Washington: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry HE Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, stressed the strength and durability of the economic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America, and the two countries' keenness to develop and strengthen them in various sectors.
This came during his chairmanship of the Qatari side in the work of the economic and commercial cooperation session, which was organized within the framework of the 4th strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the United States of America, held in Washington.
On the Qatari side, representatives of several government agencies and relevant bodies from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Central Bank, Qatar Development Bank and the US Qatar Business Council participated in the session.
His Excellency stressed that this meeting embodies the close relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, as well as the commitment of the two countries to strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
His Excellency pointed out that more than 120 companies wholly owned by the American side are operating in the State of Qatar, in addition to 640 companies established in partnership between the Qatari and American sides.
Regarding the efforts of the State of Qatar to confront the repercussions of Coronavirus (Covid-19), His Excellency explained that the country has taken important measures to reduce the negative repercussions of the pandemic at the social and economic levels, including the adoption of economic stimulus packages.
In the context of talking about women's economic participation, His Excellency stated that the Qatar National Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of women's participation in promoting and building the future of the State of Qatar.
His Excellency pointed out in this regard that the country has the highest economic participation rate for women in the Arab world, and that many Qatari women occupy leadership and executive positions in both the public and private sectors.
On the other hand, His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar seeks to diversify its economy to gradually reduce its dependence on hydrocarbon industries and move towards a knowledge-based economy and achieve sustainable development.
In a related context, His Excellency stated that out of Qatar's distinguished position that qualifies it to be a regional center for technological innovation, the country has worked to establish special economic zones to attract foreign capital, especially in the fields of technology, advanced industry and logistics services. In turn, these distinct commercial zones provide significant legislative and financial incentives in addition to their infrastructure support.
His Excellency reiterated Qatar's commitment to justice, transparency, high standards and the rule of law in international trade and investment, which would contribute to the establishment of a more open global trading system.
The work of the economic and commercial cooperation session witnessed the organization of a number of discussion sessions on Qatari investments in the United States of America, the investment opportunities available in the two countries, ways to strengthen capital markets, accelerate financial technology, and women's economic participation.
