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Qatar and Denmark share unique strengths that can contribute to various aspects of healthcare, including medical research, technology and healthcare delivery, Anders Bjorn Hansen, the ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, has said.Hansen made the statement on Wednesday during a signing ceremony renewing the strategic contract between Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company, and Novo Nordisk, renowned for its expertise in treating chronic diseases, such as diabetes, haemophilia, and obesity.Aamal Company CEO Rashid al-Mansoori; Jay Thyagarajan, corporate vice-president of Novo Nordisk (Business Area Middle East, Africa and CIS); and Venkat Kalyan, vice-president and general manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf, attended the signing ceremony held in Doha.“Denmark and Qatar have always shown interest in collaborating within the healthcare sector...this collaboration involves sharing best practices, strategies, and resources to improve their populations’ overall health and well-being,” Hansen emphasised.He added: “And discussions are ongoing with the health authorities in Qatar with the intention of establishing a long-term partnership aiming to strengthen and expand stakeholders’ networks for an integrated approach to tackle chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.”In a speech, al-Mansoori welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation for the longstanding relationship between Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk, which is built on mutual trust and a shared vision.Essam Faragalla, general manager of Ebn Sina Medical, said: “Ebn Sina Medical has been supporting Qatar’s healthcare sector since the early 1970s by providing the best pharmaceutical products through collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk.“We are delighted to celebrate our longstanding relationship with Novo Nordisk and sign this strategic agreement to continue supporting Qatar’s healthcare sector. Today marks not only the renewal of an agreement but a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in healthcare.”He added: “Our partnership with Novo Nordisk embodies our dedication to providing exceptional healthcare solutions and delivering the best patient-centric care. Together, we will continue to innovate and advance the future of healthcare.”Thyagarajan said, “Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company committed to driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. Qatar is experiencing positive growth in the healthcare sector but faces a significant health burden with chronic diseases (prevalences ranging from 41% in obesity, 19.5% in diabetes, and 23% in cardiovascular disease). The collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Ebn Sina becomes increasingly vital to strengthen the healthcare landscape in Qatar.“Combining Ebn Sina's medical infrastructure footprint and Novo Nordisk's innovative treatments, we are set to improve patient outcomes and address these pressing health challenges head-on.”Kalyan added: “Our partnership with Ebn Sina in Qatar has been a longstanding success story. We deeply appreciate their dedication in delivering Novo Nordisk’s treatments for many years, and we look forward to continuing to improve people's lives together.”With the rapid growth of the healthcare sector in Qatar, Ebn Sina Medical continues to play a pivotal role by partnering with world-renowned pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The partnership ensures the continued supply of top-tier pharmaceutical products and healthcare consumables to Qatar’s private and public sectors.Since collaborating in 1998, Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk have launched numerous initiatives to improve care for diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases in Qatar. The partnership has brought innovative healthcare solutions to the region, particularly Qatar, benefiting patients and society through awareness campaigns and patient education initiatives supported by both companies.

Turkiye is planning to bring a major business delegation to Qatar for extensive business-to-business (B2B) meetings to explore business opportunities across key sectors, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), the country’s top diplomat in Doha has said.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of Project Qatar 2024, Turkish ambassador to Qatar Dr Mustafa Goksu ensured Turkiye’s “brotherly support” to help achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as the country’s digitalisation efforts.He said the business delegation from Turkiye is expected to arrive in Qatar “after the summer season either in October or November.” He said the Embassy of Turkiye in Qatar is ready to facilitate B2B meetings between Qatari companies and their Turkish counterparts to identify promising investment avenues, with a focus on emerging domains like AI and digital technologies, among other sectors.The ambassador also said the Turkish pavilion at this year’s Project Qatar is showcasing the different products and services of around 18 companies, which is “much bigger” than the number of participating companies in last year’s edition.“These participating companies have already exported to Qatar, the Middle East, and to other countries around the world. Qatar has always been a very important country to us. This market is very important, which is why we are bringing more companies every year,” the ambassador explained.Goksu also noted that the growing number of participating Turkish companies in the annual Project Qatar reflects their confidence and optimism in the Qatari market.“We are very confident about the Qatari market. Turkiye has completed many projects in Qatar, and we are still participating in ongoing projects in the country,” he said.The ambassador noted that trade volume between Qatar and Turkiye has been increasing steadily since 2023, following the expected dip in trade post-FIFA World Cup 2022. He said in the run-up to the World Cup, Turkiye was involved in many large-scale projects related to Qatar’s preparation for hosting the first World Cup in Qatar and the Middle East.

