QBA meeting with the US Delegation of the Business Executives for National Security (BENZ)
The Qatari Businessmen Association organized a business meeting with the US Delegation of the Business Executives for National Security BENS. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the delegation's visit to Doha where both sides discussed the economic conditions under the blockade and the strategy of the Qatari private sector in dealing with the situation.
From the Qatari Businessmen Association, the meeting was headed by H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman, Mr. Hussein Al Fardan First Deputy, and QBA Members, Mr. Khaled Al Mannai, Mr. Salah Al Jaidah, Mr. Saud Al Mana, Mr. Mohamed Althaf as well as Ms. Sarah Abdullah, QBA Deputy General Manager.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani welcomed the US delegation, saying that the Qatari-US relations are witnessing continuous development in all fields and are reinforced by meetings and mutual visits of officials of both countries. He added that the Qatari private sector under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- Thani, is working to enhance opportunities for cooperation and support economic relations between the two countries
For his part, Mr. Norton Schwartz, CEO of the Foundation, thanked QBA for this meeting, stressing that Qatari-US relations are based on solid foundations and strategic partnership. Mr. Schwartz also explained the objective and role of the Foundation, as a non-profit organization comprising more than 450 senior executives. From Business and industry sectors, are volunteering their expertise to address the most pressing challenges in the national security community.
as well as supporting government efforts to address other important challenges such as cyber security
At the beginning of the discussions, the American delegation asked QBA members about the negative impact of the embargo. In this regard, QBA members stated that all negative effects have been addressed by finding quick alternatives. Qatar's relations and fair reputation in international markets have resulted in international support against the blockade. Also, Qatar's private sector has been able to play a supportive role with its counterparts in other countries, receiving positive and quick reactions from foreign companies to cooperate in resolving the crisis.
Sheikh Faisal stressed that the Qatari economy has overcome the economic and financial impact of the blockade, where it immediately created effective links and partnerships with partners from different countries to find suitable alternatives to meet the needs of the Qatari market, while at the same time working to achieve self-sufficiency of the state. Sheikh also added “the Blockade has contributed to our unification to work on a single goal and achieve Qatar’s self-sufficiency”
from his side, Mr. Hussein Al Fardan stressed that the Qatari economy will be stronger after this blockade due to the continuation of the strategy of opening up the economy and providing attractive opportunities for foreign investors, adding that free zones and the procedure taken by HH the Emir for the benefit of foreign investors would facilitate and attract FDI opportunities and thus quickly overcome the side effects of the blockade. He also added that he believes in Qatar's ability to export its national products to the world soon
The members also discussed Qatar's unique geographical location with the largest port in the region, an international logistics fleet as well as Hamad International Airport as one of the world's most distinguished airports; all will contribute to the easiness of reaching out to partners in international markets. Finally stating that QBA members and the Qatari business community in general do not limit themselves in terms of investments; but are always looking forward to the development of economic and investment relations with different countries of the world