Qatar-Germany trade exchange up 75% to reach QR11.2bn in 2021, says Sheikh Khalifa

Trade exchange between Qatar and Germany stood at QR11.2bn in 2021, up 75% over the previous year, according to figures announced by Qatar Chamber, which participated in meetings held recently in Berlin.Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani led a delegation, which participated in the joint meeting of the executive office and the board of directors and the general assembly meeting of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry ‘Ghorfa’.Qatar Chamber also participated in the 25th Arab-German Economic Forum, which was also held in Berlin on June 21-23. The chamber’s delegation comprised board members Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi; Dr Khalid Klefeekh al-Hajri; Rashid Nasser Rashid Saree al-Kaabi; general manager Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi; the director of the General Manager’s Office Mohamed Saad al-Muhannadi, and several Qatari businessmen.The joint meeting of the executive office and the board of directors emphasised the strengthening of trade and economic co-operation ties between Germany and Arab countries, while the general assembly meeting approved the items on the agenda.The delegation held several meetings on the sidelines of the Arab-German Economic Forum, including the chamber’s meeting with Nevine Gamea, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry, in the presence of Dr Khaled Hanafi, secretary-general of the Union of Arab Chambers.During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance commercial and industrial co-operation relations between Qatar and Egypt, how to encourage mutual investments, and the role of the private sector in activating investments to enhance trade exchange.The two sides also agreed to prepare the establishment of a joint Qatari-Egyptian exhibition during which Qatar and Egypt’s industries and products will be promoted, within the framework of increasing the volume of trade exchange.On the sidelines of the 25th Arab-German Economic Forum, Sheikh Khalifa said Arab-German economic relations have significantly developed in recent years. The value of trade exchange between both sides during last year stood at €41.2bn, including €12.4bn of Arab exports to Germany and €28.8bn of German exports to Arab countries, achieving a 10% growth over 2020, which registered €37.5bn worth of trade exchange.Sheikh Khalifa said trade exchange between Qatar and Germany amounted to about QR11.2bn in 2021 compared to QR6.4bn in the previous year, achieving a record growth of 75%.He stressed that Germany is one of Qatar’s most important investment destinations as Qatari investments in Germany vary between the automotive industry, telecommunications, hospitality, banking services, and other vital sectors.