Melbourne: Qatar Chamber participated in the 14th World Chambers Congress in Australia's Melbourne. The biannual conference was held under the theme "Business, chambers, government: Partners for prosperity," with the attendance of 1,200 participants from 100 countries. It featured 30 panel sessions with more than 80 speakers. Discussions centered on how fostering collaboration among businesses, chambers of commerce, and governments can effectively drive economic growth and prosperity.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar Chamber's delegation, chaired by HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Qatar) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, discussed ways to enhance cooperation with chambers of commerce worldwide, exchange experiences on best practices that support the private sector, and promote inter-trade between countries. HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim took part in the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Executive Committee meeting and the "Chamber Leadership Round Table: Strategic Dialogue on Global Trends."
HE Sheikh Khalifa also met with Governor of Victoria HE Professor the Hon. Margaret Gardner AC, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation, particularly in economic and commercial fields. Additionally, HE Sheikh Khalifa held separate meetings with HE Philippe Varin, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); HE Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB); HE Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lyall Gorman, Deputy President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hon. Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs; and HE Gonul Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa.
The Chamber's delegation held a meeting with a delegation of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Discussions during these meetings focused on enhancing cooperation between the Qatari private sector and its counterparts in these countries, as well as reviewing the business climate and investment opportunities.
QC Board Member Mohamed Al Obaidli participated in a panel session titled "Investing in Stability: Building Trust and Fostering Investment Readiness in the Face of Sweeping Changes." Meanwhile, HE Sheikha Tamader Al-Thani, ICC Qatar Secretary-General and Director of International Relations and Chambers Affairs at Qatar Chamber, participated in the WCF General Council Meeting, the WCF Women's Council workshop on "Building Effective Women's Entrepreneurship Programmes: Why Chambers? The Case for Championing Women Entrepreneurs," as well as the Best Chamber Innovative Project Competition.
In addition, Ahmed Abu Nahya moderated a panel session titled "World Chambers Competition: Best out-of-the-box project." HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim emphasized that Qatar Chamber was keen to participate in this global conference, noting that the Chamber had previously hosted its eighth edition in 2013. He highlighted Qatar's key role in supporting the flow of global trade and pointed out that the conference serves as a leading global platform, bringing together chambers from around the world to discuss best practices, exchange experiences, and review key achievements in international trade.
The World Chambers Congress, organized by the ICC and its World Chambers Federation, is the largest and only international forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best practices, exchange insights, develop networks, address the latest business issues affecting their communities, and learn about new areas of innovation from chambers around the world. Qatar Chamber's participation as a platinum sponsor of the congress reflects its commitment to strengthening its presence in global economic forums, showcasing investment opportunities in Qatar, and fostering new partnerships with counterparts from around the world to serve the aspirations of the Qatari private sector.
Through its pavilion at the congress, the Chamber highlighted Qatar's investment climate and promoted avenues for cooperation and partnership between the Qatari private sector and businesses from the participating countries.