Cairo: The Egyptian-Qatari Investment Forum convened in Cairo on Sunday, bringing together leaders from chambers of commerce, businesspeople, and investors from both nations. The forum was co-chaired by HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed and HE Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt Eng. Hassan El Khatib.
According to Qatar News Agency, a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the forum's timing amidst rapid growth in economic relations between Qatar and Egypt. The event symbolizes the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation and broaden sustainable development horizons.
In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs emphasized the strong ties between Qatar and Egypt, underscoring the importance of raising trade exchange levels and promoting joint projects. He noted the increasing Qatari investments in sectors like real estate, tourism, financial services, and energy in Egypt, and urged Egyptian businesses to leverage Qatar's investment environment as a gateway to Asian markets.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Qatari-Egyptian Business Council in developing trade partnerships and explored the possibility of a free trade agreement with Egypt under the frameworks of the League of Arab States. This agreement would facilitate the flow of goods and services and support supply chain integration.
On the forum's sidelines, HE the Minister engaged in bilateral meetings with senior Egyptian officials, including HE Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El Wazir. They discussed enhancing cooperation, developing joint projects, and exploring future opportunities.
Qatar Chamber (QC) participated with a delegation led by QC's First Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari. In his remarks, bin Twar highlighted the development of commercial and economic relations between Qatar and Egypt, noting the successful Qatari investments in Egypt.
Bin Twar pointed out that while trade exchange has grown, it still falls short of potential, urging the private sectors of both countries to stimulate intra-trade through mutual projects. He praised Egypt's economic developments and booms in infrastructure as catalysts for investment opportunities, expressing confidence in future business alliances and strategic partnerships between Qatari and Egyptian business communities.
He emphasized QC's commitment to enhancing cooperation between the private sectors by facilitating communication, encouraging mutual visits, exploring investment opportunities, and establishing joint projects that benefit both economies. Discussions at the forum centered on investment cooperation and economic partnerships, with panels addressing competitive advantages and reforms to attract investment, particularly in real estate, tourism, financial services, and logistics sectors.
The forum also enabled bilateral meetings between business leaders, aiming to explore cooperation opportunities and build new partnerships in mutually beneficial sectors.