Doha: The Qatar Chamber (QC) recently hosted a prominent business delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), comprising over 50 businessmen and businesswomen. The delegation was led by Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, Vice President of the Federation of UAE Chambers and President of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting focused on enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing the role of the private sector in fortifying these relations and boosting trade and investment exchanges. Key discussion points included promoting mutual investments in sectors such as food security, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and logistics services.
In his address, HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, highlighted the robust trade relations between Qatar and the UAE, noting a 50 percent increase in bilateral trade last year, amounting to QAR 28 billion. He emphasized the potential for collaboration in renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, digital technology, and artificial intelligence.
Sheikh Khalifa stressed that the meeting marks a significant step toward creating an investor-friendly environment, fostering the exchange of expertise, and overcoming obstacles to economic growth. He expressed his hope for the formation of strategic partnerships focused on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, which would contribute to diversifying the Gulf economy and enhancing its competitiveness.
Abdullah Al Owais, representing the UAE, underscored the strong economic ties between the two countries, commending the leadership's efforts to expand trade cooperation. He stated that Qatari investments in the UAE are approximately AED 5 billion, while Emirati investments in Qatar reach nearly AED 29 billion.
Al Owais praised the partnership between the Federation of UAE Chambers and the Qatar Chamber, advocating for increased collaboration to drive economic growth and intra-trade exchange. He also called for more frequent joint meetings between private sector representatives from both countries.
Both nations delivered presentations during the meeting, with Qatari entities such as Invest Qatar and Qatar Development Bank showcasing investment opportunities, while the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade provided insights into the UAE's investment climate.