Robust Qatar-Turkey business ties to continue post-FIFA World Cup

While the hosting of the upcoming FIFA World Cup has created many investment opportunities for Qatar's international partners, such as Turkey, the transcontinental country is expecting robust business ties with Qatar to continue post-2022, an official of a Turkish consulting firm has said.Asked what other investment opportunities Turkey could maximise from a major sporting event such as the World Cup, Deniz Kutlu, managing partner at Shedu Consulting, said the 2022 FIFA World Cup created new business opportunities for Turkish companies in the Qatari market. “These areas include, but not limited to, construction projects (both infrastructure and superstructure), construction materials, furniture and furnishings. But now the subways, stadiums, and the hotels are ready for the World Cup and these industries do not seem to be as promising as they used to be five years ago. “However, the World Cup still offers some other opportunities for Turkish companies interested in the Qatari market. These opportunities are mainly in the services industries like software, catering, lodging, and security. I believe World Cup will create many business opportunities in these fields and also help the Qatari business community to increase their know-how in these industries,” Kutlu told Gulf Times.Post-FIFA 2022, Kutlu emphasised that will Qatar continue to remain as an attractive market for Turkish investors, citing several factors describing the country as an investment destination for Turkey.“The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been one of the factors that made Qatar an attractive market, not only for Turkish companies but also other international companies. But it is not only the factor behind the current level of bilateral trade and economic relations between Turkey and Qatar,” he explained. Kutlu said both Qatar and Turkey have managed to establish deep economic relations, which include major bilateral investment in both countries. “And these ties will not be affected after the World Cup. Also, Qatar is a vibrant market and is capable of attracting similar giant sports and major cultural events. A recent example has been the Formula One Grand Prix held from November 19 to 21 last year. “Hence, I believe that Qatar will continue to attract similar international organisations, and Turkish companies will continue their support and presence in the Qatari market without being much-affected post-FIFA World Cup,” Kutlu pointed out.