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Key figures from Qatar’s investment landscape highlighted the country’s bid to emerge as a global investment destination in specific areas like the real estate sector during a panel discussion at the Qatar Real Estate Forum on Sunday.The discussion titled ‘The National Economy: Development & Investment Opportunities’, included chief executives from Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar), Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), underscored the country’s commitment to economic diversification and its ambitious plans for the future.Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani underscored the country’s three-stage growth strategy.Following the development of the hydrocarbon sector and infrastructure culminating in the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is now focusing on its third national development strategy. Sheikh Ali noted that this strategy targets financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and ICT sectors, with a strong emphasis on human capital development.“However, what underlines all this and what is central to the strategy is the growth of human capital. If you look at Qatar, traditionally where hydrocarbons played the leading driver of growth...we need to invest in our human capital. And this investment was evident through education, healthcare, and creating an environment that can attract and retain talent.“The government is focused on building upon that and having that being the most significant growth driver into the future. I think Qatar targets that as an eventual outcome where our human capital innovation could be the main driver for growth,” Sheikh Ali emphasised.QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamid al-Thani, on the other hand, highlighted Qatar’s unique “one integrated family approach” to attracting investments, citing examples of successful public-private partnerships, which contribute to knowledge transfer and sustainability goals.“Concerning the Qatar National Development Strategy, we are focused on diversifying the economy through three key sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, and within the IT and digital space. But we’re also looking to enable knowledge transfer, and we do this by enabling public-private partnerships,” Sheikh Mohammed noted.QFC CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida detailed QFC’s role in providing a robust legal and regulatory framework for investors, explaining how the centre offers various structures, such as special purpose vehicles, holding companies, and trust structures to help investors manage risks in real estate investments.Al-Jaida also revealed plans for innovation in the sector, including the potential tokenisation of real estate assets to increase accessibility and liquidity.According to al-Jaida, Qatar’s ambitious targets include achieving 4% growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector and attracting $100bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next seven years.“All of us are involved in achieving that target. Within the clusters that are named in the National Development Strategy: manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, real estate is indirectly in every single one of those clusters because to develop these clusters, there’s always an indirect impact on the real estate sector because all these companies eventually attract investment and manpower. And that has an indirect impact on the real estate sector,” al-Jaida further explained.

Italian Ambassador Paolo Toschi has highlighted the robust and growing relationship between Italy and Qatar, emphasising their shared commitment to regional stability, particularly in addressing the conflict in Palestine and Lebanon. “This is an important time in the relationship between Italy and Qatar because of several conversations that are maturing and bearing fruit,” Toschi told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview, where he discussed the role of regional diplomacy and crisis management, humanitarian efforts, bilateral relations between Italy and Qatar, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange and dialogue in addressing regional challenges. According to the ambassador, Italy views Qatar as a strategic partner and values its role in promoting peace and dialogue. Both countries are actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, providing substantial aid to Gaza and Lebanon through various UN agencies, Toschi pointed out. “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are engaged as actors of peace by supporting dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes at a time when the region is going through a tragic and deep crisis,” he emphasised. The ambassador also said, “Italy has been very clear that there needs to be a state for Palestine. There must be continuity between Gaza and the West Bank, and a sustainable security platform for Palestine, to which Italy is ready to contribute.” “We continue to call upon all parties to end violence against civilians and to respect both international and humanitarian law. We are taking action also as chair of the G7 as we continue to support Qatar’s diplomatic work to identify a solution in accord with the other involved parties,” Toschi noted. Similarly on Lebanon, Toschi recalled that Italy has taken the lead in a G7 initiative calling parties to uphold UN Security Council Resolution 1701, “which is the foundation of a sustainable asset for Lebanon.” “We are engaged to support Lebanese authorities, which is very much in line with what Qatar is doing, strengthening the foundation of Lebanese institutions,” the ambassador further stressed. “Both in Gaza and Lebanon, like Qatar, we are engaged in delivering humanitarian and food assistance, in coordination with UN agencies like the World Food Programme, UNHCR, and UNRWA, to provide food and other forms of support,” Toschi explained, adding that Italy’s recent assistance includes a €17mn emergency aid for Lebanon and two packages of food aid respectively worth €35mn and €12mn for Gaza. The ambassador also noted that the Italy-Qatar bilateral relationship extends beyond diplomacy and continues to expand collaboration in sectors like investment, energy (including gas markets and renewables), defence, and military cooperation. “Both countries are also exploring opportunities in food security, biotech, life sciences, and urban management,” Toschi said. According to Toschi, cultural exchange is also seen as a crucial element in fostering understanding and peace, “especially during times of crisis.” He added: “Italy and Qatar view culture as a unifying factor and a means for dialogue. We believe culture can provide context, build bridges between people, and contribute to conversations about peace.” Ends

