DOHA: Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Saleh bin Majed Al Khulaifi chaired the 'Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation' session, which was organised within the Sixth Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, recently held in Washington DC.
Addressing the session, he praised the two countries' close economic relations, which have contributed to maintaining the steady progress of the two countries despite various global challenges.
He pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached approximately $5.5bn as of October 2023, adding that US companies operating in Qatar contribute significantly to the development movement witnessed by the country. More than 912 American companies are operating in the Qatari market, he added.
Heexpressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation with the US relevant and specialized authorities, to bring international best practices in attracting foreign investments and directing them towards priority sectors.
He stressed that the strategic dialogue is an opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in finding new means to strengthen bilateral relations.
Touching on the third national development strategy ofQatar 2024-2030, the Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development stressed that Qatar, thanks to the vision of its wise leadership, has succeeded in developing its various strategic sectors to serve its sustainable development plans in accordance with its Qatar National Vision 2030. As part of the aspirations for the future, the recently launched third national strategy will focus on priority sectors such as producing low-carbon minerals and integrating renewable energy sources to harmonize the consumption of industries and manufacturing, while taking into account various environmental factors.
In this respect, hehailed Qatar's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the chemical industries as well as the oil and gas field services and equipment by offering many investment opportunities during the year 2024, pointing out that Qatar seeks to achieve these goals by making over $100mn worth of investments in various sectors by 2030.
He affirmed Qatar's keenness to cooperate with the US side in several key sectors described in the new national development strategy, such as manufacturing, logistics services, information technology, digital and financial services, food, agriculture, and health services to serve the two countries' common goals.
On the margin of the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue,the Assistant Undersecretary for Industry Affairs and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry held some meetings and bilateral meetings with several senior government officials, and with several members of the US Chamber of Commerce and CEOs of major American companies.The meetings addressed prospects of cooperation in many fields, highlighting the incentives, legislation and available promising opportunities aimed at encouraging investors, businesspersons and company owners to invest in Qatar.
