Launching of OSEC – the Swiss Trade and Investment Promotion Agency in Qatar
The Qatari Businessmen Association participated in the Launching of the Swiss Trade and investment promotion agency Seminar that took place on Wednesday January 29th, 2013 at the St. Regis Hotel in the presence of major local and Swiss companies in addition to high representatives of private and public sectors from both countries.
The seminar was initiated by H.E Ambassador Eric Martin, delegate of the Federal Council for Trade Agreements followed by a welcome speech by H.E. Sultan Rashid Al – Khater, Undersecretary of Ministry of Business and Trade, who spoke of the bilateral relationship and great potential that can be achieved between countries.
QBA board member Mr. Sherida Saad Jubran Al Kaabi, along with QBA member H.E. Sheikh Mohamad Bin Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, welcomed OSEC - the Swiss Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, and the accompanying delegation.
In his speech Sheikh Mohamad Bin Faisal highlighted the importance of this step as it will also support the bilateral relations and strengthen the ties between both countries. Sheikh Mohamad also spoke of the foreign investments of Qatar that were allocated to various countries including Switzerland where Qatar has acquired the head quarters of the Swiss Banking Group Credit Suisse in London and increased its stake in the Swiss mining giant Xtrata.
Additionally, Sheikh Mohamad bin Faisal also stressed on the great interest of the foreign investors to take part of the local opportunities especially after winning the World Handball Championship 2015 and the FIFA 2022 as these accomplishments have led to creation of new opportunities in the state.
Other speakers from both countries spoke about the opportunities that are present, including Mr. Khalifa Al Misnad, partner at Al Misnad and Rifaat Co, who presented the major legal regulations on how to start a business for foreign entities in Qatar and the current economic climate. Other presentations were also demonstrated from the Swiss side including Mr. Daniel Kung, CEO of OSEC, showcasing the economic structure of Switzerland and the characteristics of the Swiss economy that in turn attract foreign investors. As per the WEF World economic report, Switzerland ranks 1st, in addition its GDP is higher than other major industrial countries. Switzerland is also considered financially secure for investments especially in the presence of banking secrecy and a stable currency value along with low and stable interest rates.