Qatar-Indonesia trade reaches QR2.5bn in 2020

Trade exchange between Qatar and Indonesia stood at QR2.5bn in 2020, according to Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, who recently met with Indonesia's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mahendra Siregar, at the chamber’s Doha headquarters.During the meeting, which was attended by Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan, the officials reviewed cooperation relations between both countries in the economic and commercial fields, as well as means of strengthening them and the investment opportunities available in Qatar and Indonesia. Addressing the meeting, al-Kuwari lauded the close relation between Qatar and Indonesia “in all fields,” especially in trade and investment. He stressed the “strong desire” of both sides to develop bilateral relations between Qatari and Indonesian companies to help promote trade exchange and economic benefits.Al-Kuwari said trade exchange between the two countries increased 2% to reach QR2.5bn last year despite the pandemic, “making Indonesia one of Qatar’s important trade partners.”He also noted that Qatari businessmen are looking forward to investing in Indonesia, referring to the successful Qatari investments in Indonesia, such as Ooredoo, QNB, and Nebras Power.Al-Kuwari assured the chamber’s preparedness to help Indonesian companies willing to invest in Qatar. He said 11 Indonesian companies are already operating in the country with Qatari partners in various fields, such as trade, contracting, hospitality, and services.Siregar paid tribute to the close relations between Qatar and Indonesia, noting that both countries “are keen on taking their relations to higher levels.”Elaborating on the Indonesian economy, Siregar said the Southeast Asian nation is expected to grow by 4% this year. He said Indonesia swiftly recovered from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with the opening of many sectors like tourism.Siregar also invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in his country and invest in the Indonesian market, especially in many sectors like communication, IT, tourism, and energy, among others.