Switzerland explores co-operation with Qatar on infrastructure development, fintech and new technologies: Envoy

Switzerland looks to enhance its already robust relationship with Qatar, exploring prospects for co-operation in infrastructure development, fintech and new technologies, says the country’s ambassador Florence Tinguely Mattli.She said the second session of the Joint Commission on Financial and Economic Areas will be held in Doha on February 8, during the visit of a high-level Swiss delegation, led by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), will be accompanied by around 30 representatives from various economic sectors in Switzerland, the ambassador said.She said the Joint Commission on Financial and Economic Areas was established in 2022 to promote and strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries in the areas of finance and economy for mutual benefit. The first session of the Joint Commission was held in Switzerland.The ambassador said the delegation would comprise Swiss experts from its renowned watch industry, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, banking and reinsurance."We already have a strong base and the potential to grow our bilateral relationship. Qatar is undergoing significant economic and social reforms under its National Vision 2030, which offers interesting opportunities for Swiss businesses. Qatar has committed to diversifying its economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels."Major infrastructure investment projects are currently being planned or implemented, and Swiss technology and expertise are in demand,” ambassador Florence said in an interview with Gulf Times.Switzerland maintains strong economic relations with Qatar, based on a solid foundation of bilateral agreements, in particular on free trade, investment protection and double taxation.Trade with Qatar was worth CHF2.3bn in 2022.Switzerland's main exports to Qatar are pharmaceuticals, gold and precision instruments. There are more than 30 Swiss companies in Qatar. They create a significant number of local jobs.The ambassador noted that free trade, investment protection and double taxation with Qatar is based on the Free Trade Agreement Switzerland signed with the GCC countries in 2014.In Doha, Federal Councillor Parmelin will meet HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani; HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari; and HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah among other dignitaries.They will discuss how Swiss companies can potentially contribute to the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Together with HE al-Kuwari, Parmelin will open the financial and economic dialogue between the State Secretariat for International Finance, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Qatari Ministry of Finance.At the invitation of Qatar’s Minister of Municipality, Parmelin and his delegation will attend the Expo 2023 Doha.He will visit the Swiss pavilion and take part in an event on innovation in the agri-food sector with HE al-Attiyah.Parmelin will also visit the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, where many renowned Swiss brands are on display, the ambassador said.The Federal Councillor’s Qatar tour may also include a visit to the Education City, which is "quite impressive”.Switzerland remains a major tourist attraction for Qataris and residents."For Qataris, procedures for obtaining a Swiss visa have been simplified. Also, they are now given long-term multiple entry visas. For eligible residents, we try to provide visas within two weeks of applying. But Swiss visa applicants should take note of the fact that the period from March to August is high season,” ambassador Florence said.In 2023, the Switzerland Embassy in Doha issued nearly 2,000 regular visas. This means, the actual number of visitors from Qatar will be much higher, given the fact that certain visitors either do not require visa or will already be holding one.Currently, she said about 240 Swiss nationals reside in Qatar. They include pilots (with Qatar Airways) and professionals working in the energy industry, banking, finance and insurance sectors among others.