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Taking a page from Qatar National Vision 2030’s knowledge-based economy pillar, Bangladesh is striving to transform itself into a smart country by 2041, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed.Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Summit titled ‘The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potentials of Trade & Investment in Bangladesh’, Wazed emphasised that the South Asian nation envisions itself as a “Smart Bangladesh” in the next 18 years “providing strength to a knowledge-based society.”“Bangladesh offers to be a partner in realising the Qatar National Vision 2030. We can equip our purpose with knowledge and skills to create an advanced employment market in Qatar,” she said in her speech.Wazed also said Qatar and Bangladesh can further develop economic relations in different areas, such as its tourism, hospitality, agriculture and agro-processing industries, infrastructure and logistics sectors, as well as in energy, particularly renewable energy.Citing disruptions in the global market, including the war in Ukraine, Wazed said Bangladesh has been pushed to a “hard spot.” “In order to meet our energy needs, we are interested in increasing our energy imports from Qatar,” she emphasised.The event was organised by Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in association with Bangladesh Forum Qatar (BFQ). Sultan bin Rashid al-Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was the guest of honour.On the sidelines of the event, Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani said Qatar and Bangladesh “are bound by close relations for long years.” He noted that the forum presented an opportunity for businessmen in Qatar to learn about the investment opportunities available in Bangladesh.Sheikh Faisal said, “Qatari businessmen are keen to enhance the investment and partnership relations with companies in the countries with which we have extended and share strong relations. The agricultural and tourism industry sectors are always a priority for Qataris.”Similarly, Qatar Chamber board member Dr Khaled bin Klefeekh al-Hajri said the forum also provides a good opportunity to strengthen relations between the private sector in Qatar and Bangladesh.Al-Hajri said Qatar Chamber has reviewed the investment incentives in Bangladesh and the developments taking place in its economy. He noted that industry, agriculture, and tourism sectors are promising areas that offer mega investment opportunities in Bangladesh.Qatar Chamber board member Khaled bin Jabor al-Kuwari underscored the chamber’s keenness to enhance co-operation relations and develop Qatar-Bangladesh trade exchange.He said, “The coming period will witness more alliances and partnerships between Qatari companies and their counterparts from Bangladesh. The Qatari private sector is keen to invest in Bangladesh since it offers plenty of investment incentives and facilities.”Qatar Financial Centre CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, in his keynote speech, said both countries are associated with strong relations, adding that Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) offers a host of investment incentives for foreign investors.The event was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between QFC and Summit Group of Bangladesh led by al-Jaida and Ayestra Aziz Khan, managing director & CEO, Summit Power International.In his welcome speech, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Qatar, Nazrul Islam, said: “The embassy extends its support in regards to investment in Bangladesh. Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, chairman of BSEC said: “Bangladesh always welcomes foreign investors with better returns.”

The ‘Made in Qatar’ trademark took centre stage Saturday during the launch of the ‘Qatari Products our 1st Choice’ festival, which was inaugurated by HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra.The week-long festival showcases the best of Qatar’s food and non-food products that underlines the country’s cultural heritage and tradition. The festival has been celebrated annually since 2010 and run this time until March 9 at all LuLu outlets in the region.The festival aims to promote locally-produced food and non-food products and supports small Qatari businesses and entrepreneurs. It showcases a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, chicken, eggs, Arabic lamb and beef, chilled items and dairy, frozen foods, such as chicken parts and processed foods, as well as delicatessen and bakery products, assorted groceries, health and beauty products, linen, pillow and table covers, and bed and bedsheets.Joining HE the Minister Saturday were Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani; Jaber Hassan al-Jaber, director of Rayyan Municipality; Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International; Dr Masoud Jarallah al-Marri, director of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality; Mohamed Hamad al-Attan al-Marri, vice-president of the Central Municipal Council; Mubarak bin Fraish al-Salem, member of the Central Municipal Council for District 15; Adel al-Kaldi, assistant director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality; Ubaid Ali of Qatar Chamber; and Abdulla Abdul Razak, as well as many distinguished Qatari nationals and dignitaries from various public and private sector organisations and senior officials from the LuLu management.Representatives of leading agricultural farms were also present at the inaugural ceremony, including Al Rayyan Farms, Nabati Farms, Regional Agricultural Farms, Agrico, Simsima Farms, Ummqran Farms, Alfardan Group Farms, Ajaj Farms, Al Safwa Farms, Paramount Agricole Farms and Mahaseel, as well as other suppliers such as Almana Unilever, Qatar Detergent, Althaluf, Qbake, Qatar National Import and Export Co, and Gulf Centre for Food Stuff, and officials from 25 farms, a press statement noted.Al-Jaber expressed gratitude to LuLu Group for its keenness to promote local products, noting that the initiative is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Municipality to support farmers. He also thanked farmers and other participants of the programme for promoting local products.Dr Althaf said the festival is part of the LuLu World Food Festival, which aims to promote local products. He said LuLu remains as the largest buyer of local agricultural produce by showcasing 300 local products from 35 farms.Thanking HE the Minister for inaugurating the festival, Dr Althaf said: “During the last five years, we have increased the number of products for the festival. Initially, there were only a few major products displayed on our shelves but today, the local products that we are showcasing cover most of the essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables, as well as micro-greens, among others.”Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the festival, Dr Althaf said: “During His Excellency the Minister’s tour of the hypermarket, we were also discussing LuLu’s sustainable development strategy, which is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. His Excellency witnessed some of our efforts in recycling plastics and even operated one of our reverse vending machines.“He was also briefed on what LuLu is doing in terms of the group’s circular economy and our refill stations, among other initiatives. Many agricultural countries today, whether in Europe or Asia, are experiencing shortages in much agricultural produce.”Dr Althaf continued, “We always emphasise that food security is essential, and I think the great efforts that Qatar had made in the past are paying off now. The Qatari products that we have seen not only cover basic essentials but also various industries, such as requirements in the hospitality sector.”He also underscored LuLu Group’s commitment to promoting Qatari food and non-food products and agricultural produce. Almost all prominent Qatari brands are regularly on display, such as Dandy, Al Maha, Baladna, Mazzaraty, Qbake, Rawa, qfm, Rayyan, Qatar Pafki, Pearl, Jawharh, Flora, Gourmet, Jerry Smith, Agrico Qatar, Paramount Agricole, Ocean Fish, Napoli Bakeries, Al Waha, Korean Bakeries, Parline, Ghazlan, Al Manhal, Dana, Aqua Gulf, Safa, Sidra, Lusail, Doha and Napico, among others.LuLu Group has a longstanding partnership with local farmers and remains the focal point in marketing local agricultural produce for many years. While LuLu hypermarkets have been promoting Qatari products and farm produce for many years, the last several years have been focusing more on a social and economic commitment to the nation.During the event, the festival will be providing a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Qatar. It is a celebration of the country’s rich heritage and tradition. The festival also supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to sell their products and reach a wider audience.In a statement, LuLu said the group ignited the retail revolution by integrating all consumer needs under one roof and becoming a shopping destination with its strong presence in the region for over two decades.“Besides, the group has a global presence with comprehensive and well-established sourcing offices and logistics centres in 23 countries across the world, including the US, the UK, Spain and Italy,” the statement added.

