Qatar-Germany trade jumps 76% to over $3bn in 2021, says Sheikh Khalifa

Bilateral trade volume between Qatar and Germany stood at more than $3bn in 2021, a 76% surge over $1.7bn in 2020, making the Western European country “one of the most important trade partners to Qatar,” said Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani.Sheikh Khalifa made the statement during a meeting Sunday with Dr Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and his accompanying delegation.The meeting was held in the presence of Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, German ambassador Dr Claudius Fischbach, and a number of Qatar Chamber board members and prominent businessmen from both countries.The meeting discussed the development of economic and commercial relations, as well as the investment climate and opportunities available in both countries, especially in the oil and gas sectors.Habeck said the delegation’s visit aims to examine Germany’s strong partnership with Qatari firms in the areas of energy, oil, and gas. He said bilateral meetings helped German companies learn about areas of co-operation and the establishment of joint ventures with their Qatari counterparts.After lauding Qatar’s investments in Germany, Habeck invited Qataris to increase their investments and take advantage of the pro-investment climate and the abundance of opportunities Germany is offering in different sectors. “We are looking forward to a long-term and fruitful co-operation between business sectors from both friendly countries,” he stressed.Sheikh Khalifa said there are about 100 German companies that are operating in Qatar in various sectors, such as trading, contracting, services, shipping, and medical equipment and devices.“There is a clear German presence in many projects in Qatar, such as infrastructure projects and those related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. German companies enjoy a renowned international reputation due to their advanced technology,” said Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Khalifa said Qatari investments in Germany amounted to €25bn. He expects that there will be more investments in many sectors in the coming period. There is also room for co-operation in sectors, such as solar energy, technology, oil and gas, services, and environment, among others, especially beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup.According to Sheikh Khalifa, he supports and encourages the enhancement of co-operation and partnership between Qatari and German firms, and highly-welcomes more German companies in the Qatari market, which would benefit from Germany’s advanced technology.“Qatar Chamber calls upon Qatari investors to explore business opportunities available in Germany, boost co-operation with German firms, and forge genuine partnerships whether in Qatar and Germany, especially that Germany is an attractive destination for investment and rife with a myriad of opportunities in most sectors,” he added.After the discussion, bilateral meetings were held between Qatari businessmen and members of the German delegation who reviewed the possibility of establishing joint alliances and partnerships whether in Qatar or in Germany.