Entrepreneurs in Qatar stand to gain from seizing opportunities in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and “stay ahead” amid rapid developments in the technology sector.On the sidelines of Project Qatar 2024’s opening ceremony on Monday, Aamal CEO Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori emphasised the need for entrepreneurs and startups in the country to stay ahead of the curve “and not wait for others to take the lead.”“Entrepreneurs in the country must stay ahead of the curve. It is not an option to wait and see what others will do because of the risk of getting left behind. If your competitors get there before you, it will be too late. Do not wait for an opportunity, so if it comes, be ready to seize it. Otherwise, someone else will,” al-Mansoori told Gulf Times.Citing the recently-concluded Qatar Economic Forum 2024, where HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai participated in an extensive discussion about ‘Artificial Intelligence: Regulation & Innovation’, al-Mansoori lauded the Qatari government for its focus on the country’s digitalisation journey.“What the minister said during the forum about Qatar’s commitment and seriousness in digitalisation is correct. This is evident from the initiatives led by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and the presence of numerous incubation centres that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs. This plays a key role in the growth of Qatari entrepreneurs developing applications, which the country is currently witnessing,” al-Mansoori explained.Al-Mansoori also said: “As a nation, Qatar has been putting investments in this area domestically, particularly in its people, students, and companies. Previously, I had the privilege of working with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and I'm aware of their investments in Silicon Valley, so we must show our presence in this field.”He also said it is Aamal’s first time participating in Project Qatar, citing the event’s importance in opening opportunities for many companies to network and expand their reach, secure deals, and explore other opportunities and market trends.“Aamal is a listed company, so our shareholders need to see the companies participating in events like this. It is also an opportunity for our investors, stakeholders, and visitors to come and see the different companies under Aamal. Next year, we are planning for some bigger things, so more companies to participate,” al-Mansoori noted.He said Aamal’s facility management division, which is utilising a lot of innovative tools in that domain, is present at the event. Additionally, the company’s participating partner companies are showcasing innovations and advanced technologies like 3D printing, lasers for various cutting processes, and other eco-friendly products like green cover cables and environmentally sustainable bricks.“Overall, Aamal’s participation in this year’s Project Qatar places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices,” al-Mansoori added.

HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari led on Monday's opening ceremony of Project Qatar 2024, which will run until May 30 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Organised by IFP Qatar with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the 20th edition of the event is featuring 130 Qatari firms and 120 international companies from 25 countries.The inauguration was graced by several distinguished guests and official delegations, including Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at MoCI, Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi, and a large number of prominent business leaders.Additionally, more than 60 ambassadors from participating countries and heads of diplomatic missions in Qatar, along with dozens of international trade delegations attended the opening ceremony.Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, said: “The construction market in Qatar is on the brink of a transformative era with the aim to fulfil Qatar National Vision 2030. This new chapter emphasises the development of industrial and social infrastructure projects, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies and elements of smart cities into construction endeavours.”Mshaimesh noted that the 20th edition of Project Qatar marks a significant transformation in terms of sectoral diversity. Emerging sectors, such as smart manufacturing, sustainable construction, and digital innovation account for a significant portion of the participation.He said, “As Qatar seeks to attract foreign investment and expertise to support its ambitious infrastructure ongoing and planned projects, the event focuses on strengthening partnerships between Qatari and international companies, attracting exhibitors and visitors from key markets worldwide, and facilitating cross-border collaborations and joint ventures.”According to Mshaimesh, this year’s Project Qatar attracted a large number of exhibitors offering green building solutions, renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient products, and sustainable construction practices.“As smart manufacturing gains momentum globally, exhibitors specialising in Industry 4.0 technologies, automation solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and digital manufacturing processes are prominent in this year's line-up at Project Qatar,” he explained.Citing a report by Mordor Intelligence, Mshaimesh said Qatar’s construction market is estimated at $62.95bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $97.42bn by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.13% during the forecast period.Project Qatar has attracted this year around 250 exhibitors, including 120 international companies from 25 different countries, four of which are participating with national pavilions, along with 130 Qatari companies, including major governmental and semi-governmental entities and leading private sector companies.The list of sponsors and partners for the event this year includes MoCI and Ashghal as Strategic Partners; Qatar Tourism (Destination Partner); Qatari Diar (Property Development Partner); Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Al Sraiya Holding Group (Platinum Sponsor); Nask Chemical Solutions (Industrial Sponsor); Imar Group, Aamal, and Sahand Industrial Group (Gold Sponsors); QTerminals (Silver Sponsor); Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) (Official Sustainability Partner); Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) (Industrial Consulting Sponsor); Oriental Trading Company (OTC) (Integrity Sponsor); and Gulf Crafts (Innovative Branding Sponsor).Along with the exhibition, the four-day conference will cover key issues related to the construction, industrial, sustainability, and environmental sectors.The first day’s sessions focus on the most significant current and future projects in Qatar and the investment opportunities available within them, featuring speakers from Ashghal, the Ministry of Transport, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority.The second day, under the title ‘Towards a Climate-Resilient Future’, will be held in partnership with Gord, covering sustainability and climate change issues. It will conclude with the ‘Eco Champions’ awards ceremony in which Gord will honour the pioneers of eco-innovation and community resilience in Qatar to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a greener future.The third day under the title ‘Towards Smart Manufacturing’ will be held in collaboration with GOIC. It will focus on the recent developments in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, exploring the latest trends of Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.IFP Qatar will also host an awards ceremony to honour local and international companies in recognition of their vital role in ensuring the continued success of Project Qatar.

