Doha: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) recently discussed with H E Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, Vice-President of the Iranian Republic for Economic Affairs, the trade opportunities and investment cooperation between the two countries, in the presence of H E Ali Reza Peyman Pak, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade of Iran who is also Head of the Iranian Trade Promotion, and H E Hamid Reza Dehghani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Qatar.
The meeting was also attended by QBA’s Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, First Deputy Hussein Ibrahim Al Fardan, and Board Member Saud Al Mana. QBA members Sheikh Faisal bin Fahd Al Thani, Khaled Al Mannai and Maqbool Habib Khalfan were also present during the event, as well as Sarah Abdullah, QBA deputy General Manager.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Faisal welcomed the Iranian Vice-President and his accompanying delegation, and spoke about the historical relations that unite the two countries, stressing out the need to work on developing them, saying: “We know the importance of the Iranian market, which is rich in opportunities, and we wish to strengthen economic relations and look forward to more mutual visits of businessmen from both countries, under the leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During the event, Vice-President Rezaei pointed out that the leadership in Qatar and Iran is working on real partnership in the commercial field, and that the Iranian market is huge and includes 90 million consumers, in addition to that, Iran is a member of major economic alliances consisting of about 500 million consumers, so there is an Iranian will to open the way for Qatari investors to take advantage of the huge opportunities available in the commercial and industrial fields.
Rezaei also suggested to Qatari investors a number of projects, including investing in the agricultural sector, especially in wheat and corn, where there are ready-made lands that can provide more than 5 million tonnes of wheat, which will achieve self-sufficiency for Arab and Islamic countries.
He also highlighted that it was agreed between the leadership of the two countries to appoint two representatives from both sides as soon as possible in order to facilitate the flow of trade and investment between the two countries.
He also stressed the positive role that the Qatari Businessmen Association can play in order to develop trade exchange by promoting cooperation between Qatari and Iranian companies, which contributes to increasing intra-regional trade.
He added: “We are planning a billion-dollar trade development between the two countries, which is achievable. Also, issues such as providing food products that the Qatari market needs, providing food security and preparing for the presence of Qataris in Iran for cultivation abroad, industrial cooperation and exporting carpets, handicrafts and other products, establishing a business centre in Qatar, solving Iranian businessmen’s problems in registering companies and obtaining residency, and discussing monetary and financial affairs were all among the topics discussed.”
Also, cooperation in the tourism sector was reiterated, whereby tourism opportunities could be exploited in cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz, as well as the southern coasts of Iran.
Also speaking during the meeting, Al Fardan confirmed the interest and keenness of both sides to strengthen economic and trade relations and develop trade exchange, thanks to the directions of the leadership of the two countries, adding that there are many opportunities to develop cooperation between the Qatari and Iranian private sectors in various fields such as tourism, industry and trade.
Al Mana, who is also a partner of the Iranian Trade Centre, spoke about the Centre which was established in Qatar six months ago at the Qatar Financial Centre with the private sector. He said the Iranian Trade Centre in Doha is now conducting its first exhibition in the country to promote products such as medicines, food, building materials, carpets and other products.