The value of Qatar’s private sector exports is expected to exceed QR2bn this year, according to an official of the Qatar Export Development, Finance & Promotion Agency (Tasdeer).Tasdeer executive director Khalid Abdulla al-Mana announced this during the recent launching of Tasdeer’s new trademark, ‘Qatar Exports’, which is seen to usher in a new era of services for Qatari exporters.Tasdeer is the export arm of the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which was created in 2011 to support the country’s private sector and enhance the presence of Qatari exports in international markets, al-Mana said during a presentation held on the sidelines of the launch event in Doha.In his presentation, al-Mana said: “In 2019, the number of our exporters was 119. In 2024, we currently have 180 customers that are exporting from Qatar, and this number is growing significantly every year. The value of private sector exports in 2019 was QR700mn. In 2024, we are hopefully going to be exceeding QR2bn in terms of private sector exports.”Al-Mana explained that Tasdeer’s success in growing Qatar’s private sector exports abroad is founded on three main pillars: development, promotion, and finance.He said the development pillar is responsible for capacity building through workshops and the ‘Go Global’ incubator, providing international certifications, and a dedicated research team for identifying priority markets and products.Achievements in the development pillar include 74 workshops delivered, 436 individual trainings, 54 country reports, and 367 companies enrolled in publications. This pillar also provides international representation, including Qatar’s representation in the International Trade Centre in Geneva and memberships in the Amman Union and the Berne Union, al-Mana pointed out.He said Tasdeer’s activities under the promotion pillar include the participation in 10 to 12 exhibitions annually and the conduct of three large trade missions and matchmaking events yearly.“In terms of promotion, through our matchmaking events and our exhibitions, we have already booked orders of over QR5bn, of which around QR2bn was in 2024, so we can see the increase of exports happening in recent years.“For our Saudi Arabia office, which is our first international office launched in January this year, we have served 46 Qatari companies, identified 232 buyers in Saudi Arabia, and booked orders worth more than QR300mn so far. With this success, we hope that we can go into new markets utilising this same model of opening trade offices beyond Qatar,” al-Mana explained.In an earlier statement, QDB emphasised that it plans to open other ‘Qatar Exports’ offices across the region and in other countries. “In line with its revamped strategy, QDB will first cement Qatar’s presence in regional markets across the GCC before expanding to international ones, all while strengthening Qatar’s trade partnerships with neighbouring countries and other strategic markets, according to its export priorities,” the statement pointed out.QDB added: “These offices will streamline the entry of Qatari products and services to new markets and facilitate matchmaking between Qatari exporters and international buyers, while also providing exporters with valuable insights on laws, regulations, and market opportunities.”Speaking at the launching ceremony, QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi said: “We have accompanied Qatari exporters through all stages of their journey, from securing and promoting their exports to providing financing solutions to sustain their growth. Our efforts enabled Qatari companies to access 98 international markets by the end of last year.“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to developing our services and improving our operations to boost the competitiveness of Qatari products and streamline access to international markets.”Al-Sowaidi added: “Through this initiative, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s global presence and enable Qatari SMEs to export their products to new markets in line with the Third National Development Strategy, reflecting our strong belief in the key role that exports play in enhancing Qatar’s position in international trade.“Introducing ‘Qatar Exports’ represents a strategic step towards achieving our aspirations in terms of empowering the private sector to contribute effectively to Qatar’s sustainable development.”

The new trademark of Tasdeer, Qatar Development Bank’s (QDB) Export Development, Finance, and Promotion Agency, is seen to usher in a new era of services for Qatari exporters.QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi made the statement during the recent launching of the trademark ‘Qatar Exports’ as part of efforts to boost Qatari exports, enhance the competitiveness of Qatari products and streamline access to global markets.The event showcased QDB’s latest initiatives and solutions in providing financial and logistical support to Qatari exporters to enhance competitiveness in international markets and an important step towards achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on the energy sector.Al-Sowaidi said over the years, Tasdeer has worked to modernise and develop various services and programmes to keep up with the latest developments and changing market dynamics.“We have accompanied Qatari exporters through all stages of their journey, from securing and promoting their exports to providing financing solutions to sustain their growth. Our efforts enabled Qatari companies to access 98 international markets by the end of last year.“Through this initiative, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s global presence and enable Qatari SMEs to export their products to new markets in line with the Third National Development Strategy, reflecting our strong belief in the key role that exports play in enhancing Qatar’s position in international trade.”“Introducing ‘Qatar Exports’ represents a strategic step towards achieving our aspirations in terms of empowering the private sector to contribute effectively to Qatar’s sustainable development.”In the context of its latest initiative, QDB plans to open Qatar Exports offices across the region and throughout the world. In line with its revamped strategy, QDB will first cement Qatar’s presence in regional markets across the GCC before expanding to international ones, all while strengthening Qatar’s trade partnerships with neighbouring countries and other strategic markets, according to its export priorities.These offices will streamline the entry of Qatari products and services to new markets, and facilitate matchmaking between Qatari exporters and international buyers, while also providing exporters with valuable insights on laws, regulations, and market opportunities.Within the framework of Qatar Exports, QDB introduced ‘Going Global’, a tailor-made bundle of solutions designed to support SMEs in expanding internationally through direct and indirect financing solutions.Under the Buyer’s Credit Programme, QDB provides financial support to enable international buyers to purchase goods, raw materials, machinery, equipment, and services from Qatari exporting companies leveraging Sharia-compliant, flexible and long-term payment terms. Through this programme, QDB provides attractive credit solutions to international clients of Qatari exporting companies on par with major international export credit agencies. Credit solutions include loans, guarantees, and insurance extending up to 20 years according to the importer’s needs, which would enhance demand for Qatari products.To date, QDB has approved QR2.7bn in long-term buyer credits for GCC importers and provided over QR500mn in medium-term lines of credit to MENA banks, engaging export credit agencies around the world to enable Qatari exporters to participate in international supply chains.Al-Sowaidi said QDB has already concluded memoranda of understanding with export credit agencies in Italy, France, the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, among other countries, making it easier for Qatari exporters to engage contractors in these markets.In terms of financing exports, QDB will support companies seeking to kick start or expand their operations overseas through its Internationalisation Financing programme. Under the programme, QDB provides Shariah-compliant direct financing, as well as guarantees to Qatari partner banks and international financial institutions.Qatari exporters can also benefit from the Whole Turnover Insurance, which provides the necessary protection against post-shipment risks if approved overseas buyers fail to pay for exports. The programme is based on flexible and effective mechanisms that save companies time and effort.To support Qatari contractors with their international expansion plans, QDB also introduced the Overseas Contract Financing (OCF) programme, which provides guarantees to Qatari partner banks and international financial institutions. The product covers funding for various international projects, from construction to technical consultancy. Through medium to long-term financing that can be extended based on the contractor’s creditworthiness, OCF enables Qatari contractors to expand to global markets, contributing to the growth of Qatar’s economy.Through this integrated support, QDB continues to serve as a strategic partner for Qatari exporters regardless of their legal structure to enable firms operating in free, economic, and industrial zones, to access its products and services in line with its belief in the importance of diversifying Qatar’s business landscape.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strongly banking on its ‘Halal-Friendly Philippines’ campaign to foster robust collaboration with its international partners and enhance the country’s presence in the Southeast Asia and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) regions, an official has said.Aleem Siddiqui M Guiapal, the Director and Programme Manager of the DTI’s Halal Industry Development and Trade Office, emphasised that ‘Halal-Friendly Philippines’ is a new brand campaign that is part of the DTI’s comprehensive strategy to enhance and develop the country’s halal industry.To achieve this, Guiapal said, the new brand campaign is being supported by a comprehensive collaboration of multiple government agencies comprising the DTI, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (The Central Bank of the Philippines), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and other halal certification bodies.“Halal-Friendly Philippines is more than a brand campaign - it is about building relationships and strengthening our presence in the Asean and GCC countries,” Guiapal stressed.Guiapal pointed out that the DTI has been venturing out to foreign shores to showcase the Philippines’ burgeoning halal sector and to promote the industry’s vast investment potential by participating in various international exhibitions.Last May, the Philippines debuted at the ‘Halal Expo Canada’, said Guiapal, who added that the country’s most recent milestone was participating in the recently-held Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, touted as the “world’s largest halal exhibition.On the sidelines of MIHAS 2024, Guiapal told Gulf Times that Qatar is a “promising market” for the Philippines’ halal export products. According to Guiapal, the country is set to expand its halal product exports by 20% in 2024, building on the current 3,000 halal-certified products already available in various international markets.Qatar is among the GCC countries being eyed by the DTI for a planned halal roadshow in 2025. This year, the DTI is expected to promote the Philippines’ halal products in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.“These roadshows provide opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines to access international markets, which not only increases the presence of our halal export products but contributes to the growth of the country’s trade with other countries,” Guiapal said.To tap GCC markets like the UAE, Guiapal said he met with Rajmal Rafeeque, country manager for LuLu Hypermarket’s Philippines operations, to explore opportunities for local halal producers and MSMEs to expand their reach internationally.“The Philippines has been setting certain milestones in the halal sector. The country is the winner of the ‘Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year for Non-OlC’ and ranked seventh in the ‘Top 20 Non-OIC Destinations’ in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).“The country registered half a million Islamic tourists in 2023. Currently, the Philippines has 237 Muslim-friendly restaurants and 28 Muslim-friendly establishments, as well as 17 recognised halal and organic agriculture enterprises. P5mn worth of animals are for distribution in areas covered by the halal multiplier farms,” Guiapal emphasised.