Qatar’s strong economy is among the key factors that play an important role in attracting investors to the country, according to LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali MA.Yusuffali was in Qatar recently for the opening ceremony of the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, which gathered more than 1,000 global leaders, CEOs, and 427 government officials from 124 countries.Speaking to Gulf Times at the forum, Yusuffali said: “Under the dynamic leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar is witnessing progress every day. The country is economically strong and guided by visionary leadership. These are essential elements that any investor, including us, requires.”He added: “I’m attending Qatar Economic Forum every year. Qatar is a vital market for LuLu Group. We are expanding our footprint in different areas in Qatar: hypermarkets, logistics centres, and the procurement of other hypermarkets in Qatar. These are the three areas that we are concentrating on.”Explaining this further, Dr Mohamed Althaf, director, LuLu Group International, said LuLu Group is on track with its expansion plans in the country, citing the opening of a second outlet in Al Khor, which is in the northern part of Qatar.Althaf said LuLu Group is keeping a close eye on Qatar’s population growth, particularly in important locations, ensuring the presence of LuLu hypermarkets there. “We are going through the overall development of Qatar. Doha and the rest of the country, including its cities, are expanding, so we are also growing with the population.”Indian ambassador Vipul also lauded LuLu’s growing presence in Qatar, which he said plays a significant role in the upward trajectory of Qatar-India trade, economic, political, and cultural ties.He emphasised that India’s exports to Qatar range between “$1.5bn and $2bn at any given year.”“LuLu is a very important player in terms of promoting India-Qatar trade,” Vipul added.

An economic working group from Qatar is slated to visit smart farm exporters in South Korea, followed by bilateral discussions for co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) from May 27.According to a statement from MAFRA, Yousuf Khalid Al-Khulaifi, Director of Agriculture Affairs Department of the Ministry of Municipality, will be leading Qatar’s economic working group, comprising officials from the agriculture investment and banking sectors.The delegation will visit a Korean model of smart farm innovation industrial complex in the city of Gimje in Jeonbuk State, a province in the southwest of the Korean peninsula, as well as the Rural Development Administration, smart farm exporters, and other places from May 27-31.Qatar’s economic working group will hold a meeting Monday with MAFRA, which will explain the current status of South Korea’s smart farms and related government policies. Afterward, the two sides will discuss ways of bilateral cooperation regarding the agenda discussed in the first meeting of the committee. In particular, the networking session following the bilateral meeting on the same day is expected to provide opportunities for South Korean companies to discuss investment cooperation with the Qatari side.Lee Sang-man, director general of MAFRA’s Agri-Food Innovation Policy Bureau, said: “Qatar’s economic working group’s visit to Korea has served as clear evidence showing that overseas countries have a lot of interest in the competitiveness of K-smart farms.“We will make more efforts to advance discussions for cooperation with foreign governments, including the State of Qatar, to ensure that such interest will lead to an increase in exports of K-smart farms. We will also continue to strengthen export support policies to help Korean smart farm exporting companies expand their businesses in overseas markets.”South Korea and Qatar amended the memorandum of understanding on smart farm co-operation in the presence of Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in October 2023 and established the ROK-Qatar Smart Farm Co-operation Committee, a director general-level working committee.On February 22, the two sides held the first meeting of the ROK-Qatar Smart Farm Co-operation Committee in Doha, as a follow-up measure to the bilateral summit diplomacy. The Qatari delegation’s visit to South Korea is a follow-up to the first meeting of the committee.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) represented the Philippines during the Qatar Economic Forum 2024 and engaged in high-level discussions with Qatari officials to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic ties and attracting investments to the Philippines.DTI Secretary Alfredo E Pascual, who led the Philippine delegation, also participated in the panel discussion ‘Creating Competitive Economies’ where he joined Ryad Mezzour, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Morocco, and Mehmet Simsek, the Minister of Treasury and Finance of Turkiye.In an interview with Gulf Times, Pascual said the DTI engaged in high-level discussions with Qatari officials and businesses as part of its plan to strengthen the economic and trade ties between Qatar and the Philippines during the Philippines participation in the Qatar Economic Forum.“We aim to share how our nation is pioneering policies and frameworks to promote and attract investment opportunities in the Philippines, explore avenues for collaboration, and address any trade barriers to ensure that these investments yield positive economic returns and contribute to shared prosperity,” Pascual emphasised.On the sidelines of the economic forum, Pascual held a meeting with HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic ties, including key areas of co-operation.He explained that the DTI’s visit to Qatar aims to push forward current discussions on various economic co-operation initiatives, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on food security with the Ministry of Public Health, where the DTI will collaborate on a ‘trusted exporter programme’ that will ensure that Philippine food exports meet Qatari health and safety standards while streamlining the process for trusted exporters.This also includes an MoU on intellectual property rights protection with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Pascual said, noting that the MoU will facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, training programmes, and high-level dialogues on IP policy.“We also discussed the finalisation of the ratification process of the Philippines-Qatar Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement signed in 2017 between DTI and MoCI. The Philippines completed its ratification procedures in April 2024, while Qatar targets to finalise its ratification process within the year.“The DTI and MoCI also discussed holding the inaugural Philippines-Qatar Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Committee (JECTC) meeting in the first quarter of 2025,” Pascual pointed out.Pascual added: “We represented the Philippines at the ‘4th Qatar Economic Forum to discuss and promote the Philippines’ initiatives to global stakeholders. We will also discuss the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to create a robust business environment, emphasising the country’s commitment to sustainable growth and economic resilience. A part of this is to engage in high-level discussions with Qatari officials to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic ties and attracting investments to the Philippines.“Additionally, the QEF provides a valuable platform for us to showcase our potential as a premier investment destination in Southeast Asia while facilitating discussions towards stronger economic partnerships with key players in the Gulf region. We also aim to foster dialogue and collaboration to explore the Gulf’s strategic standing as the world navigates global complexities and uncertainties.”

