Doha, October 30 (QNA) – The Qatari-Saudi Business Council met Sunday at the Qatar Chamber, for the private sector of both countries to discuss ways to increase bilateral trade and attract investments in both directions.
The meeting was attended by HE the Qatar-Saudi Joint Business Council Chairman and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for International Partnerships in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Eng. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Hasana, HH the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al-Saud, and the Chairman of the Saudi side at the joint council Hamad bin Ali Al Shuwaier, alongside members of the council from both sides.
Speaking at the meeting, HE the Qatar-Saudi Joint Business Council Chairman and QCCI Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed that the formation of the joint council between both countries is a culmination of the efforts exerted by both countries leaderships to further develop their economic and commercial and open new channels for establishing partnerships between Qatari and Saudi companies, to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the two brotherly countries.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani also emphasized the robust relations between both nations, noting that their economic and trade relations are witnessing significant development, in light of the common desire of business communities to forge alliances and partnerships that contribute to developing the two countries bilateral trade exchange.
His Excellency pointed out that partnerships and joint projects represent the cornerstone of Qatari-Saudi trade relations, expressing confidence and a mutual desire for the return of trade exchange to its previous levels, especially that the trade volume between both countries last year amounted to QR 674 million, noting that this level does not correspond with aspirations of both peoples, which requires more effort and cooperation to return the two countries’ trade to normal levels.
As for the role of the joint business council in boosting trade between both nations, His Excellency indicated that the council has an essential role in enhancing the interests of the private sector in both countries, expanding joint investments, and reviewing means to improve the business environment and overcome obstacles and challenges facing investors in both sides.
He added that the council will enhance cooperation between the private sectors, especially since the time is appropriate for both parties to cement their cooperation and develop the trade exchange, in light of the tremendous potential available in both countries in various economic sectors and the offered incentives for investment.
For his part, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for International Partnerships of Saudi Arabia Eng. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Hasana underscored the importance of strengthening relations between both nations in all fields, stressing his trust in the Council to be a booster for their trade exchange.
Al Hasana said that the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council is a comprehensive framework for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and advancing their partnership further, expressing his hope to intensify efforts to keep pace with the aspirations of the leadership in both countries.
He also pointed out that the Investment, Energy, and Infrastructure Committee emanating from the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, has put forward a number of important initiatives that stimulate mutual investment between the private sector on both sides, as well as present and discuss the challenges and obstacles facing investors within the framework of the committee to find solutions to them.
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