The internationalisation of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) acknowledges the importance of extending the annual halal exhibition’s reputation beyond domestic borders, the top official of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has said.MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican told reporters on the sidelines of the recently concluded MIHAS 2024 in Kuala Lumpur that the event is poised for international expansion, first in Dubai from November 18 to 20, and followed by China and other European countries.“We are set to organise ‘MIHAS@Dubai’, which will be held within the ‘Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo’, featuring a 600-strong Malaysian delegation occupying 200 booths.“This move aims to tap into the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, which is a key market with significant potential. This expansion offers Malaysian companies direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic halal markets and provides international businesses with yet another platform to engage with the Malaysian halal industry players,” Merican said in a speech.According to Merican, halal “has stood as a beacon of innovation and opportunity in the global market,” thus MATRADE’s efforts of charting a new course for the future of the global halal market.Merican said the clusters to be showcased during ‘MIHAS@Dubai’ will include sectors, such as beauty care, healthcare and wellness, franchise, lifestyle, food and beverages (F&B), Muslim-friendly travel, Islamic finance, and many other halal sectors and products.“The internationalisation of MIHAS is crucial to our success and underscores our commitment to advancing Malaysian businesses in the global halal market. By elevating the MIHAS brand to new heights, we aim to position it alongside the leading global exhibitions, which demonstrates our strong dedication to achieving excellence at the global fora,” Merican explained.Figures provided by MATRADE revealed that Malaysia’s halal export value is expected to reach nearly RM55bn in 2024, marking the second consecutive year it has surpassed the RM50bn mark.Merican noted that this signifies the robust performance of Malaysia’s halal sector, which is mainly contributed by a variety of products, F&B, halal ingredients, cosmetics, palm oil derivatives, and industrial, chemical, and pharmaceuticals.He said, “The scale of the opportunities in the global halal market before Malaysia is indeed sizeable. The global halal market now is expected to grow to $5tn by 2030. This isn’t just a number. It represents a seismic shift in consumer preference and market dynamics.“With the global Muslim consumer and population expected to reach 2.2bn, accounting for 26%of the entire world population, the demand for halal products and services is set to rise.”Merican added: “But what makes this market truly fascinating is its broad appeal, which extends far beyond the Muslim demographic. This demonstrates that halal is no longer merely a religious requirement, but it has also become a global standard for quality, safety, and ethical production.”