Thailand is seeking Qatari investments on renewable energy in its Eastern Economic Corridor as part of the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, Thai ambassador Sira Swangsilpa has said.He said the Embassy of Thailand is in constant talks with various organisations in the country, such as Qatar Chamber, which is exploring investments in renewable energy in Thailand.The ambassador explained that leaders in the 21 Apec member economies endorsed the BCG model during the Apec Summit, which Thailand hosted in November 2022.According to the website of the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand, “The BCG was declared Thailand’s national agenda in 2021. It represents a key strategy to drive sustainable development and foster post-pandemic recovery, ensuring a balance between social, environmental, and economic objectives.“As the host of Apec 2022, Thailand set the BCG model as the overarching thinking behind the themes and priorities of a year-long event to promote sustainability and post-pandemic development.”Aside from renewable energy, Swangsilpa said Thailand is also keen on supporting Qatar Tourism’s goal of attracting 6mn tourists to Qatar by 2030 through various collaboration and partnership initiatives.“The embassy has many projects with Qatar Tourism to promote tourism between Thailand and Qatar,” the ambassador told Gulf Times.He said, “While Thailand and Qatar can collaborate in energy or food security, one important area for partnership with Qatar is Thailand’s medical treatment industry. Many Qataris visit Thailand for medical treatment each year. From 20,000 in previous years, there are about 40,000 Qataris who travel to Thailand annually.”Swangsilpa also said the value of trade between Qatar and Thailand stands at about $4bn per year.

A ride-hailing company in the Philippines is looking at expanding its services to the Qatari market.Dave M Almarinez, the founder and CEO of PeekUp, lauded Qatar for its “very stable economy” and for positioning itself as a technology hub in the region, saying: “This is a perfect fit for our business platform and for our current technology build.”“After evaluating the Qatari market, we are exploring the possibility of launching our business platform in the country. The level of businesses here are significant and of high quality; the huge interest in the transport sector alone is something that brings great value to the market and to the consumers,” Almarinez told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the recently concluded Qatar Economic Forum 2024.Almarinez visited Qatar recently to attend the forum and to explore the market with PeekUp's partner, Doha-based Superfuture Ventures, which is led by general partner and CEO Jeniffer Marie Tungol.Tungol explained that Superfuture Climate Infrastructure Fund is an entity that is supporting Superfuture Ventures’ collaboration with Almarinez. She expressed optimism that the collaboration with PeekUp will spur innovation, growth, and shared success, “benefiting all our stakeholders, including the Overseas Filipino Community in Qatar.”Almarinez explained that Qatar was among PeekUp’s top expansion locations in the GCC. But he was quick to clarify that the company is also looking at other would-be partner countries as well.“Aside from Qatar’s geography, we believe this country is an ideal location to execute our operations, simply because it is a good market to be in right now. That said, we also see Qatar as a strategic gateway to larger GCC markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, amongst others.“We're proud of what PeekUp has accomplished this early; we recently launched in the Philippines, and as part of our expansion plans, we are very interested in gaining access to the Qatari market, so we plan to elevate the ride-hailing service to the next level by offering five-star service.”Almarinez also pointed out that PeekUp’s objectives are aligned with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as initiatives of the Ministry of Transport to achieve a zero-emission transition in transportation.He noted that utilising electric vehicles (EVs) is “perfectly aligned” with PeekUp’s roadmap in the near future, which includes plans to launch another product currently in the development stage called ‘PeekUp Blue’, which is an EV equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that could solve a lot of complex tasks.“The business model of PeekUp is aligned with the vision of Qatar. This is why we're very keen on our expansion here, because we're looking for partner countries that have similar interests and the same vision and direction.“And Qatar National Vision 2030 is a great alignment for us, so we’re very keen on supporting this as well. We believe in the partnership between the private and public sector, which provides for regulatory laws that we intend to abide by,” he emphasised.He added: “I believe that technology continues to evolve and that it needs continuous enhancement, so it is paramount for us to continue developing not only our technology but ways to address the needs of both consumers and transport operators.“One of the prime assets of our technology is its flexibility. Once we have expanded our business globally, we not only intend to share our best practices, but we also want to learn and adapt from the best practices of the countries we operate in.”

American businesses are keen on supporting the Qatari government to achieve the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, according to Khush Choksy, senior vice-president of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East, Central Asia and Turkiye.Choksy recently led a business delegation to Qatar of nearly 20 US companies, which held meetings with various Qatari ministries to understand the country’s 2030 strategy and private sector participation in job creation, economic diversification, leveraging education, sports and technology investments.“We’re here with a business mission of 20 business leaders. Prior to the Qatar Economic Forum, we held meetings with a broad range of players, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to understand Qatar’s Vision 2030 national strategy, particularly its final phase, and how American companies can contribute to it and also benefit from that process,” Choksy told Gulf Times on the sidelines of QEF 2024.Earlier this year, the Qatari government announced the launch of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024-2030, which is the final stage to achieving the goals of the QNV 2030.Choksy explained, “As Qatar looks beyond the 2022 FIFA games to the next phase of its economic growth, we wanted to be here right at the outset and understand what the challenges and the opportunities are for its economic growth, as well as how the US private sector can participate in the last phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030, as stated in the launch of this new development strategy.”The QNV 2030, which was launched in 2008, focuses on job creation, economic diversification, leveraging education, sports investments, and technology. In its final phase, the private sector is expected to play the lead role as previous phases of the country’s 2030 vision concentrated on establishing its foundations and major infrastructure, Choksy pointed out.He said US companies can work with their Qatari counterparts in areas like technology, biotech, artificial intelligence (AI). They can also contribute and benefit from potential partnerships facilitated by Qatar’s investments in the US, which stands at $45bn.Choksy said, “The initial announcement of the $30bn investments into the United States was made by Qatar at the US Chamber in Washington, DC around 2015. It was also there that an additional announcement was made that took Qatari investments from $30bn to $45bn. The Chamber welcomes Qatar’s investment into the US and will continue to support these efforts.“The Qatar Investment Authority has been a strong partner of the Chamber and its US-Qatar Business Programme over the last decade. In the next phase of Qatar National Vision 2030, we are really looking at forging relationships between Qatari and American companies and to see where we can play the biggest role.”Choksy emphasised that the US Chamber of Commerce plans to continue its engagement with Qatar, both physically and through constant communication with the Qatari government and member companies. The chamber is also looking forward to hosting Qatar’s delegation at the upcoming SelectUSA conference in Washington, DC, slated next month.

