‘Qatar attaches great importance to empowering private sector in Arab, Central Asia countries’

Qatar attaches great importance to empowering the private sector in building strategic partnerships with Arab and Central Asian countries, as well as Azerbaijan.

“This includes encouraging knowledge exchange, fostering investment initiatives, and launching projects that drive long-term economic sustainability,” HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, told the first edition of the Arab, Central Asia and Azerbaijan Business Forum, held in collaboration with the League of Arab States, in Abu Dhabi.

The minister emphasised that the conference reflects the shared commitment to bolstering economic, trade, and investment co-operation and developing strategic partnerships that support mutual investments and help achieving sustainable development goals.

Highlighting that the historical relations and cultural ties between the Arab world and Central Asian countries serve as a solid foundation for advancing collaboration across various sectors; he said the conference is a new beginning for expanding co-operation, focusing on initiatives that reinforce economic partnerships, and establishing strong trade and investment relations.

He called on business leaders and investors from both regions to engage in joint efforts that foster development and prosperity.

The conference, themed “Towards Sustainable Co-operation and Partnership”, is a direct outcome of the Doha Declaration, which was issued during the third edition of the Arab Economy and Co-operation Forum with Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan, held in Doha in April 2024.

The event featured a ministerial roundtable, bringing together the ministers of economy and commerce and leaders of regional organisations, where participants discussed the future of economic co-operation. At the conclusion, a joint statement was issued outlining frameworks for future collaboration and shared initiatives.

On the sidelines of the conference, HE al-Sayed held bilateral meetings with foreign government officials, including Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt; Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Tunisia; and Dr Thani al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE.

Discussions at these meetings focused on topics of mutual interest, including enhancing trade and investment co-operation between Qatar and respective states and exploring pathways to strengthen bilateral collaboration.