Kuala Lumpur: The 2024 edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) is seen as a platform for halal businesses in the Philippines to access global markets, such as the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of MIHAS 2024, Philippine ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A Ponce said the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr is keen on forging stronger collaboration with Malaysia to boost the Philippines’ halal industry.Ponce also underscored the significance of MIHAS’ role in giving Malaysia’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) access to global markets, which the Philippines could emulate.This opportunity for MSMEs to go global was emphasised by Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, when he addressed the opening ceremony of MIHAS 2024, held recently in Kuala Lumpur.Aziz said, “MIHAS offers companies, especially MSMEs, a chance to showcase their innovative products not only to the 2bn Muslims worldwide but also to a growing global audience that is increasingly embracing the halal concept.”Citing national carriers from non-Muslim countries, Aziz noted that many of these airlines now offer halal food on certain flight routes, eliminating the need for special requests.“This creates significant opportunities for Malaysian companies and MSMEs to integrate into the global Halal supply chain...MIHAS serves as a key driver in developing more ‘halal champions’ within the local industry. It alsobolsters Malaysia’s position as a prominent halal hub both regionally and globally,” the minister emphasised.Meanwhile, the ambassador noted, “Malaysia is truly the showcase for the halal industry, and that is why halal co-operation with Malaysia is a priority for both President Marcos and various agencies of the Philippine government.”“Part of that co-operation involves engaging with our Halal Development Board, as well as capacity building, because we want to learn from Malaysia. We want to see what they are doing, what their best practices are, and how they are succeeding,” Ponce explained.According to Ponce, the Malaysian government, through the Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme (MTCP), accommodates the Philippines’ requests for training in halal tourism and halal certification, as well as in Islamic finance.“We believe there is a recognition that halal is not just one industry; it’s not just accreditation, it’s not just trade, it’s not just food — it’s a whole ecosystem. And that’s what we’re learning from Malaysia; that’s what we’re trying to glean from their best practices.”The ambassador noted that Malaysian halal certification could serve as a springboard for Philippine companies and MSMEs in accessing Middle Eastern markets, such as Qatar.“Many of the Middle East markets also look to certification from Malaysia, including what Malaysia does and what products are certified there. Then, they get an idea of what products they would like to bring to the Middle East.“So in that sense, that’s how I think our MSMEs can benefit and can also capitalise on it so that they can be able to access the Middle Eastern market,” the ambassador explained.

Kuala Lumpur: Knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices between companies in Qatar and Malaysia will play a key role in the development and growth of both nations’ entrepreneurial and manufacturing sectors. Dr Sana al-Dawaimeh, the owner of Doha-based cosmetics company Magic Touch, made the statement on Wednesday on the sidelines of this year’s International Sourcing Programme (INSP) held at the headquarters of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) here. The INSP is MATRADE’s flagship business matching event organised annually in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024, which concluded recently. Al-Dawaimeh told Gulf Times that Magic Touch is an enterprise that initially started off as a modest factory specialising in organic oils and natural beauty products. She actively engages in international exhibitions, seeking to explore new markets and broaden the company’s network of suppliers for various cosmetic products. She expressed great admiration for halal products manufactured in Malaysia, saying many of the country’s cosmetics products are “perfect” for the Qatari market. Al-Dawaimeh, who represented one of the four companies from Qatar participating in INSP MIHAS 2024, pointed out that her company was in the country once again to further explore the Malaysian halal cosmetics market and introduce more products to Qatar. She also emphasised that combining Qatari and Malaysian expertise and best practices will contribute to her company’s plans to expand its domestic operations by manufacturing halal cosmetics products bearing the “Made in Qatar” trademark. MATRADE CEO Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said INSP MIHAS 2024 attracted at least 250 international buyers, including 20 premium buyers representing 40 countries. “Our global network of 49 trade offices have successfully secured the participation of leading international buyers, underscoring the event’s growing prominence in the global Halal marketplace,” Aziz emphasised. The 250 international buyers include those from Europe, South Asia, China and Northeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Americas, he said, adding that the 20 premium buyers represent large hypermarkets and retailers with nationwide outlets from the US, India, the UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. “Collectively, these buyers generated a revenue of more than $60bn in 2023. The participation of these 250 international buyers is expected to generate a potential sourcing value of more than RM1bn,” he said. Aziz stressed that these business deals will have significant impact on the domestic economy and can support the exporters in terms of creating job opportunities. The event also hosted several business-matching sessions, fostering new partnerships and expanding market access for Malaysian businesses, said Aziz, adding that INSP MIHAS 2024 facilitated at least 2,500 business matching sessions. Emphasising the strategic importance of INSP MIHAS 2024, Aziz said: “This programme is instrumental in strengthening international trade relations, expanding market access for Malaysian businesses, and contributing to the development of sustainable global supply chains. It represents a critical component in our efforts to position Malaysia as a key player in the international Halal ecosystem.”

The Philippines has consolidated a well-built team of government agencies to ramp up the country’s halal ecosystem, allowing industry stakeholders to tap foreign markets, such as the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has said.“We see the opportunity to be present in Gulf Co-operation Council countries. We want our programmes and initiatives to be felt there,” said Aleem Siddiqui M Guiapal, Director and Programme Manager of the DTI’s Halal Industry Development and Trade Office.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024, which concluded here today, Guiapal provided an outline of the Philippines’ ambitious plans to expand its halal industry.According to Guiapal, part of the DTI’s comprehensive strategy to enhance and develop the Southeast Asian nation’s halal sector was the launch of a new brand campaign titled ‘Halal Brand in the Philippines’.Guiapal explained that the initiative is an integral part of a broader effort of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr to boost the Philippines’ halal exports, particularly in the GCC region.Guiapal underscored the growing number of Philippine halal-certified products and services, which currently stand at 3,000. He emphasised that the DTI aims to increase this number by 20% annually until the end of Marcos’ term, targeting approximately some 5,000 certifications.To achieve this goal, Guiapal explained that the DTI is collaborating with various government agencies, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and other halal certification bodies.“We are in unison with a more comprehensive, inclusive campaign for the Philippines. For the Philippine delegation’s participation at MIHAS 2024, we didn’t come only to bring our companies, but we also brought government institutions, especially the members of the board of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Programme,” Guiapal said, adding that the government sent more than 90 delegation members to the event.Guiapal announced that the DOST has already established four halal testing centres across the Philippines. He also explained the DTI’s strategy, which is built on four key pillars: halal integrity, investment promotion, industry development, and capacity building.“The DTI is focusing on crucial branding and protecting the integrity of halal-certified products. The Philippines is also increasing investments in the halal sector, developing small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing the number of halal-certified SMEs, and addressing knowledge building in the sector,” Guiapal pointed out.Guiapal also announced plans of the DTI to hold a Philippine halal roadshow in Saudi Arabia and the UAE this year as part of significant efforts to penetrate the GCC market, with plans to expand to Qatar by 2025.“Qatar is a promising market for Philippine halal products,” highlighted Guiapal, who added that the DTI has ongoing discussions with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to launch a roadshow in the GCC.Guiapal also said the Philippines is set to launch its first Philippine Halal Expo from November 14 to 16, 2024, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the global halal market.