LuLu Group’s vast international network and its robust relationship with the government of Vietnam are seen as essential factors in expanding the reach of Vietnamese products in global markets, ambassador Tran Duc Hung has said.Hung, who led the launching of the Vietnamese Festival hosted by LuLu Hypermarket, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event that LuLu Group has been operating a world-class, state-of-the-art distribution centre in Ho Chi Minh City since 2018.“Rice and coffee from Vietnam are our top exports; number two in the world, and we have exported a lot of these agricultural products to the US and the EU already. Now we want to expand more Vietnamese products in LuLu through its distribution system. We want to showcase more of our products to Qatari people and also expand in Doha,” the ambassador pointed out.Hung noted that LuLu Group’s distribution centre in Ho Chi Minh City is also instrumental in increasing the number of products bearing the LuLu private label exported from Vietnam, which reflects the growing and healthy relationship between the Southeast Asian country and LuLu Group.“Through LuLu’s distribution system worldwide, particularly in the GCC region and Asian countries, we would like to showcase to the people in these areas the wide variety of Vietnamese specialities, not only with agricultural products but also Vietnamese electronic goods like mobile phones and computer component parts. We have a lot of other consumer goods, too, which we want to showcase to the people in Qatar and also in GCC countries,” the ambassador further explained.Hung also expressed optimism that the Embassy of Vietnam’s partnership with LuLu will help meet its objective of expanding the presence of Vietnamese manufactured consumer products and agriculture and food items in international markets.“I am confident, and I believe that the volume and size of the trade cooperation between Vietnam and Qatar, through LuLu, will be growing more and more in the near future,” Hung emphasised.Asked about the success of the Vietnamese Festival in all LuLu hypermarkets across Qatar, the ambassador noted: “Our relationship with Qatar spans 30 long years. On the other hand, since the establishment of LuLu’s office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2018, LuLu has brought a lot of Vietnamese agricultural products to Doha.“And recently, we still have a lot of more agricultural products to showcase in LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar. We are hoping that in the future, there will be more flights between Doha and Vietnam to increase the chances of bringing more Vietnamese products to Doha through LuLu hypermarkets.”Ends

