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The Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) held a meeting Monday to discuss ways to achieve economic integration, among other topics. Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, who is also FGCCC president, chaired the federation’s 69th board meeting in Bahrain, with the participation of GCC chamber heads, alongside secretary general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi. The meeting discussed enhancing economic and trade co-operation among Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states and the role of the private sector in developing intra-GCC trade. Sheikh Khalifa noted that the meeting was convened at a time when the region faces unprecedented, rapidly evolving challenges, foremost among them geopolitical instability and disruptions to international trade and navigation, resulting in supply chain pressures and rising costs for transport, shipping, and insurance. During the meeting, he lauded the proposals by the member chambers, emphasising that they would be translated into practical programmes. Qatar Chamber participated in the meeting with a delegation that included Qatar Chamber board members Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, Mohammed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi, and Nasser bin Sulaiman al-Haidar. The chamber’s delegation also included acting general manager Ali Saeed Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, Hamad al-Marri, director of the Committees and Business Councils Department, and Ahmed Abu Nahia, director of Public Relations and Communications. The meeting’s agenda included a report on the decisions reached at the Union’s 68th Board of Directors meeting, the General Secretariat’s 2027 work programme, the Union’s 2027 annual budget, and the proposed topics for the 15th consultative meeting of the GCC Ministers of Trade and Industry and the heads of the federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, scheduled for Tuesday in Manama. 

The Qatari-Saudi Joint Business Council convened Sunday, co-chaired by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and Hamad bin Ali al-Shuwaier, chairman of the Saudi side.Discussions focused on key economic and commercial issues aimed at accelerating economic integration between the two countries. Key areas included increasing bilateral trade, facilitating cross-border business establishment, promoting mutual investments, and reinforcing the private sector’s pivotal role in advancing economic integration.The meeting was also attended by Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, who is also vice-chairman of the Joint Business Council’s Qatari side, along with council members from both sides.The council also discussed local government investment initiatives under public-private partnerships (PPP) offered by both governments to the private sector, identifying priority sectors for investment, exploring frameworks for cooperation on international projects, and establishing a fast-track mechanism to address challenges facing Qatari and Saudi investors.Both sides affirmed their commitment to developing mechanisms for trade and investment cooperation in a manner that contributes to advancing development and prosperity in the two brotherly countries.Sheikh Khalifa emphasised that the shared heritage and deep-rooted ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia provide a strong foundation for strategic and sustainable partnerships that serve the interests of both countries.He noted that both countries share close historical, geographical and social ties, as well as common aspirations for a secure, stable, and prosperous future. He noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030 offer broad opportunities to expand cooperation in economic diversification and investment.Sheikh Khalifa said the meeting comes at a critical time marked by rapid regional and global developments, highlighting the need for closer coordination, economic readiness and resilience to ensure business continuity, safeguard supply chains, and address emerging challenges.He said the meeting builds on a series of previous meetings held in Qatar and Saudi Arabia aimed at advancing partnerships between companies, exchanging expertise, addressing challenges facing trade and investment, and facilitating the movement of goods and services.Furthermore, Sheikh Khalifa highlighted opportunities for Qatari and Saudi companies arising from Saudi Arabia’s major projects, including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, particularly in construction, supply chains, services, tourism, transport, and technology.He also underscored the private sector’s key role in advancing development and economic integration, stressing the importance of greater cooperation and shared responsibility. Sheikh Khalifa expressed hope that the discussions would lead to practical initiatives that strengthen business partnerships and contribute to a more secure, stable and prosperous future for both countries.Al-Shuwaier said since its establishment, the Joint Business Council has developed a strategy aligned with the directives of the leaderships of the two countries, implementing innovative initiatives that have yielded tangible economic results.Highlighting the council’s major achievements, he pointed out that bilateral trade has tripled compared to its 2022 level. Qatari investments in Saudi Arabia have reached around SAR12bn, while Saudi investments in Qatar have reached SAR6bn. He also noted the signing of more than 10 joint agreements and efforts that helped resolve 80% of the identified challenges affecting trade and investment growth.He stressed the important role of business leaders in the next phase, particularly as both governments seek to empower the private sector to lead sustainable economic development, calling for a new strategy in which business leaders and their institutions play a greater role in shaping and implementing joint initiatives.At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Khalifa and al-Shuwaier witnessed the signing of five business agreements between Qatari and Saudi companies spanning diverse economic sectors, including furniture, medical supplies, real estate brokerage, advertising and promotion, exhibitions, and international investment.

The State of Qatar participated in the opening of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group inaugurated by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.  Qatar was represented at the opening of the meetings by His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. The meetings are being held in Baku on 16 -19 June 2026, under the slogan "Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity," and witnessed wide participation from representatives of member states and international development partners.  Participants discussed ways to enhance sustainable development and economic integration. Qatar's participation comes as part of its commitment to supporting development cooperation with member states and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.  HE al-Kuwari also attended the first and second plenary sessions within the framework of the annual meetings of the Group, where the sessions discussed a number of priority issues for member states, including strengthening development and economic cooperation, supporting the stability of the Islamic financial system, developing innovative financing tools, as well as exploring ways to enhance integration among member states and expand partnerships with regional and international financial institutions in a manner that supports development efforts and economic growth.

Qatar Exports has concluded its 2025 trade mission to Oman, with participation from more than 45 Qatari firms, with the value of potential deals exceeding QR223mn.The mission represented a new milestone in advancing trade and investment cooperation between Qatar and Oman.It aligns with the joint statement issued earlier this year, which reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to supporting the private sector, intensifying efforts to increase trade exchange, and enhancing economic integration between the two countries."The strong coordination and joint efforts throughout this mission reflect the depth of economic relations between Qatar and Oman, and the real potential both countries share for building meaningful regional and international partnerships grounded in mutual interests," said Khalid Abdulla al-Mana, Qstar Development Bank (QDB) Vice President of Enterprise Development and Executive Director of Qatar Exports.Through Qatar Exports, QDB is committed to promoting Qatari products in Gulf and global markets, he said, adding "we will continue to support national exporters by building their capabilities and opening doors to new markets, helping them compete globally as part of our broader strategy to grow Qatar’s export ecosystem.”The mission brought together senior Qatari and Omani officials and featured in-depth bilateral discussions between the two sides, alongside a series of meetings and an exhibition for Qatari companies that highlighted the diversity and quality of Qatari products.In total, the program included 350 bilateral meetings, the mission’s activities attracted more than 450 visitors, and the value of potential deals exceeded QR223mn.

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.