Qatar-infused investments could play a central role in the development of the Philippines’ experiential tourism sector and enhance the halal-preparedness of its hospitality industry, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has said.Aleem Siddiqui M Guiapal, the Director and Programme Manager of the DTI’s Halal Industry Development and Trade Office, spoke to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 here, where more than 20 Philippine companies are participating.Guiapal emphasised that the country has a sizeable market that could attract Qatari investments for a diverse range of halal-related projects.“The Philippines has the third-largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia, with about 12mn people, providing a ready market for halal products and services,” Guiapal pointed out.In terms of legal framework, the DTI official said the Philippine government has implemented laws supporting halal product development, investment incentives, and the establishment of Islamic banks.“Most importantly, the Philippines has the political will to push for a highly-developed halal industry. President Marcos has shown strong support for the industry, establishing a ‘green lane’ for halal as a ‘sunrise industry’,” Guiapal stressed.He said the DTI is in talks with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for a potential investment roadshow to GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to explore, promote, and identify investment opportunities in various sectors.Highlighting potential investment opportunities in various areas of the Philippines, Guiapal noted that the Clark Freeport, which is home to the Clark International Airport, “is a very good destination for experiential tourism.”He said Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airline, and Qatar Airways are now landing at the Clark airport, thus helping drive higher international tourist footfall in the area.Middle Eastern nationals, such as Qataris, are known for their higher spending when they travel, noted Guiapal, who said: “When going on holiday, most Qataris bring their entire family. This presents a significant opportunity for the Philippine tourism sector, especially if it can address the need for halal-friendly facilities and services.”Guiapal emphasised that Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has been actively promoting the “Muslim-friendly Philippines” tagline, which aligns with the DTI’s initaitives to develop the country’s halal industry.“We’re promoting the country as ‘Halal-Friendly Philippines’. It’s a comprehensive, inclusive, ‘all of government’ approach to support the Philippine government’s initiative to develop the industry,” Guiapal noted.Complementing these investment opportunities, Guiapal also lauded the role of LuLu Group International in elevating the presence of Philippine products in GCC countries like Qatar.Through its sourcing and distribution centre at the Calamba Premiere International Park in Calamba, Laguna, Guiapal emphasised that LuLu is expected to increase the visibility and the availability of many Philippine halal products via its extensive network of hypermarket across the Gulf region.“LuLu’s requirement for halal certification aligns perfectly with the DTI’s goal of expanding the country’s halal product offerings.“The DTI believes its partnership with LuLu Group International is a significant step in promoting Philippine halal products in global markets and strengthening economic ties with Qatar and other GCC countries,” Guiapal emphasised.

Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) will be crossing over its domestic borders this year to tap the burgeoning Middle East and North Africa (Mena) market, a top official has said.Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, made the announcement during the MIHAS 2024 opening ceremony yesterday.Officially opened by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the 20th edition of the event will run until September 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.“After successfully organising 20 editions of MIHAS in Malaysia, we are excited to announce that MIHAS will expand beyond domestic borders with its in international debut known as ‘MIHAS@Dubai’,” Aziz said during his speech.MIHAS is hosted annually by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Aziz pointed out.He said the Malaysian government aims to leverage Dubai’s position as a hub for the Mena market to facilitate the import and distribution of Malaysian-made goods throughout the region.Aziz further said, “The export sales target for ‘MIHAS@Dubai’ is set at RM1bn and I am confident that the participating Malaysian companies will achieve this goal.”Aside from Dubai, the minister noted that MATRADE is also planning to organise international MIHAS events in China and other countries in Europe. “I would also like to take this opportunity to share that MITI was mandated to lead Malaysia’s participation in the World Expo Osaka, as well as to champion the country’s economic thrust in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship next year.“These two engagements also provide opportunities for Halal industry players to broaden their global presence through a business matching programme co-ordinated by MATRADE,” Aziz emphasised.Malaysian companies are invited to participate in various Asean-related programmes in Malaysia and at the Osaka World Expo, which will run from April to October 2025, the minister also said, underscoring the chance to explore numerous international business opportunities, particularly in Japan. Page 4