LuLu Group launched the 17th edition of the “Let’s Eatalian” festival at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra branch, Monday.The festival, which is being held at all LuLu outlets in the region until March 5, showcases the best of Italian cuisine with support from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and in co-operation with the Italian embassy in Qatar.“Let’s Eatalian” will “bring the wholesome goodness of Italy’s delightful cuisine to shoppers across all LuLu stores in Qatar, and is set to attract visitors from all over the country with its unique blend of vibrant traditional and cultural experiences of Italy, with live musical performances and dance displays”.Similarly, the event is a chance to indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy, prepared by some of the best Italian chefs in the region, as well as to learn about the history and traditions of Italy and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with family and friends.The festival was inaugurated by Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi and his wife, in the presence of ITA commissioner Paola Lisi, Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed M A al-Thani, businessman Nabeel Abu Issa, Italian Chamber of Commerce president Palma Libotte, and Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International.Also attending the event were dignitaries from different ministries, Qatar Chamber, ICC Qatar, and representatives of the retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.An informative cooking demonstration, led by the ambassador and chef Claudio Trovato of Cucina restaurant at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, was also one of the highlights of the event.LuLu has brought a unique range to this festival through its sourcing offices network in Europe, specifically the newest sourcing office of the group in Malpensa, Milan, which supports the trade of Italian products in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region.The festival is a “great way to explore the tastes and goodness of Italian ingredients at budget-friendly prices”.Shoppers can buy fresh pizza, Italian-style cakes and desserts from the LuLu kitchens, made with the finest ingredients.Speaking on the sidelines of the event, ambassador Toschi lauded LuLu Group, describing the global retailer as “a very good partner” and saying that the group has “a significant presence” in Italy, with access to growing number of Italian brands.“We are proud of LuLu Group,” he said. “And we are working on putting more focus on quality products and sustainable brands, especially those which Italy is known for.”According to Toschi, the “Let’s Eatalian Festival” has been highly successful in providing a platform to showcase a wide variety of Italian food products and cuisines, as well as the country’s traditions and culture.“Food is one of the best ways to bring people together; it also helps people explore new cultures and allows anyone to experience the best ingredients of the world,” the envoy further said.The ambassador stressed that Italy’s food export to Qatar has been “growing significantly year by year” and that the Italian embassy in Qatar is planning to launch further initiatives, in co-ordination with LuLu Group, to bring more Italian products to the country in the near future.He noted that Italy will participate in the International Horticultural Exhibition (Expo 2023 Doha), which will be held in the country from October.“Expo Doha 2023 will be an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Italy in food security and sustainability, as well as in the environment and health sectors,” Toschi said.According to Dr Althaf, LuLu Group is planning to organise a series of exciting events and activities in the coming weeks across its hypermarkets in Qatar.He also said that LuLu has forged partnerships with different Italian companies.By May this year, he said, several new exclusive brands are expected to be added to LuLu outlets in Qatar.He said the initiative will help expand the range of Italian foods, including more organic and healthy foods.On LuLu Group’s export centre in Milan, Italy, Dr Althaf said the facility has started operating at full capacity.“The centre, which facilitates the export of food products from Italy to Qatar, has started sending shipments,” he added. “It is expected to be inaugurated officially in May this year.”He noted that Italian food exports to Qatar “witnessed a 100% growth” since the establishment of a partnership between LuLu Group and the ITA with the support of the embassy of Italy in Qatar.“The expansion of LuLu outlets and the growing food supply contributed greatly in raising imports from Italy,” Dr Althaf added.To boost the imports further, he said LuLu Group is planning to re-launch some programmes with a special focus on healthy food ranges, such as low sugar and snacks below the 100-calorie range.The “Let’s Eatalian” festival brings top-quality food and ingredients to the spotlight, stuffed with the goodness and gourmet taste of Italian food and the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.A wide variety of excellent cheeses, Italian chocolate, fruit jams, coffee, salt, water, pasta, spaghetti, sauce, puff pastries from well-known brands, and Italian apples, kiwis and other vegetables are on display at “best buy” prices.

