The US-Qatar Business Council Hosts US Ambassador - Designate for Roundtable Discussion with US Companies

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The US-Qatar Business Council hosted a luncheon roundtable discussion with U.S. Ambassador-designate to Qatar, Dana Shell Smith on Tuesday, July 22 with thirty senior leaders from major US companies. The member companies briefed Ambassador-designate Smith on their views of the commercial climate and potential US government initiatives to advance the bilateral relationship. Following a meet-and-greet, Ambassador Patrick Theros opened the luncheon discussion at the Army and Navy Club in downtown Washington by welcoming Ambassador-designate Smith and reviewing important issues and challenges facing American businesses in Qatar as well as its many opportunities. Discussions centered on the 2022 World Cup, Qatarization, the growing demand for slots at the American school, youth engagement, and the shift in Qatar’s investment strategy towards the US. Ambassador-designate Smith expressed her commitment to helping expand the US-Qatar bilateral relationship and her dedication to advancing the business and commercial relationship. She told the audience that she will be a strong advocate for US companies. A free flowing discussion between the participants followed with member companies recounting their experiences doing business in Qatar and their hopes and plans for the future. They agreed that US companies enjoy special advantages in Qatari eyes for their technical expertise, reliability, and management skills. Everyone expressed a strong commitment to working together to cement and build the current very good relationship. Dana Shell Smith was confirmed by the Senate as the next US Ambassador to Qatar on July 10, 2014.