His Excellency Ambassador Yousef Ali Al-Khater addressed the Ambassadorial Roundtable webinar hosted by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) on 10 June 2021.
Chaired by The Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, Chairman of the ABCC, and joined by Mr Bandar Reda, Secretary General & CEO of the ABCC along with Mr Abdulla Al-Ghanim, Commercial Attaché of The State of Qatar in the UK.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Yousef Ali Al-Khater spoke of the ‘momentous opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022,’ highlighting that such an event, the first of its kind in the Middle East region, brings with it many opportunities to explore Qatar’s vast culture, development and economic projects.
His Excellency was keen to emphasise that Qatar‘s growth aspirations go beyond 2022 and that ‘at the heart of Qatar Vision 2030 is the achievement of a sustainable economic, environmental and social legacy for Qatar.’
On a more personal note, His Excellency wanted to emphasise Qatar’s abundant cultural environment.
‘Qatar provides not only a welcoming business environment but also a cultural environment for investors. Expats, who make up two-thirds of our population, have the opportunity to experience a rich and varied cultural life in Qatar.’
His Excellency added that the ‘country’s rich hospitality provides a safe and family-friendly place to work and live in.’
Mr Abdulla Al-Ghanim, Commercial Attaché of The State of Qatar in the UK spoke about the investment environment in Qatar and various venture opportunities available in the country.
Mr Al-Ghanim introduced the key factions relating to investment, development and growth opportunities available in Qatar for business, and was keen to express the current business initiatives taking place as part of Qatar’s diversification powered agenda.
At the heart of these establishments is the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar), launched in 2019, which serves to works closely with businesses to provide support and resources that help with investment transitions and ensure longstanding growth and success.
‘We help you here at the Embassy to connect you with the Investment Promotion Agency, to give you all the relevant information and connect you with the right people in Doha, and help you network to fulfil the potential for your investment. ‘
Mr Al-Ghanim also discussed the various organisations and stakeholders available in Qatar that will work to provide the right support for businesses, from Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) to the Qatar Science and Technology Park and the Qatar Financial Centre, one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing onshore business and financial centres and boasts a business community value of over $20billion.
As to connectivity, Mr Al-Ghanim noted that ‘Qatar is very much geo-strategically located and very much in the cross-road of global trade.’ Highlighting that within eight hours from Hamad International Airport, businesses can reach more than 60% of the world’s population. Further emphasising Qatar as the idyllic location and trading hub between Asia, Europe and the USA.
Concerning support for expatriate labour, Mr Al-Ghanim spoke of the continuous development in relation to immigration and employment rules.
‘We keep improving and liberalising our employment and labour laws in Doha and the protection of foreign workers.'
Having been rated the most innovative economy in the Middle East, Qatar is opening its doors to welcome investors and entrepreneurs, with vast venture capital availability and financing for small and medium enterprises.
Further Information
Click here to watch the webinar in full
Read more about Investment in Qatar