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) and the Canadian embassy in Qatar are working to develop economic co-operation between Canada and Qatar to achieve sustainable development, as well as joint co-operation to promote the Francophonie.These were among the key points discussed in a meeting held recently in Doha between CQBF executive director and board member Yasser M Dhouib and Canada’s ambassador to Qatar, Isabelle Martin.“The CQBF and ambassador Isabelle Martin agreed to support joint co-operation between Canada and Qatar within the framework of the Francophonie...CQBF believes that the Francophonie is a strong framework and space for multi-joint co-operation, and the economic aspect comes at the forefront of this co-operation,” Dhouib told Gulf Times in a statement.Dhouib said the International Organisation of la Francophonie implements Francophone multilateral co-operation in the service of the interests of its 88 member states and member governments, which include 54 de jure members, including Canada, seven associate members, and 27 observer members, including the State of Qatar.“The work of the International Organisation of the Francophonie is concentrated in the following four main areas: promoting the French language, cultural, and linguistic diversity; and promoting peace, democracy, and human rights, support for education, training, higher education, and research,” he explained.Dhouib also underscored the support being provided by the governments of Qatar and Canada, saying the CQBF is working according to institutional mechanisms in a democratic manner within the board of directors headed by ambassador Ferry De Kerckhove.“We also have great support from Qatari ambassador Dr Khalid bin Rashid al-Mansouri and Canadian ambassador Isabelle Martin to serve the two friendly countries,” Dhouib pointed out.He added: “We also believe that the relations of both countries will be beneficial to North-South and South-South co-operation. CQBF is looking at ways on what Qatar and Canada can offer in the Francophonie organisation based on mutual interests and as a stabilising force in both their regions.”

The Qatari market offers many business opportunities for American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) official has said.According to USQBC managing director Mohamed Barakat, a wide range of US companies and corporations are already engaged in different business ventures with Qatar.“And we can see this advancing to the next level. However, there is also a big piece of the pie for SMEs that need more assistance and support in accessing the Qatari market,” Barakat told Gulf Times in an interview.He said the Qatari market offers investment opportunities to American SMEs “either on a bigger scale” or even partnerships with other small Qatari business enterprises in different sectors.“There are many programmes that support small and medium businesses in the US. These projects, in collaboration with Qatari initiatives for SMEs in Qatar, such as those being implemented by Qatar Development Bank (QBD), among others, will help connect US and Qatari SMEs together through the network of Qatari entities and the access of the US to a wide range of its SMEs.“One of the key roles of the USQBC is to work closely with these enterprises regardless of the size of the company and connect them with programmes and initiatives to help them find potential partners and access, as well as the opportunity to explore other markets,” Barakat explained.He said, “Some companies may not understand the market yet, while others may be knowledgeable of it already but they need someone to provide access to specific markets, and this is where USQBC plays an important part of their journey.“During the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, it was emphasised that achieving these goals is a collaborative effort between all authorities and entities from both the public and private sectors of Qatar and the US. In partnership with these different entities, we hope to see this segment growing rapidly in the next couple of years.”Barakat noted that while these programmes are catering to a wide range of sectors, several “red hot sectors” were discussed during the strategic dialogue, such as agriculture, agri-tech, the advancement of fintech in Qatar, Information Technology (IT), and cybersecurity, among other growing sectors in Qatar.“USQBC will focus on sectors that are based on the priorities in Qatar and what they match in the US, which is active in all sectors. We will adjust to having more companies focus on whatever sector becomes hot,” Barakat stressed.Post-World Cup, Barakat said, there is a new focus on sectors, such as agri-tech, fintech, and e-sports, among others, as well as tourism and facility management.“Sustainability and the environment are also hot sectors in Qatar. USQBC has actually worked with a couple of medium-sized companies and helped them enter the Qatari market, so we’d like to see more of that growth. We adjust based on the priorities here,” he said.According to Barakat, USQBC will also be looking at the Qatari entities that would be participating in the ‘2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit’ slated in the US from May 1 to 4.“This would also give us a better understanding of the shifting sectors that Qatari companies are looking for. And we’re always going to find the sectors that match their respective businesses,” he noted.

Major players and stakeholders in Qatar’s private and public sectors stand to gain from ‘RISE with SAP’ in accelerating the digitalisation journey of companies and government institutions in the country.Microsoft and SAP jointly announced the launch of ‘RISE with SAP’ on Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud data centre region in Qatar during the ‘RISE with SAP on the Road’ event held Tuesday in Doha.SAP customers in Qatar can now host RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure, expanding the opportunities for building a cloud-first economy in Qatar, the GCC, and the Mena region.On the sidelines of the event, Microsoft and SAP officials joined private and public sector stakeholders during a roundtable discussion to elaborate on the role of RISE with SAP in their respective digitalisation journeys.Farha Muhanna al-Kuwari, Human Resources Information Systems Centre director at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), said: “CGB has been partners with SAP for more than a decade to support the transformation of Mawared – the Qatar government’s HR system by standardising processes and streamline operations leveraging the latest technologies.“Considering the mission-critical services that the Mawared platform provides to government entities, the impact of disruption or outage can be severe in terms of business operations, data loss, and reputational harm. By deploying Microsoft Azure Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Solution (BCDR), we are now able to avoid disruptions, protect Mawared’s applications and data, and keep Mawared platform running and recoverable in case of unforeseen disasters or unplanned outages.”Abdulaziz Ibrahim al-Tamimi, CEO of Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), said: “RISE with SAP was a key milestone for Qatar Petroleum Material Company’s (QPMC) holistic digital transformation journey in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the countries strategy to diversify its economy.“SAP’s expertise and cutting-edge technologies and Microsoft's cloud infrastructure will play an effective role in achieving our 2023 goals to drive innovation, enhance our competitiveness, and deliver greater value to our customers.”Hamdan Merchant, senior director Innovation & IT & BI at GWC, said: “The cloud offers the ideal option to support the strategic goals of the GWC. Using RISE with SAP on Azure for our deployment, we get instant access to the latest patches, innovations, and updates from SAP.”Al Meera Consumer Goods IT director Abdulaziz Almana, said: “In our journey to adopt digital transformation of our operations across our more than 60 stores to the cloud, we have selected RISE with SAP running on Microsoft Azure to allow us to leverage cloud computing, automated business process, and innovative solutions to significantly improve our operational performance and apply a more integrated approach in serving our clients.”Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf said: “Bringing RISE with SAP on Azure to Qatar, supports our efforts to increase opportunities for our customers to innovate on their own terms and achieve their business goals.”Alaa Jaber, managing director, Qatar and Fast Growth Markets at SAP, said: “The aim is to go beyond a technical migration to the cloud and, instead, enable private and public sector entities to truly transform their operations, realising a faster time-to-market for new capabilities and applications.”

