Qatar-Sweden trade jumps 79%, says Qatar Chamber top official

Officials of Qatar Chamber held a meeting with a high-level business delegation from Sweden on Wednesday to review ways to enhance co-operation in the trade and industry sectors.

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani led the Qatari side at the meeting, while the Swedish delegation was led by Hakan Buskhe, CEO of FAM AB Company.

Also present at the meeting, held at the headquarters of SANAD Private Members Club in Msheireb Downtown Doha, were Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya, several Qatar Chamber board members, and several business owners from both countries.

During the event, both sides explored ways to strengthen co-operation relations between the private sector in areas like foodstuffs, agriculture, energy, IT, and moving floors.

Sheikh Khalifa lauded the good relations between Qatar and Sweden, noting that bilateral trade increased by 79% from QR866mn in 2022 to QR1.55bn last year.

He urged Swedish companies to invest in Qatar, highlighting its position as a leading global hub for investment and business. He said Qatar owns a world-class infrastructure, a pro-investment environment, and stimulating economic legislation that allows non-Qatari investors to own 100% capital in most economic sectors.

He also said many Swedish companies, wholly owned or in partnership with Qatari firms, operate in Qatar, noting that the Qatari market welcomes more Swedish companies. “Qatari business owners are eager to foster co-operation with their Swedish counterparts by establishing new commercial alliances and joint industrial ventures,” Sheikh Khalifa added.

Buskhe also praised the strong trade ties between Sweden and Qatar. He said the delegation's visit aims to understand Qatar's investment environment and explore the vast opportunities for private-sector collaboration.

He underscored Swedish companies' keen interest in forging alliances and partnerships with their Qatari counterparts, emphasising the special importance these companies attach to the Qatari market.

Bhattacharyya paid tribute to the close relations between the two friendly countries, expressing hope that the meeting would contribute to further economic and commercial co-operation between both sides.