Uganda welcomes Qatari investments in a variety of sectors, including potential partnerships between private sector firms of both countries, ambassador Kezaala Mohamed Baswari al-Hajj has said.Al-Hajj stated that a business delegation from Qatari firm KON Group held meetings with Uganda’s minister of state for tourism, officials of Kampala City Administration, and representatives from key investment sectors.Mohamed Riad Massani and Hissa K H al-Sowadi, both founders and co-chairs of KON Group, held meetings to discuss potential opportunities and initiatives for collaboration between Ugandan and Qatari businesses.Al-Hajj said KON Group will collaborate with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on a project specialising in the recycling of animal waste following a meeting with KCCA executive director Dorothy Kisaka and her technical team. He also said KCCA, KON Group and Kanaha Holdings will jointly carry out a feasibility study under the guidance of Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority.Similarly, Hajjat Misha Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Metropolitan, held a meeting with the delegation, and welcomed KON Group’s meat rendering proposal, and recommended a technical evaluation that will guide the next steps to be taken to realise the project.According to al-Hajj, KON Group was keen on collaborating with the Ugandan government to source investors for abattoir-related projects and to stimulate the export of the East African country’s meat products to Qatar following a visit to the Kampala Meat Packers.The KON Group also explored various projects and investment opportunities in the following sectors: agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and waste management. The delegation expressed keenness on enhancing Uganda’s agricultural output through modern farming techniques and value addition.Discussions also revolved around promoting Uganda as a prime tourism destination for Qataris and other visitors from neighbouring countries in the Gulf region. Al-Hajj noted that innovative solutions for recycling and sustainable development were among the key points explored in the manufacturing and waste management sectors, including the country’s tea and coffee industries, following a meeting with Mzee Erisa Kakyomya of the Kakyomya tea estate, as well as infrastructure development to upgrade hospitals across the country.A meeting with Salim Saleh, the president’s adviser and chief co-ordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, also showcased Uganda’s strategic initiatives to attract foreign investment and the opportunities available for Qatari investors, particularly in the manufacturing sector, al-Hajj said.The delegation also held meetings with the following officials: Minister of State for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, officials from NEMA represented by Kawala Muwereza and other senior NEMA environment officers, and Uganda Investment Authority director general Robert Mukiza.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has engaged in discussions with two leading local firms, Qatar Cool and Baladna, to explore district cooling system opportunities in the Philippines and ways to boost the Southeast Asian nation’s self-sufficiency in dairy production.DTI Secretary Afredo E Pascual recently led a delegation to Doha and held high-level discussions with HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani as well leading Qatari businesses and officials.He also participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Creating Competitive Economies’ during the Qatar Economic Forum 2024.In a recent interview with Gulf Times, Pascual said: “The delegation is following through on two investment leads: one on an integrated dairy facility and another on district cooling.”According to Pascual, Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool) CEO Yasser al-Jaidah led a delegation in the Philippines last month for a meeting with representatives from Clark International Aviation Corporation (CIAC), Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Vista Group to explore district cooling opportunities in flagship development projects in the Philippines.“The visit of Qatar Cool is also an offshoot of the Investor Roundtable in Doha. The company is the largest district cooling provider in Qatar and the fourth-largest globally. Qatar Cool is currently assessing current and potential demand in the country to support their recommendations on the feasibility of district cooling systems in the Philippines. Further, they are also reviewing the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for a possible unsolicited proposal for district cooling requirements inside the Clark Freeport,” Pascual explained.In a media statement, the DTI emphasised that Qatar Cool’s District Cooling System (DCS) technology offers a cost- and energy-efficient solution compared to individual building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which “aligns perfectly with the current administration’s goal of achieving a 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2030, with the energy sector being a key focus area.”“Projects utilising such energy-efficient technologies may be eligible for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives provided by the government, offering significant cost savings for Qatar Cool and its potential partners. Qatar Cool expressed interest in partnering with major developers focusing on district-wide or township developments in the Philippines. The company was also invited to consider locations outside Metro Manila that offer high-density developments suitable for DCS implementation,” the DTI stated.During the discussion with Qatar Cool, Pascual said: “The DTI, together with relevant stakeholders, is committed to supporting Qatar Cool’s exploration of the Philippine market. The Department of Energy will further assess Qatar Cool’s business model for potential BOI endorsement. Additionally, exploring opportunities in other locations and projects presents exciting possibilities for collaboration.”“The DTI looks forward to further discussions with Qatar Cool and facilitating their successful investment journey in the Philippines, which can contribute significantly to the country’s energy efficiency goals.” he added.Pascual also said that in February 2022, the Philippines’ Board of Investments (BOI), the National Dairy Authority, and Baladna signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation and exchange of information and experience in the development of the dairy industry in the Philippines.“In particular, the production and processing of a wide range of fresh milk and dairy products, taking into account the potential investment of up to $500mn by Baladna into the Philippines for the establishment of a large-scale, fully integrated dairy business. The parties were represented by former DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar, and Baladna board member Adnan Tynan,” Pascual said.In a media statement released by the DTI, Pascual emphasised that this strategic investment aligns with the Philippines’ pursuit of self-sufficiency in food and milk production.“The Philippine government stands ready to support Baladna to realise its planned investments in the country. Through a whole-government approach, the DTI and the BOI are ready to facilitate business-to-business meetings and introductions to potential joint venture partners for Baladna. Additionally, the DA is actively identifying suitable locations for the proposed dairy facilities,” Pascual stated.During the discussion with Baladna, Pascual also underscored the substantial demand for dairy products in the Philippines, with imports nearing P3bn. He cited that addressing this demand while supporting local production is a key priority for the current administration.To further bolster the dairy sector, the delegation outlined regulatory support for labelling fresh milk, UHT milk, and imported frozen milk concentrate, emphasising the clear definitions provided by the Philippine National Standard.

The Philippines’ top trade official has showcased the country’s economic growth during the fourth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF).Secretary Alfredo E Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was among the panellists during a discussion titled ‘Creating Competitive Economies’. He was joined by Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour and Turkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek.During the discussion, Pascual said: “We’re very happy about the performance of our economy, which is among the highest in Southeast Asia. And we’re making sure that we have the policy environment that will sustain growth.”According to Pascual, the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr is focused on infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and strategic policy reforms, which ensure the country’s economic competitiveness in the region.Central to this strategy, Pascual cited the continuation of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ programme, now named the ‘Build Better More’ programme with 185 flagship infrastructure projects worth over $161bn. He said the programme highlights the government’s intensified efforts to improve physical connectivity, digital infrastructure, water resources, health facilities, power, and agriculture infrastructure.Pascual also said the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, will provide additional support for these projects. With this, he encouraged the pursuance of public-private partnerships (PPPs), following the recent passage of the first PPP code, which provided a clear and predictable policy environment for private sector participation.Another key priority presented is the improvement of physical connectivity within the country, as exemplified in projects like the Central Luzon Economic Corridor, which is set to enhance transportation links between key economic hubs, Pascual noted.He said: “We will build railways to interconnect a port somewhere in the north to Clark in the middle down to Manila and then down to Batangas, and that will improve the connectivity within Luzon.”The DTI secretary also highlighted that cyber connectivity in the Philippines is rapidly expanding through policy reforms, including opening sectors like telecommunications, utilities, and airports to 100% foreign ownership.Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to upskilling the Filipino workforce, Pascual stressed the significance of partnerships with the private sector and international partners. Following this, he cited educational reforms that are also underway, such as the introduction of STEM in the education system.Pascual said: “The country is actively engaging with major economic blocs, including the US, China, and the European Union (EU). The Philippines is also ensuring improved market access for our businesses through important trade mechanisms, exemplified through the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the resumption of EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and the first round of Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement negotiations with the UAE.”Affirming the Marcos Jr administration’s continued commitment to foster economic growth and champion multilateral ties, Pascual added: “Our competitive economic environment, coupled with our game-changing reforms, signals our readiness to attract foreign investments and support sustainable development.”