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) is seeking to play a key role in increasing the volume Qatar’s investments in Canada’s wide range of sectors, an official has said.In an interview with Gulf Times, CQBF executive director and board member Yasser M Dhouib said that in the next two years, the business forum plans to establish a strategic economic alliance between Canada and Qatar in the trade, business, and economic fields.“Qatar ranks third in the Gulf at the level of trade exchange with Canada. The CQBF’s plans also include increasing the volume of Qatari investments in Canada in vital sectors, such as technology (AI, cybersecurity, and software development), real estate, education, medical sector and pharmaceutical industry, infrastructure, entertainment cities, and the insurance and banking sector,” he explained.Asked to provide an overview of Qatar-Canada bilateral trade and how it witnessed growth over the years, Dhouib said: “Canada and Qatar have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974. Qatar is a source of significant potential Canadian direct investment and an important security partner and diplomatic actor in the region.“As the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, the energy sector remains Qatar’s main economic driver, but the government is rapidly transforming toward a modern and diversified economy that is both hydrocarbon and knowledge-based.”Dhouib said in 2020, Qatar was Canada’s third largest merchandise trade partner in the Gulf Region and the eleventh most important partner in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) with a bilateral merchandise trade total of about $196.2mn.Canada’s merchandise exports to Qatar in 2020 were valued at $113.5mn and included mineral ores, aircraft and parts, machinery, cereals, and scientific instruments. Canada’s 2020 merchandise imports from Qatar, valued at $82.7mn, included mineral fuels and oils, aluminium, fertilisers, chemical products, and mineral ores.“More than 9,000 Canadian expatriates live and prosper in Qatar, working within Canadian and Qatari companies and institutions. This dynamic expatriate community is very active in Qatar and helps to advance our mutual interests.“Qatar Airways offers four direct flights per week between Montréal and Doha. Since December 2020, Air Canada operates three direct flights per week between Toronto and Doha,” he said.Dhouib added: “Energy is the most important sector in 2022 and 2023. Qatar Energy has partnered with ExxonMobil to explore Canada’s East Coast (offshore Newfoundland)“Qatar Energy has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil Canada, the leading player in the province’s offshore industry, to acquire a 40% ownership of exploration license 1165A off Canada's East Coast.”

