Qatar diversification offers ‘great opportunities’ for Korean firms

Qatar’s economic diversification strategy offers "great opportunities” for South Korean companies to contribute to the development of a wide range of sectors in the country, according to a top Qatari diplomat."The economic relations between the two countries are strong and solid and their future prospects are promising. We have made great strides to diversify areas of co-operation, including technology, smart farms, solar energy, smart grids, and joint investments in third countries."These areas are considered promising and the two countries, based on their development experience and great potential, could build a successful partnership to benefit from the opportunities available in both countries,” ambassador Khalid bin Ebrahim al-Hamar told Gulf Times during an interview at the Qatari embassy in Seoul.Al-Hamar stressed that Qatar’s "tireless efforts” to diversify its economy "constitute great opportunities” for South Korean companies to increase their contribution to the development of the Qatari economy in the infrastructure and construction sectors, as well as in healthcare, education, training, research, smart agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, climate, and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), "which South Korea is considered a pioneer in these fields.”The ambassador noted that mutual visits between the two countries at the leadership level constitute an important opportunity to strengthen relations and raise them to a higher level. During these visits, a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in various fields and new partnerships were created, he said."Among the most important is the visit made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to South Korea in 2019, during which a number of agreements were signed in various fields, such as vocational training, skills development, smart networks, transport, and smart farms and fisheries,” al-Hamar stressed.The ambassador emphasised that the embassy plays a major role in strengthening relations in various fields, especially the political, economic, and cultural aspects."Regarding the economic aspect, the embassy facilitates communication between the ministries concerned with economic affairs between the two countries, assists the work of the private sector, promotes investment, and explores investment and trade opportunities between the two countries.”