South Korea eyes expanding Qatar economic ties via high-level exchanges, various projects, says envoy

South Korea has slated several initiatives this year to expand and enhance its trade and economic relations with Qatar in various sectors, including semi-conductors, e-mobility, and green energy, among others, the nation’s top diplomat in Doha told Gulf Times.
Ambassador Lee Joon-ho said he believes South Korea and Qatar have the potential to deepen further and expand bilateral co-operation in various areas, including trade and investment based on the mutually complementary industrial and trade structure of both countries.
“In particular, as Qatar National Vision 2030 aims at transforming Qatar into a more diversified economy, we will seek to expand the scope of co-operation to include semiconductors, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen.
“And South Korean companies, based on their excellent technologies and extensive experience, will continue to participate in various projects related to QNV 2030, including Qatar’s North Field Expansion plan and other infrastructure projects, contributing to further strengthening bilateral economic co-operation,” Lee explained in a statement.
He said: “Furthermore, we will explore ways to enhance investment between our two countries for mutual benefits on the occasion of high-level exchanges, including the Korea-Qatar High-Level Strategic Co-operation Committee Meeting, as well as the Korea-Qatar Business Forum. By doing so, I believe we can further consolidate bilateral economic relations between Korea and Qatar.”
In 2022, the South Korean embassy in Doha, in co-operation with different Qatari government ministries and private sector players like Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra), Qatar Chamber, and Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar), as well as South Korean companies, among others, held different initiatives and events aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations.
These initiatives focused on areas, such as agriculture, smart farming, blue and green hydrogen production, health and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and finance, among others.
Speaking at the 2022 South Korea-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha, Lee underscored the need for both countries to expand co-operation ties “in new horizons” and forge close partnerships in various fields.
Citing co-operation in digital technology, Lee said the South Korean government’s ‘Digital Strategy’ is seen to cement its leadership in digital infrastructure, which may open new co-operation projects in the digital field.
He stressed that both countries could enhance co-operation in sectors like smart farming and healthcare, noting that many South Korean companies are well-equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and are “capable and effective partners” for Qatar’s future development in the smart farming sector.
As one of the major pillars of the state’s 2030 national vision, Lee also lauded Qatar’s investments in its public health system. He said the Korea Medical Centre, which is planned to be open this year, may lead to further collaboration on joint medical projects.
The ambassador also emphasised the need for Qatar and South Korea to advance co-operation in energy sectors, such as liquefied natural gas and solar power. According to Lee, South Korean companies are joining Qatar’s mega LNG projects like the NFE EPC2, as well as LNG shipbuilding projects.
Lee added that South Korea is joining Qatar’s efforts to fight climate change and invest in renewable energy.