Energy and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors is being seen as an important sector for Qatar-Germany investment partnerships post-World Cup, an official of the German Industry and Commerce Chamber in the Gulf Region (AHK Gulf) has said.Aside from hydrocarbons, several other vital sectors would also play a key role in enhancing Qatar and Germany’s economic relations, according to AHK Gulf Regional CEO Oliver Oehms.“I am also very curious to see what’s happening in the field of R&D-driven industry and industrial development, especially since there are exciting ideas in the development of biotech and pharmaceutical clusters. And I see that Qatar has a competitive edge over its peers here in the region,” Oehms told Gulf Times in an interview.This year, Oehms said he is committed to being more active in Doha, citing AHK’s robust partnership with the German Business Council in Qatar.“We still have a fairly new energy partnership between Germany and Qatar. It is a government-to-government (G2G) forum but we are implementing it here in Doha. This partnership is not only about sourcing gas from Qatar.“But in terms of sustainable management practices, green building management, and renewable energy development, among other fields, we would also like to explore these with our Qatari partners,” Oehms explained.He further said, “And knowing that COP28 will be held in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE, it would be exciting across the region for launching new initiatives to kick off sustainable practices.”Oehms also expressed AHK’s strong support for the sustainable development efforts of Qatar, citing Germany’s expertise in the implementation of renewable energy and generation, solar photovoltaic technology, and wind energy, among many others.“I think the most interesting potential is in energy-efficient building management and energy-efficient building design, whether high-rise or industrial buildings. We still have a significant potential for reducing the CO2 footprint across the region.“Obviously, it would require some political decision-making and defining the respective technical frameworks but for me, it is a low-hanging fruit that would hopefully be picked by our partners here across the region,” he noted.Similarly, sports is also another sector that Qatar and Germany could explore further following the Gulf state’s successful staging of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was the first ever to be held in the Middle East.“The infrastructure is already here. It is a known fact that a lot of German professional football clubs like to utilise the facilities being provided by Qatar. For sure, we will see this growth due to the attractiveness of the destination and maybe Qatar is able to outperform some European destinations in this regard due to the quality of the infrastructure provided. In this regard, I am quite confident,” Oehms emphasised.Speaking on tourism and Qatar’s bid to position itself as a premier tourist destination both globally and in the region, Oehms noted that German tour organisers and cruise ship operators are interesting target groups that could participate in these efforts.“We are very much interested in Qatar’s participation in the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin) slated from March 7 to 9 this year. It may still be too early at this time but certainly, for next year, I am expecting Qatar to come up with some exciting news to be launched during ITB,” he pointed out.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is seeking to tap the Qatari and mainstream markets in a bid to make the Southeast Asian nation the "preferred source" for a wide range of food and beverage (F&B) and cosmetics and personal care products, an official said yesterday.Speaking at the Qatar leg of the DTI's Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to GCC countries, Glenn Penaranda, assistant secretary and officer-in-charge of the DTI Trade Promotions Group, said Qatar is a key export market for Philippine F&B, personal healthcare, and related products.Penaranda is leading this year's OBMM to GCC countries, which is showcasing high-quality products from more than a dozen export companies from the Philippines.In his speech, Penaranda lauded the participation of representatives of the different Qatari companies that attended the event, which concludes today. The OBMM kicked off in Manama, Bahrain, and proceeded to Kuwait City. From Qatar, the mission will culminate in Dubai (February 16 to 25) in time for 'Gulfood 2023'."Beyond this captive market, we really aim to also serve the mainstream market...we encourage both our buyers and partners and our exporters to establish partnerships in pursuing market opportunities here in Qatar and beyond."As we promote increased bilateral relations with Qatar, be assured that the Philippine government through the DTI, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) in Dubai, and the Philippine embassy in Qatar, will actively engage the Qatari government, its authorities, and the private sector, in facilitating more bilateral business," Penaranda stressed.In her welcome remarks, Philippine ambassador to Qatar Lilibeth V Pono emphasised that exporting companies from the Philippines will not only serve the more than 260,000 overseas Filipinos in Qatar but also the hundreds of thousands of Asian expatriates here, making the country "a very large market for Philippine products.""These Filipino F&B and personal healthcare products will not only cater to the taste of other cultures but also meet global standards in the industry. Filipino products are marketable. They are global. And they can withstand the dynamics of the ups and downs of the global trade and economic environment," Pono said.She added: "The business mission from the Philippines sets out to reinvigorate trade relations and reduce the trade gap between the Philippines and Qatar. In 2021, the total bilateral trade reached $224mn, of which, $46mn represents Philippine exports to this country."In 2021, Qatar ranked as the Philippines' 41st trading partner. We see that there is still enormous opportunities that remain untapped based on our export assessment and the potential export of Philippine food and agri-based products alone can grow to as much as $90mn."

The interest and commitment of German industries in Qatar have always remained “strong and impressive,” according to an official of the German Industry and Commerce Chamber in the Gulf Region (AHK Gulf).The significant importance placed by German companies on Qatar is mirrored by “strong Qatari commitment” towards Germany, either as an investor or as a business or joint venture partner, AHK Gulf Regional CEO Oliver Oehms told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.“For instance, AHK has been collaborating very closely with the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Qatar Chamber for many years. We have been operating in Qatar for the past 20 years with our standalone office, which, at the same time, has been supporting the German Business Council in Qatar,” Oehms explained.On Qatar’s pledge to invest €10bn in Germany as announced by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in 2018, Oehms noted that there are several German blue chip companies that have “very strong and growing Qatari engagement.”“It has been known that Qatar has been a very strong partner in Volkswagen and Deutsche Bank, and other German companies. We are very happy that one of Germany’s leading energy providers, RWE AG (RWE), is being supported by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which agreed to invest €2.42mn for its accelerated ‘Growing Green’ strategy,” he said.Oehms also said Qatar has investments in Germany’s automotive, banking, and energy sectors, including Hapag-Lloyd AG, a German international shipping and container transportation company, as well as in German pharmaceutical companies.On potential up-and-coming sectors that may encourage future investments and partnerships, Oehms said: “Looking into the portfolio of German industry, machinery is still a strong sector, which is contributing significantly to the development of German exports, which is relatively immune to the ups and downs of international market developments.”“If you look at the economic fundamentals, I think the German industry continues to be a safe haven also for Qatari investments,” he noted.Asked to give an overview of German companies operating in the Gulf, with a special focus on Qatar, Oehms said: “The German portfolio in the Gulf region, in general, is quite broad and deep; it has been developing very dynamically for the past two to three years for various reasons. But certainly, the most important reason is the energy crisis in Europe.”

Qatari jewellery brand Noudar is set to launch a new collection during the highly-anticipated 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will run from February 20 to 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Noudar’s latest collection is inspired by the history and timeless legacy of natural pearls in Qatar.Speaking at a press conference Sunday, Ali Alfardan, vice chairman of Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery, emphasised that pearls are an integral part of Qatari culture.“In the past, Qatar has depended heavily on pearl diving. Today, many people are very interested in pearls, especially natural pearls, which have made a comeback in the market. Noudar is one of our brands that speaks about Qatari culture through its different collections,” he explained.Alfardan Jewellery’s brand name, Noudar, means gold in ancient Arabic. Noor Ali Hussain Alfardan, founder and designer of Noudar Jewels, combines influences from the timeless treasures of Arabian civilisation with a modernist take on luxury jewellery.This collection, like other Noudar collections, also takes inspiration from the noble heritage of Arabic traditions. Islamic patterns, reminiscent of mosaics and Henna designs, are aesthetically present throughout this daring, yet romantic jewellery for the modern woman.The designer’s fascination with watches and horological mechanisms has strongly influenced Noudar’s jewellery, emphasising the importance of craftsmanship to improve comfort, movement, and flexibility in her creations.Noor has been designing jewellery since she was a child. In 2012, she launched Noudar, and she feels that out of all the new fine jewellery brands that have emerged, the ones that are owned by women are doing their best. Today, Noor was included in the Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine’s list of the 20 most influential women in the industry.Noudar is the only in-house brand by Alfardan Jewellery and showcases how Noor has inherited the spirit of elegance and modernity of the family while keeping deeply rooted in the beauty of the culture of her ancestors. The designs have been worn across the globe by the likes of Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, and Kendall Jenner.