Fanar, Qatar’s world-class Arabic GenAI built on Arabic language learning model (LLM), is anticipated to boost Arabic language representation in the global AI arena and advance scientific co-operation in the Arab world, driving innovation in the field.HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai made the statement in the session ‘Artificial Intelligence: Regulation & Innovation’ during the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, which concluded on Thursday.The minister explained that Fanar was the result of a strategic collaboration between the ministry, the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – Qatar Foundation Member, and other partners.He further emphasised that Fanar, which is able to understand the complex nuances of the Arabic language, will be provided with high accuracy dataset comprising at least 300bn words, which will allow it to produce highly accurate texts.Al-Mannai ensured that Fanar will be equipped with vast and precise Arabic content, enabling it to evolve and enhance within linguistic frameworks “and ultimately produce culturally resonant Arabic content.” According to the minister, the Fanar initiative is a cornerstone in the development of Arabic LLMs, enriching digital experiences for institutions and Arabic speakers alike.Emphasising the transformative potential of Fanar, al-Mannai said: “Fanar will transform GenAI-generated Arabic content in terms of accuracy and nuanced understanding, significantly enhancing translation, media, and academic research capabilities,” citing QCRI’s “remarkable achievements” in creating an expansive linguistic model, “marked by exceptional accuracy.”He also noted that efforts are underway to translate these achievements into a pragmatic project, mindful of the Arabic language’s specificity and rich cultural heritage.“There exists a considerable gap in Generative AI capabilities between Arabic and English languages concerning contextual comprehension, linguistic precision, and content depth and fluidity. The Fanar project aims to bridge this disparity. Fanar will also offer balanced perspectives, safeguarding Arab culture from any adverse effects,” al-Mannai pointed out.During the discussion, al-Mannai emphasised the fundamental role of data accuracy and training in determining Fanar’s content quality. He also underscored the commitment of the MCIT and its partners to offering high-quality Arabic information and texts, providing Fanar with around 300bn words for robust linguistic model development.Underscoring Qatar’s commitment to fortifying its regional digital leadership and driving digital transformation in the Arab world, al-Mannai lauded His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s allocation of a QR9bn incentive package to support comprehensive digital transformation, including a $1bn fund to support regional entrepreneurs and emerging companies in line with the goals of the country’s Third National Development Strategy.In a statement, Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, HBKU president, commented: “This initiative demonstrates that HBKU employs a proactive approach towards building an inclusive research and education ecosystem in Qatar that safeguards its cultural values.“Our collaboration with MCIT underscores our commitment to implementing and integrating cutting-edge AI research and technology into the social and economic development of our economy and society.”Once the project is completed, Arab users will be able to access accurate, cutting-edge content “surpassing current challenges in generative AI applications,” Hasnah noted, adding that innovative solutions will enrich their online experience, providing enhanced access to knowledge and advanced content in an innovative, high-quality manner. Users will benefit from precise, useful content tailored to their needs, elevating their digital experience, he emphasised.QCRI executive director Ahmed K Elmagarmid said, “Our collaboration with MCIT will see the curation of Arabic-language data that encapsulates the Qatari people’s shared heritage and traditions combined with an innovative application of LLM technology. Arabic language technologies have long been one of QCRI’s research focus areas, and we are eager to utilise our expertise in service of the protection and growth of our mother tongue in the age of AI.”Other capabilities of Fanar extend to assisting students, researchers, and the public by providing accurate information and streamlining tasks, saving valuable time and effort. In addition to generating high-quality Arabic text, Fanar facilitates the development of Arabic chatbots and virtual assistants for companies and institutions of all sizes, ensuring culturally appropriate responses.Furthermore, Fanar offers a comprehensive set of services, including translation, summarisation, and creative writing, empowering companies and institutions to effectively engage their Arabic-speaking audience. By enhancing the Arabic user experience through accurate and culturally appropriate responses, Fanar drives broader technology integration into the daily lives and business activities of Arabic speakers.

The ratification process of the Philippines-Qatar Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) is expected to be finalised this year following talks held in Doha between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).DTI Secretary Alfredo E Pascual and HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani agreed to finalise the IPPA ratification process during a recently held meeting held on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum 2024.The Philippines completed its domestic ratification procedures in April, the DTI noted in a statement.“The entry into force of the IPPA is expected to significantly deepen the economic ties between the Philippines and Qatar. We are confident that finalising the ratification process will translate into productive investment figures contributing to our mutually shared prosperity,” Pascual emphasised.Similarly, the DTI and MoCI also agreed to pursue a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen co-operation on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection. The DTI noted that the MoU will facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, training programmes, and high-level dialogues on IP policy.The DTI further stated that the Philippine delegation expressed concern about the proliferation of counterfeit Filipino brands in the Middle East, including Qatar. Enhancing cooperation on IPR protection, including the proposed MoU would address these concerns and create a fairer and more secure environment, the DTI stressed.“During the discussion, both countries also affirmed their commitment to proactively collaborate on creating a business-friendly environment that will facilitate greater trade, investment, and economic co-operation.“The ministers noted the countries’ shared vision of diversifying and expanding their economies through investments in infrastructure, integrated circuit design and manufacturing, and financial services,” the DTI stated.According to the DTI, the meeting also discussed holding the inaugural Philippines-Qatar Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Committee (JECTC) meeting in the first quarter of 2025.“This proposal was relayed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during his visit to Manila in April 2024. Furthermore, both countries agreed on organising a business forum and a business-to-business matching session on the sidelines of the JECTC,” the DTI added.Highlighting the growing economic ties between the Philippines and Qatar, Pascual said: “We are pleased with the progress made in this meeting, and we are positive that the finalisation of the IPPA ratification process will soon pave the way for its full implementation.“The Philippines is eager to further strengthen its economic partnership with Qatar through enhanced investment flows, increased co-operation on intellectual property rights, and the establishment of the Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Committee. We believe that this collaboration will not only benefit our two countries but also contribute to greater prosperity and stability in both the Gulf and Southeast Asia regions.”

