Italian chambers of commerce based in Asia, South Africa and the Gulf region are encouraging the Qatari private sector to explore investment opportunities in various markets in Asia, particularly in the construction and food industry.
The ‘Qatar Asia Business Insights’ event organised yesterday by the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), in co-operation with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, gathered officials from Italian chambers based in Vietnam, China, India, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, as well as South Africa and the UAE.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, the president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, said Asia is a vibrant market that could provide Qatar with new sources investments and partnerships.
“Because of the economic blockade, it is important for the country to continue expanding its network of countries. We have succeeded in tapping new markets, and Asia has many opportunities to offer, not only in the construction and food sectors, but a wide range of other industries as well,” he said.
According to the chairperson of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Palma Libotte, after the blockade 49% of the food imports to Qatar formerly covered by some GCC countries represents opportunities for new supplier countries.
“Qatar has a solid experience in the construction and infrastructure sector and companies here are ready to operate in neighbouring countries,” Palma said in a speech.
Citing 2015 figures, Libotte said that aside from the GCC countries — Qatar’s top food exporter at 49%, India, Australia, and Brazil are among the leading countries exporting various food products to Qatar.
Sheikh Mohamed said: “We took this opportunity to organise this event and work as unified platform in exchanging useful insights from business professionals operating in different countries located in a favourable geographic position with Qatar. Opportunities are found globally nowadays and to avail of them it is fundamental to have the right information and contacts.”
Carlotta Colli, deputy head of mission at the Italian Embassy, said: “We are very proud that Doha hosted the annual meeting of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Asia at a time where the Italian business presence in Qatar has significantly broadened and gained new momentum.”
Colli said bilateral trade between Qatar and Italy reached €2.35bn in 2017, representing an 8.7% increase on the previous year.
“New partnerships have developed in view of 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the Italian Chamber had also contributed to that result by connecting and assisting companies in close co-operation with the embassy and the Italian Trade Agency.
This two-day meeting will offer Italian and Qatari companies an additional networking platform, also with the perspective of reaching out to other businesses in the region through the extensive network of the Italian Chambers of Commerce in Asia,” Colli said.
Sheikh Mohamed added: “Business networking events have become an important stepping stone for modern global managers. The ability to create long-lasting bonds through formal or informal gatherings and communication mediums is a competitive advantage for every company on an international level. Relationships are at the base of all successful business ventures, especially in the Arab world and Asian regions.”
President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, speaking at the ‘Qatar Asia Business Insights’ event in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: The chairperson of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Palma Libotte, speaking at the event. PICTURES: Jayaram