Organising more exhibitions and events in the country will play an integral role in priming Qatar as a global tourist destination, according to Ali Alfardan, vice chairman of the Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery.“Organising different types of exhibitions is part of the State’s plan to transform Qatar into a premier tourism destination in the region. After the World Cup and all the infrastructure that has been built, we need to get busy with different events to help spur economic development,” Alfardan told Gulf Times during a press conference Sunday.He announced key points about the upcoming and highly-anticipated 19th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from February 20 to 25.A celebration of luxury and stunning craftsmanshipRenowned international brands and jewellery connoisseurs from all over the world are bringing extremely rare and large stones, both in terms of value and uniqueness.Apart from the perennial favorites, and with nearly 60 brands, this year’s Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition sees an increase in renowned jewellery brands joining the Alfardan Jewellery Pavilion to celebrate the spirit of luxury and stunning craftsmanship.The country’s top luxury retailers and renowned global brands will present their exclusive collections under one roof. They include Chopard, Franck Muller, Corum, Girard-Perregaux, Marli, Chaumet, Noudar, Al Tawash, Yeprem, Butani, Davidor, Gold Design, Molu Jewellery, Shay Accessories, Yessayan, Robert Wan, AWKN1, Mehta and Son, Araya, Krisonia, Khanna Jewellers, Piranesi, Pichiotti SRL, Casato, Zoughaib & Co Jewellery, Samra, House of Rose, and Luvor.“We need a lot of exhibitions in Doha and DJWE is one of those events that would help attract more tourists to Qatar. Events, such as the jewellery exhibition and the classic cars exhibition, for example, are very important to enhance tourists’ experience while visiting the country,” Alfardan explained.According to Alfardan, DJWE’s reputation is growing consistently worldwide based on the number of participating jewellery companies. This year’s exhibition has an exceedingly high number of major brands joining DJWE, he said, adding that about a dozen companies are still on the waiting list and could not be accommodated.“Due to the high number of companies wanting to join DJWE, we have asked Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker to expand next year’s exhibition to have a mezzanine added to the event to accommodate more participants, as well as more facilities to enhance the booths and pavilions,” he said.Alfardan said, “I consider DJWE as the biggest exhibition in the world – even bigger than SIHH (Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie) because many of the companies participating in DWJE are not joining SIHH.“And as al-Baker had said, there are over 500 companies participating in DJWE, including Franck Muller and Tiffany’s, which are not in SIHH,” Alfardan emphasised.In this year’s exhibition, Alfardan Jewellery will feature several high-class brands under its portfolio, such as Chopard, Tiffany, Vacheron Constatin, Marli, Sartoro, Girard-Perregaux, Noudar, Franck Muller, Chaumet, Persee Paris, Yeprem, and Corum.“Once again, Alfardan Jewellery will exhibit an unparalleled collection at the 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, highlighting unique and elegant gems and pieces, even from our very own Qatari brand. We thank all our customers and visitors for their encouragement as always,” he said.For 18 years, DJWE has been the go-to, exclusive, high-profile gathering for jewellery aficionados, global brands, and aspiring designers. And in 2023, it will continue to be the heart of glamour, where exclusivity, beauty, art, legacy, and unique artistry will intertwine under one roof with almost 60 Alfardan Jewellery brands represented.Unparalleled quality and sophistication are the hallmarks of Alfardan Jewellery, which has been trusted by generations. Alfardan Jewellery is a pioneer in the region for holding the exclusive jewellery and watches exhibition for the first time in 1977. It eventually became a public event in 2003 where the world’s finest designers gathered in the region to feature their best works.

The Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of food and agri-based products to Qatar by $19.05mn, according to the Export Potential Assessment conducted by the International Trade Centre (ITC).This was announced yesterday by Dubai-based Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) as part of the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, which is being held from February 11 to 25.The business mission is organised by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and PTIC-Dubai. As many as 26 Philippine exporters of halal-certified food, personal care, and cosmetic products will participate in the OBMM.Citing ITC’s Export Potential Assessment, PTIC-Dubai reported in a statement that the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of food and agri-based products to the UAE by $56.40mn, Bahrain by $3.92mn, and Kuwait by $11.59mn.The ITC assessment also noted that the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of personal care and cosmetic products to the GCC by $1.53mn.The Qatar leg of the GCC mission will run from February 14 to 16. It is currently being held in Manama, Bahrain until February 13. It will then proceed to Kuwait City (February 13 to 14) and will culminate in Dubai (February 16 to 25) in time for ‘Gulfood 2023’.The Philippines organises additional business-to-business (B2B) matching activities to complement its participation in Gulfood and maximise opportunities for exporters. This also provides an opportunity for buyers to meet Philippine suppliers who are not participating in Gulfood.This year’s mission will include exporters from five Philippine regions that can offer a variety of food, personal care, and cosmetic products to GCC’s diverse population, including Overseas Filipino Workers.In 2022, Philippine exports of food products and personal care products to GCC amounted to $223.4mn and $10.9mn, respectively. Based on the products of participating exporters in the OBMM and the ITC’s Export Potential Assessment, the mission aims to maximise the Philippines’ additional export potential to the GCC estimated at $100mn.In 2021, the UAE accounted for 61.48% of Philippine exports to the GCC followed by Saudi Arabia (18.38%) and Qatar (10.69%).“The Philippines is continuously strengthening its halal ecosystem to be able to better serve the growing global halal market. The mission aims to contribute to increased understanding of Philippine exporters on the halal market in the GCC, especially for the 15 exporters who are first-time participants to the OBMM,” said DTI-Trade Promotion Group assistant secretary Glenn Penaranda.He added: “Furthermore, our sustained initiatives to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East is a testament to our desire to work with other countries in attaining food security through cooperation and innovation.”

