainability, and other topics that directly influence the future of the global economy.He noted that Qatar Chamber is keen to support this forum and to strengthen its role as an intellectual and professional platform that contributes to the development of the legal sector and empowers the private sector.The forum featured discussion sessions that addressed several key topics, including the development of Qatar’s foreign investment laws and the legal sector, corporate governance leadership in GCC countries, enhancing investor confidence in the financial sector, and building an effective framework for resolving real estate and construction disputes. 

Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri held a meeting Wednesday with InvestChile director Carla Flores to discuss trade and economic co-operation and ways to explore and enhance them.Both officials also reviewed areas of co-operation between Qatar Chamber and Invest Chile, including plans to sign a memorandum of understanding between the chamber and the Chilean Chamber.The proposed MoU aims to strengthen ties between the business communities in both countries and to activate the role of the Qatari and Chilean private sectors in supporting bilateral co-operation.Al-Mansouri lauded the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the commercial and economic fields. However, he noted that the current volume of trade exchange remains below expectations, stressing the chamber’s keenness to enhance trade relations and expand partnerships between Qatari companies and their counterparts in Chile.Flores affirmed that Chilean business owners are keen to foster co-operation and forge business alliances with their Qatari counterparts, whether in Qatar or Chile, across various sectors, particularly mining, industry, renewable energy, and infrastructure. She urged Qatari private sector companies to explore the investment opportunities available in Chile.She explained that the visit aims to enhance co-operation and co-ordination with Qatar Chamber in organising joint business events and meetings. Flores proposed the conduct of a Qatari-Chilean Business Forum in Doha next year, noting that a regional office of InvestChile was recently opened in Riyadh. The office also covers Qatar and the UAE. 

 Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari held a meeting with Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Mergen Gurdov and his accompanying delegation in Lusail Wednesday.The meeting, held in the presence of Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed, discussed bilateral economic and trade relations and ways to enhance them. Both officials also reviewed co-operation between both chambers, as well as efforts to activate an agreement signed in 2010 to establish the Qatari-Turkmen Joint Business Council.The council aims to strengthen ties between the business communities in both countries and to empower the Qatari and Turkmen private sectors to play a greater role in advancing economic co-operation.Al-Kuwari lauded the strong relations between the two countries, expressing the Qatari side’s keenness to learn about the investment climate and opportunities available in Turkmenistan, as well as the promising sectors suitable for Qatari investors.He affirmed that Qatar Chamber supports strengthening co-operation between the private sectors of both countries and encourages Qatari businessmen to forge trade partnerships with their Turkmen counterparts.Gurdov expressed hope that co-operation between the two chambers will further develop and have a positive impact on co-operation between the business communities in both countries. He also invited Qatari businessmen to visit Turkmenistan and explore investment opportunities available there.Al-Mohamed stressed that the private sector always encounters challenges that may hinder its work, but joint business councils play a critical role in addressing such obstacles whenever they arise. He stressed that establishing the joint business council will bring business communities closer, enable the study of available investment opportunities, and contribute to building stronger economic integration between the two nations. 

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.