October 09 2018
Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has said the inaugural edition of the ‘International Product Exhibition and Conference’ (IPEC 2018) represents an essential platform for developing Qatar’s economic and trade relations with participating countries.
He said the conference would contribute to deepening co-operation ties between business sectors in Qatar and that these countries and would lead to trade alliances and partnerships between Qatari companies and their counterparts.
“It would also help in establishing joint ventures that boost economic development and trade co-operation,” he noted. Sheikh Khalifa stressed the chamber’s interest in strengthening its relations with world chambers, especially with those that showed “support and openness” with the Qatari private sector during the siege, citing countries like Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and some Asian countries.
He said the trade exchange between Qatar and the 11 countries participating in IPEC stood at QR20bn ($5.5bn), adding that the expo would be a good opportunity to bring trade exchange to higher levels.
Sheikh Khalifa said the exhibition represents an integrated platform that brings together local and foreign investors, businessmen, producers, and consumers under one umbrella.
“It provided a brilliant opportunity for Qatari businessmen to meet with a large number of global partners and importers to increase their projects and businesses for the benefit of Qatar economy,” he said.
He also underscored the conference’s importance in providing a chance for participants to discuss ways of enhancing their economic and trade ties and best practices and notions in global trade, signing MoUs and announcing future plans and projects.
The Qatar Chamber official also affirmed that Qatar “is on the right track” in developing its relations with “friendly and brotherly countries,” in line with its economic strategies and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
He underscored the key role played by the Qatari private sector during the siege: “It managed to enhance trade relations with world countries and alternatives for Qatar’s imports and exports on the heel of the siege.”
During the siege, Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar Chamber signed 15 MoUs with its counterparts and hosted many meetings with foreign trade delegations. It also organised business visits to many of its friendly countries to help Qatari companies find new import and export destinations.
Qatar Chamber visited Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and many other countries wherein Qatari businessmen concluded trade transactions and partnerships with their counterparts, he said.
Qatar’s non-oil exports recorded a 34% growth during the siege. In the first half of 2018, non-oil exports stood at QR11.5bn compared to QR8.6bn in 2017. “The siege highlighted the real value of the Public-Private Partnership, which played a key role during this period,” he noted.
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