US firms in World Cup projects to continue in Qatar, says AmCham exec

US companies involved in World Cup-related projects will continue doing business in Qatar for the long term, an official of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) has said.AmCham Qatar executive director Brooke Holland underscored the successful staging of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying the tournament has highlighted the celebration of 50 years of US-Qatar diplomatic relations, making 2022 "an iconic year” for both nations’ business ties."It’s important to recognise that many of the US businesses that played a role in the World Cup are here in Qatar for the long term. Most of those companies will continue to do business here."At AmCham Qatar, we have several initiatives up our sleeves to explore further opportunities for businesses that are unique to Qatar, including engaging further with our American university members at Education City,” Holland told Gulf Times, adding that more announcements are expected to be made in Q1 2023.She said AmCham Qatar is focused on American companies based in Qatar. As an advocate and representative of the American private sector, Holland said the chamber’s priority is its members in Qatar."We work closely with the US Chamber of Commerce, the embassy, and other business organisations who support our members stateside. We support them and those US ventures for our members where we can, but our plan is to continue the great work we’re doing here and support our members and American companies on the ground. Our plan is to build on our 2022 foundation and continue to engage here locally,” Holland emphasised.She describes AmCham’s activities in 2022 as "engaging,” adding that this year witnessed many engagements with its members on new levels "and in ways we haven't connected with them before.”"Coming out of Covid-19 and the blockade, our members were hungry for thoughtful engagement physically in Qatar. Between hosting our partnering organisation, the US Chamber of Commerce out of Washington, DC, attending the AmCham Mena executive council conference, routine industry committee, and member initiative meetings, as well as fun events like ‘Headshots and Happy Hour’, we've worked very hard to deliver a mix of business and social activities to our members,” she explained.Holland said 2022 also witnessed the chamber’s significant growth as an organisation, doubled its membership, re-elected a new board of governors, elected a new chairman for the first time in its history, implemented member-driven committees, and hosted ministry roundtables to open further dialogue between AmCham’s Qatari business counterparts on the role of the US private sector as a stakeholder in the Qatar National Vision 2030."We've strengthened ties with our partners in the GCC with the signing of the GCC AmChams MoU, and we’re engaging more deeply with our colleagues within AmCham Mena. We’re forging relationships with our local partners like Qatar Financial Centre and our relationship with the US Chamber of Commerce in DC is thriving,” Holland added.