Doha: HE Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Katherina Reiche, has emphasized that the State of Qatar is a major and very important partner of Germany, with numerous German firms aspiring to collaborate with Qatari ones. She pointed out that 20 giant German firms, representing a variety of sectors, participated within the accompanying delegation to forge partnerships and alliances with Qatari companies, while dozens of other firms were willing to attend and capitalize on cooperation and partnership with Qatari companies.
According to Qatar News Agency, the trade exchange underscores the robust partnership between the two nations, with Germany’s GDP, as well as the strength of the Qatari economy, which is projected to achieve 5 percent growth in the years ahead, providing substantial opportunities for partnership and cooperation between the two countries, said Minister Reiche following her meeting Wednesday at Qatar Chamber with HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC), Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, in attendance. She added that roughly 100 German firms are exploring information technology (IT) transformation in Qatar and are ready to participate.
The QC convened the roundtable between the German delegation and Qatari businessmen at its premises, during which they explored bilateral cooperation, the investment climate in the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany, the investment opportunities available, and the role of private sectors in both countries in strengthening intra-trade. Discussions also centered on enhancing cooperation in economic sectors such as energy, industry, and IT.
HE Sheikh Khalifa underscored the importance of bilateral economic cooperation and elevating it to new heights. He elaborated that throughout its industrial and commercial history, Germany has been a role model in advanced manufacturing and innovation. Germany represents one of the core pillars of the world economy, and QC touts the existence of numerous German firms with their top-notch technical know-how and global standards, either as key partners or independent companies in multiple mammoth ventures nationwide, he underlined.
Reciprocally, Qatar has emerged as an advanced commercial and industrial hub, benefiting from its strategic location and sophisticated infrastructure and logistical facilities, in alignment with the directives of the sage leadership to build the Qatari human and qualify this talent in terms of knowledge, attract outstanding investments, diversify the economy, and explore terrific infrastructure, thereby qualifying the nation to be a regional and global hub for business, His Excellency elaborated.
Sheikh Khalifa clarified that the trade volume between the two countries reached approximately QR 6.6 billion in 2024, noting that the meeting with the German delegation represents a practical step toward a stronger economic future for both countries. The continuous dialogue, exchange of expertise, and reinvigorating investment partnerships are set to broaden new horizons for cooperation, he outlined.
Sheikh Khalifa further noted that Qatari investments in Germany, across numerous sectors, are a testament to Qatar’s confidence in the German economy. Reciprocally, he added, the Qatari side praises the role of German firms operating in Qatar, along with their contributions to upgrading multiple productive sectors. Stemming from this enduring and renewable partnership, QC emphasizes its readiness to continue providing all possible facilities to reinforce cooperation among business communities in the two countries, Sheikh Khalifa pointed out.
He called on firms in the two nations to seize the promising opportunities in the fields of manufacturing and advanced technology, foremost among them artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare, sports, education, and many other sectors. Overall, discussions between businessmen and directors of firms from both sides focused on affirming the two parties’ desire to expand bilateral cooperation and forge commercial alliances in a variety of sectors, particularly in energy, as well as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, carbon emissions, satellites, and space and aviation technology.