Doha: Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, has revealed promising opportunities for future cooperation between Canada and Qatar in the fields of innovation, AI, and digital transformation. This announcement comes as both nations prepare to sign a memorandum of understanding by the year's end, aiming to bolster their digital partnership.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency emphasized the significance of his current visit to Doha as a means to build upon the longstanding relations between the two countries, which have spanned over 50 years. He highlighted the potential for creating new partnerships in pivotal areas such as innovation and AI, noting Qatar's status as a key regional center for investment and specialized projects in this domain.
HE Evan Solomon characterized the relationship between Canada and Qatar as robust, founded on decades of mutual respect and collaboration. Both nations have expressed a shared objective to build upon the accomplishments of the past and further develop these ties.
The Canadian Minister pointed out that Canada's new government strategies include strengthening relations with countries in the region, with Qatar being a major hub for trade, investment, and digital projects. He identified multiple areas of cooperation, including AI, information technology, digital innovation, telecoms, health, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
His Excellency stressed the importance of diversifying trade partnerships beyond traditional sectors, especially given Canada's numerous free trade agreements globally. He emphasized the need to continue expanding relations with Qatar.
The Minister outlined plans for an increased Canadian presence in Qatar through strategic partnerships and projects centered on innovation, technology, and digital transformation. He underscored the necessity of intensifying bilateral meetings to forge more sustainable relations.
HE Solomon highlighted the potential for major partnerships in AI and digital innovation, driven by existing cooperation and the presence of Canadian companies like Cohere and BlackBerry in Qatar. He also discussed potential collaborations in education and training, focusing on innovation and AI, through partnerships with specialized institutions in both nations.
The Minister emphasized Canada's leadership in AI, home to leading scientists and institutions that have significantly contributed to the sector's global development. He mentioned Canada's national AI strategy established in 2017, which prioritizes trust, transparency, and security.
The anticipated memorandum of understanding is expected to open new avenues for cooperation between Canadian and Qatari companies, fostering joint investment partnerships. Canada plans to send delegations from major investment funds to Doha to explore opportunities in technology and innovation.
HE Solomon also highlighted Qatar's potential to advance in digital transformation and AI, citing its extensive experience and entrepreneurial spirit in these sectors. He stressed the importance of building long-term relationships rather than pursuing short-term gains.
Finally, the Minister noted Doha's capacity to host significant regional and international events focused on information technology and AI, solidifying Qatar's role as a regional hub for knowledge exchange and economic development. This growing role in technology encourages Canada to engage with and support this momentum.