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 20th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) on Tuesday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.The event, touted as “the world’s largest Halal trade fair,” is expected to attract over 40,000 visitors, showcasing over 2,000 booths and international buyers and exhibitors from 66 countries.Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MIHAS 2024 will run until September 20.During his speech, Ibrahim lauded MITI and MATRADE for placing the country’s Halal industry under the global spotlight, thus enhancing the traditional understanding of Halal.He emphasised that annual staging of MIHAS provides Malaysia with the opportunity to expand the meaning of Halal from “no pork” and “non-alcoholic” to a broader context, which encompasses health and the “sophisticated used of materials to avoid harmful products,” as well as “cleanliness, efficacy, and the modern utilisation of technology.”Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, addressed the opening ceremony saying, nearly 17,000 Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers have benefitted from MIHAS since it was established in 2004.“It has generated almost RM25bn in total sales, attracted 500,000 trade visitors and significantly elevated Malaysia’s profile on the global stage,” Aziz said, adding that “MIHAS 2024 is targetting RM3.5bn in sales.”Aziz revealed that Malaysia’s Halal export value is expected to reach nearly “RM55bn in 2023,” marking the second consecutive year it has surpassed the “RM50bn” mark.He said the food and beverage (F&B) category is the largest contributor to Halal exports, with a value of “RM29.37bn,” an increase of nearly “5%” from “RM27.84bn in 2022.” Trailing behind are Halal ingredients, cosmetics and personal care, palm oil derivatives, and the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals, he noted.“Despite global economic challenges, Malaysia proudly retains the top spot in the Halal food sector, according to the Global Islamic Economic Indicators (GIEI) 2023. This marks 10 consecutive years of achievement, highlighting Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal industry.“Products like supplements, functional foods, and ingredients are increasingly seeking Halal recognition due to the trust consumers place in them regarding cleanliness and quality,” the minister said.From a service perspective, Aziz pointed out that the Islamic finance sector is widely accepted for its principles of risk-sharing and investment based on Islamic values like justice, sincerity, and social responsibility.“These values align closely with the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which are widely promoted by non-Muslim countries.“Thus, the Malaysian government proactively supports the Halal industry, as global demand for Halal products and services is projected to reach $5tn by 2030,” said Aziz, adding that the Global Exhibition Industry Association (UFI) has recognised MIHAS as a “UFI-approved international trade fair” and is also acknowledged as “the largest Halal trade fair in the world.”Yesterday’s opening ceremony was also highlighted by the awarding of the “Guinness World Records Award for the Largest Attendance for Halal Trade Show” after MIHAS attracted 38,566 visitors during last year’s edition.“MIHAS 2024 aims even higher as this exciting growth further cements MIHAS as the premier global Halal showcase, making it a not-to-be-missed event for industry professionals worldwide,” said MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican. China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Thailand are leading the way in international participation at MIHAS 2024, showcasing the event’s impressive global reach.With exhibitors from nearly every continent namely Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania, it demonstrates MIHAS’ status as a leading international event, drawing a diverse range of participants from across the globe.

The governments of South Korea and Qatar are significantly expanding areas of co-operation, including collaboration in areas like renewable energy, smart agriculture, ICT, health, smart shipping, and logistics.This was announced by South Korean ambassador Yun Hyunsoo during the ‘Korea-Qatar 50th Anniversary Future Forum’ held in Doha recently under the theme ‘50 Years and Beyond’.In his speech, Yun stressed: “During President Yoon Suk-yeol’s historic state visit last year, the relationship between Korea and Qatar was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.“This marks a new era, filled with potentials, ambitions, and the promise of lasting progress together. Under this new partnership, the two countries now work more closely through frequent consultation and co-ordination on many policy issues of mutual interest.”According to Yun, South Korea-Qatar trade stood at $16bn in 2023, marking a “4,000-fold increase” since both countries established diplomatic and economic ties 50 years ago. He stressed that Qatar is “a critical energy partner” for South Korea, exporting approximately “10mn tonnes of LNG annually.”Citing the role played by South Korean companies in Qatar’s development, the ambassador stated that these firms participated in “over 130 construction and infrastructure projects,” including the Qatar National Museum, built by Hyundai E&C utilising cutting-edge technology.Underlining the impact of climate change on global agriculture production, Yun emphasised that both nations could share best practices in deploying technology to address various issues, such as applying South Korea’s smart farming techniques that incorporate temperature-resistant techniques and water-efficient irrigation schemes.“Another major issue that calls for close co-operation is energy transition. Most countries consider energy transition to be a necessity, not an option. There are many areas of co-operation between the two countries, such as renewable energy, hydrogen economy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).“Co-operation in hydrogen economy has significant potential. Korea is leading the establishment of a global hydrogen market and has declared to become a major hydrogen buyer. Qatar is exerting tireless efforts to become a leading producer of blue ammonia. If the strengths of the two countries combine, Korea and Qatar can lead the future global hydrogen market,” the ambassador stated.Yun noted that ICT is also another potential area of collaboration between South Korea and Qatar. He said new and emerging technologies provide opportunities in multiple sectors, including education, employment, innovation, and research.“Korea is a leading country in establishing new norms and sharing best practices in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We hosted the ‘2nd AI Seoul Summit in May and this week, we successfully hosted the ‘Responsible AI in Military Domain (REAIM) Summit’ in Seoul. We are looking forward to becoming a reliable partner in contributing to the tech-propelled development of Qatar,” he stressed.He added: “The significance of the Future Forum lies in its purpose: to reflect on Korea-Qatar co-operation and to chart the course for our future commitments. We will review our existing partnerships in political and economic sectors. We will examine how we can further strengthen our 50-year-long ties to another level.”

The Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) $1bn ‘fund of funds’, announced this year by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, could catalyse venture capital (VC) activity in the country.This was among the main points industry experts agreed upon during a panel discussion titled ‘Venture Capital Unplugged: The Ecosystem and Funding Blueprint’ hosted recently by Startup Grind Qatar.Moderated by Salman Surti, programme lead at Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), the panel discussion highlighted insights from Alex Wiedmer, partner at Rasmal Ventures; Michael Lints, partner at Golden Gate Ventures; and Muhhanad Taslaq, director of investments at Alchemist Doha.Wiedmer underscored the significance of having “more funds on the ground” in attracting VCs, noting that this would translate to more entrepreneurs. He further stated that Qatar is following the successful model of other jurisdictions where governments actively support venture capital growth.He also explained that the impact of the fund of funds extends beyond direct investments: “Even if they don’t invest directly, these funds interact with the entrepreneur ecosystem. They advise, mentor, and attract more entrepreneurs to set up around where they are.”According to Wiedmer, Qatar witnessed “a sharp rise in entrepreneurial activity” in the last four years. Before the prime minister’s fund of funds announcement at Web Summit Qatar 2024, he emphasised that there have been other government initiatives that have contributed to the “increase in the sophistication of projects” across the country.Lints, on the other hand, drew parallels with Singapore’s experience in cultivating a thriving venture capital environment, citing the Technology Incubation Scheme (TIS), a government funding programme of the National Research Foundation (NRF) established in 2009. He said the impact of the TIS was significant in the “massive growth” in the number of Singapore’s VCs to almost 400 in over a decade.Speaking on the QIA’s fund of funds initiative, Lints acknowledged its positive impact, saying: “It’s good for Qatar and the ecosystem. It’s brought a lot of attention from global funds. Today, many of them are looking at Qatar.”But Lints also cautioned about the importance of balanced growth in the venture capital ecosystem, citing the importance of the need for “a mixture of funds that are on the ground.Meanwhile, Taslaq underscored the importance of collaboration in building Qatar’s startup ecosystem. “One of the great things that we agreed on when we started Alchemist Doha is that we’re not here to compete with anybody. We want to work and collaborate with everybody,” Taslaq emphasised.“Any incubation centre or accelerator in Doha is a potential partner with us. So, we’re not competing with them; we want to work with them and support the ecosystem,” Taslaq explained, saying this collaborative approach extends to all players in the ecosystem.Highlighting Alchemist Doha’s vision for Qatar, Taslaq said: “The whole vision here is to transform Qatar into a hub for tech startups for the benefit of entrepreneurs, and that doesn’t happen without partnerships. This approach involves engaging with various stakeholders, including venture capital firms.”

A delegation of Qatari companies specialising in landscape materials and heavy-duty equipment will be representing Qatar in the International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition (EIMA International 2024), slated from November 6 to 10 in Bologna, Italy.According to Italian Trade Commissioner Paola Lisi, the participation of Qatari companies during EIMA International 2024 reflects robust Qatar-Italy ties in the field of industry, among others.“Their trip to Bologna will therefore contribute to enhancing and strengthening commercial and industrial bilateral co-operation between Italy and Qatar,” Lisi told Gulf Times in a statement.She added: “We truly believe that the participation of the Qatar delegates at the upcoming EIMA International 2024, as part of the business mission organised by ITA Doha – Trade Section of the Embassy of Italy, in co-operation with the organisers of the exhibition, will provide them with an exclusive opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and solutions in agricultural machinery.”Lisi’s statements came on the heels of the recently held international press conference in Italy, where top officials, including Lorenzo Galanti, CEO and Managing Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), expounded on the significance of EIMA International 2024, which highlights Italy’s strong position in the global agricultural machinery sector.In his speech, Galanti underscored EIMA’s importance as a leading international exhibition and highlighted the ITA’s role in promoting the event, which will have a special focus on African operators for this year’s edition.In a video message, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Minister of Agriculture of Italy, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, specifically citing technological advancement and environmental sustainability.The minister highlighted significant investments in the sector and emphasised that the upcoming G7 event in Ortigia, Sicily, will serve as an opportunity to showcase Italian excellence in the field of agriculture and machinery.Lollobrigida noted that a new competitive bid for the agricultural sector “will be announced soon,” adding that there are also plans to connect buyers with Italian businesses during the G7 event in Ortigia.Citing challenges and opportunities, the minister also emphasised the need to balance technological advancement with environmental sustainability, maintaining production levels while reducing environmental impact, and promoting ‘Made in Italy’ products to the global market.In another video message, ITA President Matteo Zoppas underlined the agency’s vital role in Italy’s agricultural machinery sector, particularly in promoting Italian agritech to global markets, as well as its responsibility in supporting small and medium businesses in their internationalisation initiatives.Citing 2023 statistics, Zoppas said 216 businesses were involved in last year’s activities with 400 buyers and 40 journalists brought to EIMA. Some €10bn in exports for the sector was recorded in 2023, registering a 10% export growth compared to previous years, he added.Mariateresa Maschio, the President of FederUnacoma, lauded the role of the ITA in supporting Italian agri-industrial firms to get access to international markets, saying EIMA International 2024 plays a key role in the global agricultural machinery industry. FederUnacoma General Manager Simona Rapastella, on the other hand, highlighted EIMA’s international reach and focus on various state-of-the-art technologies.

