Qatar Chamber reviews commercial ties with Lebanon

Officials of Qatar Chamber and Lebanon’s economy and agriculture ministries held a meeting in the chamber’s Doha headquarters on Wednesday to discuss ways to bolster commercial and economic co-operation.The meeting was held in the presence of Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli and engineer Louis Lahoud, general director of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr Mohamed Abou Haidar, general director of the Ministry of Economy and Trade.Al-Obaidli lauded Qatar’s distinguished relations with Lebanon, particularly in the economic and commercial fields, and underscored the chamber’s keenness to develop relations between Qatari and Lebanese businessmen.He noted that Qatar can be a regional trading hub owing to its incentives to foreign investors and the country’s advanced infrastructure, as well as leading economic legislation."Lebanon and Qatar are bound by significant co-operation in all fields and historic relations,” said Lahoud, who also praised the support Qatar is offering Lebanon to overcome various challenges.Lahoud noted that Lebanon is keen to increase its exports and trade exchange with Qatar, citing the "close, positive co-operation” between both countries' chambers of commerce.Abou Haidar said Lebanon is focusing on productive sectors, such as industry, agriculture, and the knowledge-based economy. He noted that both countries’ chambers of commerce have a key role to play in developing commercial and investment exchanges between Lebanese and Qatari businessmen.Lebanon’s exports to Qatar witnessed a significant increase within the past two years, calling on Qatari investors to invest in Lebanon in all economic sectors, according to Abou Haidar.He said the delegation’s visit to Qatar was part of Lebanon’s participation in the 10th edition of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and expressed hope that AgriteQ would see tangible results and successful bilateral meetings between businessmen and companies on both sides.Abou Haidar said Lebanon will also participate in Qatar Expo this year, noting that the event will provide "a great opportunity” for Lebanon to reach new markets, especially in the areas of sustainability, innovation, and technology.