Business and investment in Qatar forum-New York
Qatari Businessmen Association participated in organizing the Business and investment in Qatar forum, which was held in New York City, in the United State of America from 6-7 April, 2011 under the patronage and in presence of H.E sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani Prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the state of Qatar.
The forum was organized by the permanent committee for organizing conference, and in cooperation with Ministry of business and trade, Qatar chamber of commerce, Ministry of energy and industry, Qatari businesswomen association, National U.S-Arab Chamber of Commerce, U.S-Qatar Business council, Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the forum achieved an outstanding success in the business capital of America New York City. Were it attracted more than 1000 businessmen and representatives from big and medium American companies, which shows the importance of the Qatari market to the American business community, and the importance of Qatar as a center for investment in the region.
The forum attracted a large number of highly distinguish businessmen and decision makers from the state of Qatar, as the number of Qatari delegation reached 400 participants.
The two days forum featured several specialized sessions included all components of Qatar national economy such as:
- Investing in the future: Qatar 2030 & KBE
- Energy and Industry.
- Finance and Banking.
- Media and ICT.
- Infrastructure & Real Estate
- Healthcare & Education.
- Culture, Tourism & Sport.
The sessions were moderated by sectoral management and key figures in the media and economy like Mr. Tim Sebastian from BBC, Mr. Riz Khan form Al-Jazeera English, Mrs. Maria Bartiromo form CNBC, and Mr. David Foster Form Al-Jazeera.
In addition to organizing the forum, Qatari businessmen also participated by sending a high official delegation from its members headed by First Deputy chairman Mr. Hussain Al-Fardan, in the presence of the following board members Sheikh. Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al-Thani, Second deputy chairman, Sheikh. Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, Sheikh. Nawaf Bin Nasser Al-Thani and QBA members Mr. Ibrahim Al-Jaidah, Mr. Salah Murad, Mr. Khalid Al-Mannai, Mr. Salah Al-Jaidah and Sheikh. Abdullah bin Ahmed.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman has shown great interest in the association participation in the event since it represents a great opportunity for promoting Qatar as an investment destination and business center, the forum reflected a great harmony and a joint effort between the public and private sectors to serve the goals of economic development in Qatar and the promotion of Qatar's success. Mr. Al Fardan was keen to sponsor the forum through of the Commercial Bank and United Development Company.
Qatari businessmen association also participated in the first panel “Investing in the future: Qatar 2030 & KBE” through its board member Sheikh. Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, were he delivered the following speech:
“On behalf of the Qatari businessmen association it is my pleasure to address this distinguished gathering.
Qatar has become recognized as one of the most forward-thinking and visionary countries in the world under the wise leadership of his highness Sheikh. Hamad Bin Khalifa ALTHANI who has developed a holistic vision based on Qatar Vision 2030.
The vision and determination of the Qatari government to transform its energy-based economy into a knowledge-based economy is unprecedented. The country’s IT and telecommunication infrastructure is being regulated built to meet knowledge economy requirements as defined by the United Nations.
As important the human talent has always been the fundamental wealth of Qatar, by building an education city that have world renowned best of Bread Universities in a variety of specialties Qatar is on its way to bridge the gap to the knowledge economy stage as a target.
The local private sector of Qatar has proven its willingness and eagerness to cope with ongoing development. Business leaders have acknowledged the requisite of improving business opportunities, market competitiveness and growth capabilities currently established in Qatar. The Qatari private sector has adopted recent management trends, advanced training and upgrading programs, technology requirement practices and resource diversification approaches to improve and attract more global international business opportunities.
QBA is committed to strengthen the private sector role in fulfilling the vision of Qatar 2030 by actively promoting business in Qatar and encouraging Qatari business community to build alliances and partnerships with their counterparts from all parts of the world. QBA can help American businesses looking to do business in Qatar by providing guidance and advice.
QBA is committed to further develop existing commercial relations with our counter parts in the United States of America.”
There were five agreements signed between Qatari and US companies on sidelines of the Forum, exceeded $ 2.5 billion dollars. The main deal was Qatar Airways purchasing of five s777 Cargo airplanes from Boeing Company for a total value of $1.6 billion dollars.
During the forum’s sessions, new investment opportunities in Qatar has been highlighted and investment incentive and facilities provided by the State of Qatar to attract foreign investment, In addition to the opportunities provided to the Qatari businessmen and local institution to open up to the American market, and meet business owners and American institution.