Canadian companies are expected to gain vital insights into ‘Doing Business in Qatar’ from an upcoming webinar that will explore key sectors like high tech, artificial intelligence (AI), and solar energy, among others, an official of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) has said.Slated on September 10, the webinar will be hosted by the Government of Ontario, in collaboration with the Canada Trade Commissioner Service in Qatar and the CQBF, said Yasser M Dhouib, the forum’s executive director and board member.According to Dhouib, the event will provide participants with “valuable insights” into the dynamics of the Qatari market, including that of neighbouring nations in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region. Participating key entities from Qatar include the "Ministry of Communications and Information Technology", Invest Qatar, and Qatar Financial Centre, he said.Dhouib also noted that the webinar will serve as a networking platform for companies in Qatar and Canada, as well as open potential investments in the areas of manufacturing, robotics, healthcare, clean tech, transportation, AI, energy, finance, agri-food, and retail.“The webinar will help participants to explore opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, connect with leaders and decision-makers from Qatar and the GCC, and discover investment prospects in cutting-edge industries,” Dhouib explained.Dhouib told Gulf Times earlier that the CQBF’s participation in webinars and other international events “demonstrates how the forum can catalyse growth,” citing the Web Summit Qatar held in Doha last February.“The forum’s participation in Web Summit Qatar is certainly an important opportunity to bring several Canadian companies to the country for a full-fledged outreach in the Qatari business market and beyond the region...From technology to healthcare, energy to finance, the forum envisions a comprehensive collaboration that transcends industries,” Dhouib pointed out.Only recently, Dhouib said the CQBF participated in a summer event hosted by the Club Canadien de Toronto, which gathered business leaders, diplomats, and entrepreneurs and also served as a networking platform and opportunity for stakeholders in the Canadian and Qatari business communities to collaborate and forge stronger relationships, he also said.Dhouib emphasised that the CQBF’s presence at the event underscored its role as a frontrunner in facilitating Canada-Qatar trade, as well as potential partnerships and collaborations between both countries.“This is a key event for the business community in Ontario and across Canada. At CQBF, we believe that the potential for increased business opportunities and investments between Qatar and Canada is incredibly promising.“As we approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two nations in 2024, this extraordinary event serves as a prelude to more successes and achievements to come,” Dhouib stressed.Underlining the CQBF’s role as a bridge between Canadian firms and Qatar’s expanding economy, Dhouib said the The summer event helped both countries’ business communities explore investment prospects and opportunities to expand their footprints in international markets.

The president of Nokia’s Cloud and Network Services has underscored the strong alignment between Qatar’s digital agenda and Nokia’s innovation roadmap, signalling the potential for an expanded partnership.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Raghav Sahgal lauded the significant strides made by Qatar in its digitalisation journey, saying, “Qatar has done a great job in terms of its digital journey and its commitment towards this strategy, making the country a digital society.”Sahgal emphasised that Nokia’s global expertise could play a significant role in shaping the digital future of Qatar, which continues to position itself as a tech hub in the Gulf region.According to Sahgal, Nokia’s role in Qatar's digital transformation extends beyond providing network infrastructure. “We are driving digitisation not only in the networks itself,” Sahgal explained, adding that Nokia has developed software to address key automation aspects and connect infrastructure to the broader ecosystem.Sahgal also underscored Nokia’s crucial role during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, saying the company was a “very big partner” for all its customers in the country and that it “played a great part” in delivering a good digital experience during the international sporting event.Asked about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on Nokia-Qatar ties, Sahgal noted that the company is actively working on both classical AI and generative AI solutions. “We are driving that aggressively into the market,” he said, emphasising the responsible use of these technologies.“Classical AI is already in play, while generative AI is a new kind of innovation coming across globally, but we play in both of these spaces. While generative AI is still in incubation, with its use cases being developed, we believe that this technology is here to stay. It will continue to get better, and we have to embrace it responsibly.Regarding smart city development, Sahgal highlighted how Nokia’s 5G solutions could contribute to Qatar’s efforts. “5G will play a good role in smart cities and the industrial and enterprise side, and eventually on the consumer side, as well,” he noted.Looking ahead, Sahgal sees potential synergies between Nokia’s cloud solutions and Qatar’s growing data centre industry. “We have solutions in Nokia that directly address data centres,” he said, adding that Nokia could contribute both technologies for data centres and innovations in areas like generative AI.On cybersecurity, Sahgal emphasised the importance of secure autonomous operations in digital infrastructure. Citing Nokia’s NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome portfolio, Sahgal stressed that the company “has invested heavily in looking at security on an end-to-end basis of a network.”On the potential for future collaboration, Sahgal underscored the alignment between Qatar’s and digital agenda Nokia’s innovation roadmap, saying, “There’s a general convergence of strategy, which is what makes this very useful for us in terms of driving our strategy.”

A deep dive into clean hydrogen, smart agriculture, and political and diplomatic relations will be among the discussions that will highlight the upcoming ‘Korea-Qatar 50th Anniversary Future Forum,’ which is slated for September 12 in Doha.Under the theme ‘50 Years and Beyond’, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the State of Qatar will host the event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and Qatar.“This forum will provide a stage to consolidate discussions on the bilateral relationship to date and lay the foundation for future co-operation,” stated the embassy, which will invite officials and experts from government, academia, and the private sector to facilitate discussions on diverse areas of co-operation between South Korea and Qatar.According to the embassy, the forum will comprise two sessions: ‘Korea and Qatar, a 50-Year History of Successes and Challenges’ and ‘Beyond 50 Years, Toward Further Possibilities’.In the first session, speakers will reflect on the robust co-operation between South Korea and Qatar over the past 50 years, focusing on two major areas: Politics and economy. A presentation on the political sector will highlight achievements in diplomatic relationships followed by another presentation on economic co-operation, particularly in the energy sector, which has profoundly impacted the bilateral relationship.Following the presentations titled ‘Korea-Qatar Co-operation in an Era of Geopolitical Upheaval’ and ‘50 Years Together, Building the Future: Economy and Security Co-operation between Korea and Qatar’, speakers will engage in a discussion to further explore these topics.Experts will lead the second session from various fields relevant to future areas of collaboration. Taking note of the multiple MoUs inked during President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit last year, South Korea and Qatar have committed to expanding co-operation into new sectors, including food and agriculture, renewable energy, and health. Experts in these fields will share their insights deepening collaboration in these areas.The presentations during the second session are titled ‘Korean Smart Agriculture Technologies for Qatar’s Food Security’, ‘Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Certification Scheme’, and ‘International Healthcare Business, From Korea to Qatar & From Qatar to Korea’.The embassy also stated that a luncheon will take place between the two sessions. During the luncheon, a member of a supporter group dedicated to promoting South Korean culture in Qatar will share a presentation on its public diplomacy achievements related to South Korea-Qatar relations.