Qatar, Côte d’Ivoire to bolster trade ties

Qatar Chamber underscored the role the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire could play in the country’s food security initiatives during a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara held yesterday in Doha.
At a bilateral meeting, Outtara met with Qatar Chamber officials led by its chairman, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, and Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) first deputy chairman Hussein Alfardan.
Other QBA officials who participated in the meeting included board members Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani, Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, Sherida al-Kaabi, Nasser al-Haider, Saud al-Mana, Khalid al-Mannai, Salah al-Jaidah, Ihasan al-Khiyami, and
Maqbool Khalfan.
“We know that Côte d’Ivoire has huge potentials and there are lots of investment opportunities for Qatari businessmen especially in the food security and agriculture sector,” Sheikh Khalifa said in his speech.
“I hope this meeting would help to bolster ties between the private sector of both countries to take advantage of the trade and investment opportunities available in Qatar and Côte d’Ivoire,” he added.
On the other hand, Outtara spoke of his country’s investment opportunities in the fields of agriculture and food production, among others. He also invited Qatar Chamber and QBA to visit Côte d’Ivoire in the
first quarter of 2019.
Sheikh Khalifa expressed optimism that yesterday’s meeting would provide a platform for both countries’ businessmen to explore ways of enhancing co-operation relations at all economic areas and review trade-related opportunities.
“Indeed, both countries enjoy robust relationship based on mutual respect. This, undoubtedly, stimulates us to exert extra efforts to deepen our economic and investment co-operation at all levels, especially since both countries’ trade exchange is still below aspirations,” Sheikh
Khalifa said.
He also said that despite the unjust siege imposed on Qatar in June 2017, the country still as a top investment destination in the Gulf region, citing a strong economy under the “wise vision” of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
“Qatar’s economy is open and welcomes all investors. The Qatari government provides a host of incentives to draw foreign investments and it always develops number of legislations and laws that protect and enhance these businesses.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to affirm that Qatar Chamber greatly welcomes establishing genuine partnerships between Qatari and Ivorian companies, and strongly urges Qatar businessmen to explore the investment opportunities available in your country,” Sheikh
Khalifa said.