Sheikha Tamader al-Thani, the director of International Relations and Chambers Affairs at Qatar Chamber, has been elected as a member of the General Council of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF), according to ICC Qatar’s latest newsletter.Sheikha Tamader is among the 13 women set to serve on the council, which the newsletter describes as “the most gender-diverse membership in WCF history.”In collaboration with ICC, the federation provides all the tools to support chambers and micro-small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), connecting chambers worldwide to develop and reinforce its chamber community.The WCF represents more than 1,400 chambers across the globe. The election results of its General Council scores high on regional and gender diversity.“Chamber leaders from local, regional, national, and transnational chambers were eligible to run for the General Council, each member serving a three-year term with the opportunity to run twice.“In addition to the 20 elected seats, 15 WCF members are appointed by the WCF chair, in co-ordination with the ICC Secretary-General and the WCF Executive Committee, to ensure a balanced General Council,” the newsletter stated.It also said, “This secures diversity in the network, ensuring members are varied in terms of gender and geography, including developed and developing economy, chamber size, and type of chamber. Five transnational chambers representing different regions of the world have also been invited to join the council.“The final composition of the council sees representation from all parts of membership worldwide. It includes nine representatives from the Americas, 13 from the Africa and Middle East region, nine from Asia-Pacific, and 12 from Europe.”Commenting on the new members, WCF chairman Nicolás Uribe said: “We are proud of the level of enthusiasm and support of our members who showed interest in serving on the ICC WCF General Council.”He added: “We have successfully brought together one of the most diverse and inclusive councils in our long history, and I look forward to working with all members to strengthen the WCF and the wider chamber community, with the overarching objective of elevating and empowering businesses worldwide to be leading players in tackling our most pressing issues. As the representative of chambers of commerce worldwide, we must lead by exemplarity to drive an impactful future for chambers everywhere.”

LuLu Group is looking to export to Qatar a wide range of Australian products bearing its brand name as the hypermarket chain seeks to expand its footprint in Australia, a top official has said.Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, said LuLu started with a very limited number of perishable items from Australia; but in the past four years, there has been an increase in Australian products to include a wide range of food and non-food goods.In co-operation with Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the commercial division of the Australian embassy, LuLu Group now has a small presence in Melbourne, he said.“Very soon, we will start shipping some of the best products out of Australia. LuLu will buy products from Australia and we will go through all the needed processes, such as halal certification and traceability and quality testing,” Althaf said.According to Althaf, LuLu’s export operations and footprint expansion in Australia will play an increasing role in Qatar’s food security. Historically, GCC markets depended very heavily on Australia for their supply of protein, perishables, and other products, he noted.Althaf pointed out that Australia has a long history of working with companies and governments from the Middle East, as well as a long history of producing high-quality halal products.“So, LuLu is going to take the benefits of all of these now,” Althaf noted, adding that he is scheduled to visit Australia this month and meet with the government to officially start the group’s operations there.He said, “Because Australia is such as vast continent, LuLu will be working with existing logistics providers there, and over a period of time we would be able to determine the best area to locate. But we will start exporting; we are now putting up our facility for halal certifications and other types of testing, so once that is completed, we will start shipping directly.“LuLu will also approach small-scale but high-quality abattoirs and start shipping on our own. And we also want to move up the value chain by introducing high-quality Wagyu and speciality meat from Australia. We are moving away from commodity meat and will start introducing far more premium meat to Qatar.”Althaf also said LuLu will also include other export goods from Australia, such as fish, perishables, fruits and vegetables, and other organic ranges, noting that Australia also has a high potential for healthy beverages, which LuLu intends to introduce more on its shelves.“This partnership with Australia will not only be on imports and exports; Australia is also well known for food technology, and we are already in discussion with some food innovation centres in Australia, so we will try to work with them more closely to create healthy food range for the region,” Althaf added.

Qatar has doubled its investments in Australia in the past two years, which now sits at around 4bn Australian dollars or about QR10bn, according to Australian ambassador Jonathan Muir.Speaking on the sidelines of ‘Australian Week’ organised recently by LuLu Group, Muir said: “We’ve seen a doubling of Qatari investments in Australia. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is a major investor in commercial real estate, electricity grid, and a partner in the Sydney Airport.”Muir also lauded Hassad Foods’ investments in Australia, as well as Nebras Power’s contributions to the country’s energy mix.“We value Hassad Foods’ investments in Australia. But more importantly, we have seen an increase in Qatari investments over time...Nebras Power is a great investor in Australia, which is decarbonising its economy.“So, they are now important investors in Australia’s renewable energy sector, taking important stakes in two green farms, and we welcome further investments from them over time,” the ambassador emphasised.Asked about Qatar-Australia trade, Muir noted that bilateral trade between both countries is “really going well.”“Two-way trade reached 2.6bn Australian dollars or about QR7bn. Over the course of the last four years this is annualised growth of about 8% year-on-year, so despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic trade between Qatar and Australia continues to grow annually,” Muir told Gulf Times.He said Australia’s top exports to Qatar are mostly engineering services, meat, and produce, while its top imports from Qatar are aviation services, aluminium, and fertilisers.Muir also lauded Australia’s relationship with LuLu Group, which he stressed is ramping up its relationship with different major Australian suppliers. The ambassador also praised the support extended by Qatar Airways, especially during the pandemic, allowing Australian exports to reach international markets.“Over the past years, LuLu has ramped up its relationships with suppliers in Australia leading to an increase in our local products and the volume, as well. We are also grateful for the support we received throughout the pandemic from Qatar Airways by helping to keep our exporters connected to the world, and we’re also very grateful to the tourism that they bring,” he said.

