Business council keen to bolster Qatar-Germany ties

The German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ), which recently held its general assembly and election of board members, is keen to bolster Qatar-Germany relations by exchanging best practices and forging co-operation ties in a variety of sectors. “The council is determined to further strengthen the bilateral economic ties between both countries and to organise business events that facilitate knowledge exchange, as well as to focus on creating platforms that build new partnerships. “Special focus will be put on the following sectors: recycling, wastewater treatment, sustainability, renewable energy solutions, and energy efficiency,” the council said in a statement to Gulf Times. Citing its leadership role in smart and green technology, the council further stated that its goal is to bring German technology and know-how to the Qatari market and create “valuable and long-lasting partnerships.”Henning Zimmermann of Schenker Logistics remains as chairman, while Peter Neuschaefer of Dorsch Qatar was elected vice chairman. Another addition to the board is Herbert Klausner of Siemens Energy. Both Marzooq Tareq al-Shamlan (Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding) and Elias Chedid (Seib Insurance & Reinsurance) were re-elected for another term. Zimmermann, who presided over the general assembly meeting, lauded the council for a “successful business year” in 2020, even if most of the organisation’s events were held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic.Amid the pandemic, it was noted that there was only “a slight drop” in the council’s membership “as the board decided to reduce membership fees to support GBCQ members and encourage them to keep active.” “The beginning of the new business year has already seen the addition of new corporate members, such as Talabat and Siemens Energy,” Zimmermann announced during the meeting. Germany’s deputy ambassador to Qatar, Andreas Berg, who joined the mission in Doha only recently, also attended the meeting and chaired the elections. After delivering a welcoming note, Berg gave an overview of current political and economic developments and reiterated the embassy’s support for the council’s upcoming activities. The council was founded in December 2002 by private representatives of the German business community in Doha. Being a non-governmental and non-profit seeking association, its aim is to provide a local networking platform for German and local companies in Doha. GBCQ is managed by the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK). The council organises social and business events on a regular basis for members and non-members. GBCQ’s Premium Partner is Qatar International Automobiles (MAN). AHK, on the other hand, represents the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and is part of the main pillars of foreign investment promotion of the Federal Republic of Germany.