Q Life Magazine Q Magazine: A new chapter for growth - Page 14

| Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum
The objective of the Forum is two-fold, he says. “First
to attain commercial benefits to both parties, second to
enhance the political, economic and cultural cooperation
between Germany and Qatar.” Qatar Airways also played a key role in growing
Qatar’s relationship with Germany, notably by
cooperating with German firms in aviation and
technology.”
He expects the Forum to deliver results. “Our
expectations are positive. It is our strong belief that
Qatar offers exceptional opportunities to potential
investors, a high standard of living, a secure environment
and a gateway to the sub-continent markets of Asia.
Such a business climate attracts investors.” There are over 300 German firms currently
established in Qatar, including Allianz, Audi, Deutsche
Bank, BMW, Siemens, Thyssen Krupp, Solar World
and Wintershall.
Currently, Germany is amongst Qatar’s largest trading
partners, with bilateral trade reaching €1.9 billion, and
imports to Qatar reaching €1.8 billion.
German firms operate in Qatar across various fields,
ranging from the sporting industry to banking, science,
technologies, research, engineering, construction,
automotive, local public transportation, and more.
A win-win situation
Qatari companies and joint ventures are also growing
rapidly in Germany. The Forum is set to draw more
German companies to Qatar and build a solid
foundation for further Qatari-German joint ventures
and partnerships.
That is surely the definition of a win-win situation.
His Excellency says: “We have recently witnessed
growing educational and cultural relations between the
two countries, mainly through university cooperation.
His Excellency Mr Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance of the State
of Qatar, says that greater economic collaboration between Qatar
and Germany is mutually beneficial.
I
t is a unique collaboration. Both are world economic
leaders. Qatar is among the fastest growing economies
in the world. Germany has long been Europe’s economic
powerhouse. His Excellency Al Emadi says: “The Qatar – Germany
Business and Investment Forum is a wonderful
opportunity both for Germany and Qatar. We are
thrilled and honoured to host this Forum.
According to His Excellency Mr Ali Shareef Al Emadi,
Minister of Finance of the State of Qatar, the two
countries are perfectly placed to complement one
another. He hopes that Qatar’s inaugural German
Investment Forum will be the setting for these plans to
come to fruition. To the German business community, it opens doors
to access a growing market in a strategic geographic
location. To Qatar, it enhances its technological know-
how and equally opens doors to additional European
conglomerates to have a presence in Qatar.”
14
15