Czech Republic seeks to bolster trade ties with Qatar

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomas Petricek said that his country seeks to strengthen co-operation with Qatar in all economic fields and attract more foreign investments, noting that there are many Czech delegations visited Qatar to develop relations to higher levels.
Speaking at a meeting at Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday, the Czech foreign minister noted that the visiting delegation included representatives of 20 Czech companies specialised in tourism, lighting technologies, communication, financial services, real estate, energy and environment management.
Czech Republic is strategically located in Europe. It is a large market linking European Union, he added.
He also noted that Czech Republic sought to offer innovative projects that attract more investments, especially as it is known for high quality products.
“This forum provides a good opportunity for further co-operation between both parties in trade, investment and touristic and economic spheres,” he added.
HE the Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said Qatar and the Czech Republic enjoy strong relations in all fields, noting that their trade volume registered a 28% growth in the last five years, estimated at $177mn last year.
HE Sheikh Khalifa said that Czech Republic is an attractive investment destination for the Qatari private sector, affirming that Qatari investors are eager to learn about the investment opportunities available in Czech Republic to build economic alliances with their Czech counterparts and establish joint projects in both countries.
There are 6 Czech-Qatari companies operating in Qatar in various sectors including services, hospitality, sports consultancies and food stuffs, the Qatar Chamber chairman added.
“Qatar has managed to build one of the world’s strongest, fast-growing economies which is able to overcome all regional and global challenges through adopting sound economic strategies aiming at diversifying income resources and providing support for the private sector to be a real partner in the march of accomplishing the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he noted.
The QC chairman stressed that measures adopted by the Qatari government, which included legislative reforms such as Free Zones Law and Non-Qatari Capital Investment Law, contributed to increasing the competitiveness of national economy that successes to overcome the unjust siege imposed on the country for over two years.
Qatar has built a business environment through developing its infrastructure and providing incentives that attract investment in all sectors, he pointed out, assuring that the scope is open for Czech companies to avail the business climate and investment opportunities available in Qatar.
He called on Czech companies and businessmen to boost their co-operation and set up alliances and partnerships across all economic sectors with their Qatari counterparts.
During the meeting, Director of Markets Department at Qatar Free Zones Authority Fahad Ali al-Kuwari gave a presentation on “Investment in Qatar”, which touched on the most important advantages offered in Umm Al-Houl and Ras Abu Fintas free zones. Adam Moheb from the Investment Promotion Agency gave a presentation on the investment climate and advantages in Qatar.