LuLu Group, in co-operation with Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the commercial division of the Australian embassy, launched Sunday ‘Australia Week’, which will be celebrated in all LuLu hypermarkets across the region.Australian ambassador Jonathan Muir and his wife inaugurated the event held inside LuLu’s hypermarket at Giardino Mall, The Pearl Island, in the presence of Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International.The event was also graced by other special guests, including ICC Qatar secretary-general Remy Rowhani, BLJ Worldwide CEO Justin Kerr-Stevens, and Austrade Business Development manager - Qatar Diana Monis, among others.Speaking at the event, Muir emphasised that Australian food and beverage products have gained “an impeccable reputation” around the world for superior quality, great value and innovative production methods.He stressed that Australian produce is renowned for its diversity, freshness and excellence, with beef, lamb, seafood, truffles, olives and cheeses consistently ranking among the world’s best.“Our products are also tailored to meet the specific needs of international markets, with many Australian companies specialising in organic and halal products, as well as those with reduced sugar, salt and fat, preservative-free, gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free,” Muir said.He also lauded LuLu’s “sustained efforts” to promote Australian food and non-food products locally and beyond the Qatari market through its extensive network of hypermarket chains.“You can find these products in the world’s most prestigious restaurants, in the cabins of Qatar Airways, on the shelves of the finest retailers, including, of course, your local LuLu. These unique food offerings have also become a major draw for visitors to Australia and research shows that travellers rate it as one of the top two countries in the world for food experiences.“With Australia hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer, I am thrilled to announce that residents of Qatar are among the largest purchasers of tickets for the event. I encourage all of you to visit Australia this summer for an unforgettable experience, where you can not only enjoy exciting football but partake of some of the world’s best food,” Muir added.On the sidelines of the event, Dr Althaf told the media that Australian products “have been increasing significantly” at all LuLu outlets over the last four years “due to growing local demand”.“We had started importing different food and non-food items from Australia. Now, we have almost all ranges of Australian products, which have become an integral part of LuLu’s offerings,” he explained.According to Dr Althaf, LuLu Group is working closely with Austrade to expand its footprint in Australia. “We will be able to start shipping a wide range of products from Australia to Qatar soon. LuLu will buy products in Australia and export them to Qatar.“This will go through all necessary processes like halal certification, traceability and quality testing to bring the best products from Australia. We believe this initiative will play a proactive role in ensuring food security in Qatar. Historically, GCC markets depended very heavily on Australia for perishable and protein-rich foods, as well as other products.”According to Dr Althaf, Australia has a long history of producing high-quality halal products, especially for the Middle East and GCC countries. “LuLu is going to benefit from this initiative and we are looking forward to meeting with government officials to start import operations officially from Australia,” Dr Althaf said.‘Australia Week’, which has been organised by LuLu Group in Qatar since 2018, will run until February 11 and is showcasing major product lines that are directly imported from Australia.These include fresh meat, organic foods, muesli bars, plant-based milk, sauces, cake mix, honey, groceries, and fresh fruits and vegetables, among others. Recent reports say there has been a considerable increase in Australia’s exports of livestock, fresh food, processed food products and vegetables to Qatar.During the inaugural ceremony, students from King’s College Doha delivered live musical performances. Chef Ali’s live cooking sessions were also organised during the festival, while special counters were set up to allow customers to sample different kinds of food from Australia.

LuLu Group’s world-class sourcing, food processing, and export unit in Sri Lanka has been playing a significant role in increasing Sri Lanka’s exports to Qatar, a top official has said.Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ festival held Saturday, Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, emphasised that the South Asian nation has been developing a wide range of organic lines, which LuLu Group brings to Qatar “in large quantities”.The group’s state-of-the-art facility, which is located at the Katanayake Export Processing Zone near Colombo International Airport, focuses on sourcing, processing, storing, packaging and exporting fruits, vegetables and commodities from Sri Lanka to different LuLu operations across the globe.“Sri Lanka has several unique items that are in high demand in the local and international markets, such as organic products and superfoods. Many Sri Lankan products are well-known for their high quality, such as tea and spices, among others,” Dr Althaf stressed.Sri Lankan ambassador Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen emphasised that business between LuLu Group and Sri Lanka has been growing steadily year-on-year not only in a wide range of export products but also in manpower, thus providing more job opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals in Qatar.“Trade between Sri Lanka and Qatar is about $90mn. Our country is known for its wide range of high-quality products that are exported to Qatar, including apparel, vegetables, and fruits with a special focus on bananas and superfoods like moringa leaf and coconut,” the ambassador said.Dr Althaf also said the 2023 edition of ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ festival, which is organised annually by LuLu Group in co-operation with the Sri Lankan embassy in Qatar, commemorates the country’s 75th Independence Day.“The festival is part of a series of events organised by LuLu Group to celebrate the culinary heritage and culture of different countries. The Sri Lankan community in Qatar is one of the largest expatriate populations, which played an important part in the development of Qatar,” said Dr Althaf.A wide range of Sri Lankan commodities and agricultural produce are offered on display at discounted prices. Special counters were set allowing customers to taste and sample different Sri Lankan food products, he added.