Qatar is hosting the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit today under the theme ‘Sports Diplomacy’. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will patronise the opening ceremony of the summit, which will feature heads of states and governments and official delegations from a number of Asian countries.
Among the high-level officials attending the summit are Crown Prince of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah, President of Iran H E Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Tajikistan H E Emomali Rahmon, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and dignitaries and delegations from countries including the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Myanmar.
As a continent-wide forum established in 2002, ACD aims to consolidate Asian strengths and fortify Asia’s competitiveness by maximising the diversity and rich resources the continent possesses. The ACD currently comprises 35 countries, with Qatar being one of the founding members. Doha also hosted ACD Business Forum yesterday under the theme ‘AI and New Businesses’. This is the second consecutive time the forum is hosted by Qatar. Addressing the forum, Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani said Qatar is keen to enhance economic, commercial, and investment cooperation with Asian countries.
He said Qatar has close cooperative relations with ACD countries, covering various fields, especially economic and commercial. These relations have witnessed remarkable development in recent years through high-level official visits and joint investment projects, in addition to the existing cooperation between the private sector in those countries.
Qatar has been diversifying its economy and increasing the share of the non-oil sectors to its GDP. It has made significant progress in areas especially digital technology, cybersecurity, financial and logistics services, and renewable energy. It has also achieved major developments in infrastructure over the past years since the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030, which has played a major role in the economic development of various vital sectors in the country.
The country has also attracted foreign direct investment and global talent and is home to many Asian businesses and companies. The Minister of Commerce and Industry voiced Qatar’s welcome to more Asian investments into the country. Qatar’s economic achievements and experience over the past few decades offer valuable insights for robust economic growth and diversification. The ACD Summit in Doha will go a long way in consolidating and further enhancing cooperation among the Asian economies and tapping the huge potential for the benefit of billions of people who call Asia home.