The Qatari government has been keen on creating opportunities for the private sector, attracting foreign direct investments (FDI), and the growth of the manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and ICT sectors, as well as financial services, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has said.He made the statement during an on-stage conversation with Bloomberg Television anchor Francine Lacqua at the opening ceremony of the Qatar Economic Forum 2024 yesterday.HE Sheikh Mohamed underscored Qatar’s infrastructure-related investments in its healthcare and education sectors. He said, “Healthcare has more potential in terms of its economic side, which is basically research and development and, hopefully, the pharmaceutical industry.”He noted that Qatar has made great strides in its digitalisation strategy, citing the need for major investments in artificial intelligence (AI)-related infrastructure or applications.The Prime Minister highlighted the role of educational institutions in pushing Qatar’s plans to maximise the use of AI.During his speech, Sheikh Mohamed announced the launch of ‘Al Fanar’ or the Arabic Artificial Intelligence project. He said the project’s main objective is to collect quality data in the Arabic language, contributing to enriching large linguistic models and preserving the Arab identity.Speaking on Qatar’s investment plans, HE the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s diversification strategy, including outward investments, making sure “there will be a high return.”“We ensure that the balance is right within our portfolio. Of course, in the last few years, the US has been one of our main markets. Asia is an interesting market, and we have investments there, but we are also exploring opportunities and trying to expand to new emerging markets like the Central Asian region and Africa.“Our focus as a sovereign wealth fund is for future generations, so we wanted to make sure that these investments are not high-risk, ensuring the stability of the jurisdiction where we are investing and ensuring sustainable income,” the Prime Minister explained.Sheikh Mohamed said the recent launch of the country’s National Development Strategy is seen as the final phase of achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that the government is now capitalising on the infrastructure that was built for the energy sector and for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.At the centre of this strategy, the Prime Minister stressed that Qatar is focusing on human capital, unleashing their potential, and opening up opportunities for the private sector.On the regional level, HE Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of Qatar’s investments in its GCC neighbours, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, among others. He said there has been increased interest among Qatari companies to invest in other Gulf nations.

The signing of 20 memoranda of understanding, including 18 international MoUs, during the upcoming Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2024 is expected to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) and attract additional FDI to the country, an official told *Gulf Times.“The nature of the MoUs and the partnerships [to be signed at the forum] indicate the direction in which entities are moving towards enhancing foreign direct investment and attracting additional investment to Qatar,” stated Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, the chairperson of the Permanent Supreme Committee organising QEF 2024.“There are other factors that could also enhance this, but generally, it is through the participation of high-level delegations and by the MoUs that are going to be signed during the forum.”During a press conference on Saturday, Sheikh Ali noted that the fourth edition of the forum, which will run from May 14 to 16 in Doha, is expected to gather 2,300 participants, including 1,300 active leaders in international firms and organisations, in addition to 200 local and international media outlets.Sheikh Ali said 10 MoUs were signed in the previous edition. However, he noted that the forum has been seeing “a qualitative shift from one session to another," as translated by the number of international agreements unveiled during the event, in addition to the great interest from international political and economic actors.He described the forum as “the fastest growing in terms of participation at the regional and international levels,” noting that the discussions over the three-day conference will focus on topics related to geopolitics, globalisation, trade, energy transformation, technological innovation, business foresight, investment, sports, and entertainment, “considering the continuing effects of major changes in the fields of technology, energy, trade, and politics that the world is witnessing, especially since the developments witnessed in 2024 will have far-reaching repercussions on the global economy.”Sheikh Ali explained that attendance at QEF-related activities will be through personal invitations, “given the large attendance requests that exceeded all expectations.” He added that the organising committee has taken a number of measures to ensure the attendance of the largest number of those who wish to join through digital platforms.For his part, the CEO of Media City Qatar and head of the media team in the Permanent Supreme Committee organising the QEF Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, lauded the strategic partnership with Bloomberg Media Group, which extends for several years.On the sidelines of the press conference, al-Khori also told *Gulf Times that the organising committee has diversified the portfolio of topics that would be discussed during QEF 2024 to include innovation and technology, sustainability, and how to support startups, aside from energy, the economy, and politics.The executive director of the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of the Logistics Team in the Supreme Permanent Committee Organising the QEF, Mubarak bin Ajlan al-Kuwari, said the registration process has been facilitated through a unified system and issuing entry cards to all participants to ensure smooth and quick entry to the forum, in addition to providing tourism programmes, in cooperation with Qatar Tourism and Qatar Museums.