?QBA Explores Strengthening Economic and Investment Partnerships with Iraq, Lebanon and Hong Kong

As part of its participation in the World Investment Forum 2026, hosted by the State of Qatar, the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) held a series of meetings with a number of senior economic officials and leaders of international trade institutions, including H.E. Dr. Mustafa Nizar Jumaa, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the of the Republic of Lebanon, and Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). They were received by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA’s Chairman, and QBA members Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim Al Thani, Mr. Maqbool Habib Khalfan and Dr. Jaafar Ali Al-Sarraf, in addition to Mrs. Sarah Abdallah, QBA’s General Manager.

These meetings come as part of the Association's efforts to strengthen international economic cooperation, expand the network of partnerships for the Qatari private sector, and explore new opportunities for joint investment, in support of the State of Qatar's drive toward economic diversification and strengthening the presence of its companies in global markets.

Strengthening Economic Cooperation with Iraq

During the meeting with the Iraqi Minister of Trade, discussions addressed prospects for developing economic and trade relations between the Qatar and Iraq, and the opportunities available to enhance the participation of Qatari companies in investment and development projects in the Iraqi market.

Areas of cooperation discussed during the meeting included, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, food security and logistics sectors, alongside the importance of strengthening direct communication between businessmen in both countries and facilitating the exchange of information on investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks and available incentives.

QBA affirmed that the private sector's interest in exploring investment opportunities in Iraq, particularly projects based on long-term partnerships that achieve mutual economic interests, stressing the importance of providing appropriate guarantees and a stable investment environment that encourages investors to enter into productive and development projects.

New Opportunities for Partnership with the Lebanese Private Sector

In its meeting with the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, QBA members discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Qatari and Lebanese business communities, as well as opportunities to develop mutual investments and establish partnerships in sectors of common interest.
The meeting addressed the important role the private sector can play in supporting economic activity and encouraging investment, alongside opportunities for cooperation in services, technology, food industries, tourism, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

QBA stressed the importance of leveraging the economic relations between the two countries and the expertise of the Lebanese business community to develop joint projects that benefit from the investment potential of the Qatari market and the opportunities available in Lebanon and regional markets.

The importance of enhancing communication between investors and companies in both countries was also emphasized, along with working to identify practical opportunities that can be studied and implemented.

Hong Kong: A Gateway to Strengthening Partnerships with the Asian Markets

In a meeting with Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Association discussed prospects for trade and investment cooperation between the Qatari private sector and the Hong Kong business community, and the potential to benefit from Hong Kong's position as an international hub for business, financial services and trade.

The meeting addressed opportunities to develop partnerships in the financial services, technology, innovation, trade and logistics sectors, alongside encouraging mutual investments and connecting Qatari companies with Asian markets, particularly the Chinese market.

QBA highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, enabling the exchange of information on investment opportunities, the organization of direct business-to-business meetings, and the exploration of areas for joint investment.

QBA members also mentioned the strengths of the State of Qatar, including its advanced infrastructure, attractive investment environment and strategic location, which position it as a hub for Asian companies seeking to expand their business in the Gulf region and regional markets.

Turning Meetings into Tangible Investment Opportunities

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of QBA, affirmed that the Association's participation in the World Investment Forum reflects the Qatari private sector's willingness to expand its international economic relations and build sustainable partnerships with Arab, Asian and global markets.

His Excellency stressed that the next phase requires moving from exchanging views and understandings to identifying clear investment opportunities, strengthening direct communication between investors, and developing joint projects that contribute to the transfer of technology and expertise and the creation of added economic value.

Sheikh Faisal also noted that the international meetings provided by the Forum represent an important opportunity to introduce international partners to the potential of the Qatari economy, while at the same time opening new horizons for Qatari companies to expand into foreign markets, thereby strengthening the role of the private sector as a key partner in investment and sustainable economic development.