Private Sector Focused Evening Reception Hosted on the Sidelines of the Fifth US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue

Doha, Qatar - On February 20th, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), and the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham), hosted a private sector focused Evening Reception on the sidelines of the 2023 US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, which is being held in Doha on February 20th and 21st.

The Dinner Reception was hosted at The Ritz Carlton, Doha, and was attended by private sector officials from leading American and Qatari companies, US and Qatari government officials, and the wider business community. The reception aimed to engage the American and Qatari private sectors to promote bilateral commerce and investment between the two countries.

“Both the US and Qatar have underscored the importance of private sector led growth in expanding the already flourishing trade & investment relationship between the two countries,” said Mohammed Barakat, Managing Director and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of USQBC. “Incredible business synergies exist between these two vibrant economies across a range of sectors, and USQBC stands ready to assist large companies and SMEs alike in their pursuit to expand their exports, investments, and trade between the US and Qatar.”

"The US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue is a testament to the enduring and valuable partnership between the United States and Qatar,” said Brooke Holland, Executive Director at The American Chamber of Commerce Qatar. “We at AmCham Qatar are proud to represent the US industry and innovation in Qatar; and this reception provides an excellent opportunity for the American companies to engage with one another alongside the Qatari public and private sectors. Our goal, with our fellow organizational partners, is to promote greater investment and commerce between our two nations."

“The year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar,” said Liz Clark, Senior Manager for Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This milestone highlights the enduring friendship between our two countries, and the annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue is a testament to the longstanding commitment between both nations to enhance and expand this relationship.”

The US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue is a high-level bilateral forum between the State of Qatar and the United States which began in 2018. The purpose of the dialogue is to enhance cooperation and coordination on a range of political, economic, security, and social issues of mutual concern. The US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue provides a platform for both countries to exchange views, strengthen bilateral relations, and discuss ways to advance their shared interests.

This is the fifth annual strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and began in November at the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2022. It was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the State of Qatar. This milestone signifies the longevity and strength of the bilateral ties between the two countries. The United States and Qatar have established a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, in addition to deep commercial, security, and cultural partnerships. In recognition of this special partnership, following the January 31, 2022 visit by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the White House, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a “Major Non-NATO Ally” to the United States.