DOHA, QATAR – JUNE 7, 2018: The Board of Directors of the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) held a series of high-level meetings with the Qatari government and private sector in Doha to bolster collaboration and further advance the role of the Council as the gateway for bilateral business between the US and Qatar. While in Doha, the USQBC Board of Directors held its annual meeting as well.
During the visit, the USQBC Board met with the Minister of Economy & Commerce, the Minister of Finance, the CEOs of Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Airways, the Qatar Stock Exchange, and the Qatar Financial Centre, as well as key executives at the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and the Chairman and members of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The Council discussed enhancing its role as the commercial gateway between the United States and Qatar. Discussion also emphasized the strength of the Qatari economy and the reforms that have taken place over the last year growing the private sector and attracting foreign investors, the top national priority reiterated to the Board in all meetings.
“These meetings are critical in enhancing the Council’s role in the bilateral economic relationship. We work closely with both American and Qatari companies to increase bilateral trade and investment and are at the ready for companies seeking opportunities in either country,” said Mohammed Barakat, Managing Director of the US-Qatar Business Council.
The visit also highlighted upcoming US-Qatar trade events to include the SelectUSA Summit 2018 which will bring a delegation to Washington, DC this month led by HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, the Minister of Economy & Commerce. Many conversations also focused on the second phase of the Qatar-US Economic Forum, a roadshow of trade events held in various states across America. The Forum will take place in Fall 2018, and is geared toward exposing more American businesses to opportunities in Qatar.
“This is an important year and the USQBC is excited about building momentum, and bringing together new business interests from both countries,” Mr. Barakat said.