Breakfast Roundtable Discussion with Qatar's Minister of Economy & Commerce

  > New York, New York— On Monday, September 28th the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the State of Qatar, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of the State of Qatar, and the US-Qatar Business Council held a breakfast roundtable discussion on Qatar’s Economic Growth Strategy. The breakfast roundtable featured His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce. In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted Qatar’s economy and growth strategy in the context of lower global energy prices, reiterating the simplicity and transparency of Qatar’s procedures for local and foreign investors. He also addressed Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which seeks to liberate Qatar’s economy from its dependence on oil and gas, diversify its income portfolio, and is geared towards making Qatar more economically enticing to foreign investors. As per the National Vision 2030, Qatar is committed to developing key sectors like infrastructure, IT, education, and healthcare. The Minister also highlighted Qatar’s flexible economic policies that keep pace with the highest international standards and the benefits of low tax rates and establishment fees that welcome foreign investment. As a result, Qatar has one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East, and according to the Minister it will continue to enhance its economic relationship with the US. The breakfast roundtable was attended by Ambassador Anne Patterson, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Ambassador Dana Shell Smith, US Ambassador to Qatar, Ambassador Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, Qatar’s Ambassador to the US, and Khush Choksy, Vice President for Turkey and Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In her remarks, Ambassador Patterson lauded the US-Qatar Relations as outstanding and commended the commitment of Qatar’s government to further develop and improve the economy. Roundtable participants were able to hold an open discussion with the Minister relating to the economic development of Qatar. The US-Qatar Business Council President and the Council’s Director were also in attendance.