Luncheon Discussion with Qatar's Minister of Economy & Commerce

>   On September 19, in Washington, DC, The Embassy for the State of Qatar, the US-Qatar Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce hosted a Luncheon Discussion featuring His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy & Commerce, and his accompanying delegation. This event brought together representatives from America’s most influential businesses in the US-Qatar bilateral relationship including the luncheon’s host ConocoPhillips. Mr. Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President for Middle East and Turkey Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the guests. “We were honored to host the Minister today and provide him a platform to share about the multitude of opportunities for American companies across a number of sectors,” said Choksy. “The leadership of Qatar is to be commended for their vision to diversify their economy and empower the private sector while positioning the country as a hub for the region.” Choksy introduced Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Tim Lenderking, who then gave the opening remarks for the luncheon. Ambassador Lenderking commented on and commended Qatar’s welcoming environment towards US investment in key sectors of development, further enhancing the US-Qatar bilateral relationship. Ambassador Patrick Theros, President of the US-Qatar Business Council delivered remarks, thanking the support of our co-host, ConocoPhillips, and supporters Occidental Petroleum, Boeing, Zero Waste Energy, Raytheon, and Contrack Watts. Ambassador Theros commented on the importance of the TIFA negotiations to the bilateral relationship. He described the superb professional qualifications of His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani before introducing him. Sheikh Ahmed’s presentation focused on Qatar’s strategy for growth through diversifying the economy and increasing foreign investment. He described Qatar’s political stability, its many opportunities for investment and business, and warmly welcomed the companies present to explore those opportunities soon. “The strong, friendly and economic partnership between Qatar and the United States has achieved remarkable economic growth and increased trade volume. The total trade volume between our two countries reached $4.5 billion in 2015,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “Qatar’s business environment is continually being advanced to encourage more foreign direct investment and welcome an ever-growing number of international business partners.” Sheikh Ahmed highlighted Qatar’s investment in infrastructure, in particular Hamad International Airport, the New Doha Port, and a new highway system. He remarked that this advanced infrastructure, including the economic zones managed by Manateq, will encourage the establishment of new businesses in Qatar. Ambassador Theros then moderated the Luncheon Discussion. “The US-Qatar Business Council works to strengthen the US-Qatar bilateral relationship and Sheikh Ahmed’s visit has fortified this vital bond,” said Amb. Theros. “Our members, and those in attendance learned much from Sheikh Ahmed’s insight, and we know that the topics discussed during the luncheon will help grow Qatar’s already thriving economy.”