Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany H E Katherina Reiche addressing the meeting. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar and Germany have robust and dynamic economic relations. German companies are keen to explore opportunities in various sectors and develop strategic alliances with Qatari counterparts, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany, H E Katherina Reiche has said.
A roundtable meeting with the high-level German trade delegation headed by the German Minister was hosted by Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday, in the presence of several board members, Qatari businessmen, and Ambassador of Germany to Qatar H E Oliver Owcza.
Addressing the event, Minister Katherina Reiche noted that Germany and Qatar are entering an era marked by rapid economic transformation, unprecedented technological change, and growing demand for a sustainable and secure future.
“The world is indeed watching how partnership like ours can set new benchmarks in innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity,” she said.
The Minister further added, “110 companies wanted to join the delegation, which shows the overwhelming interest in Qatar by German companies; unfortunately, only about 20 companies could join me. This is a small but very exquisite and high-ranking selection of the German business community." The 20 leading companies represent various sectors and are eager to develop strategic alliances with their Qatari counterparts, she noted.
Both parties reaffirmed their strong desire to expand cooperation and establish commercial partnerships across various sectors, especially in energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, carbon emissions reduction, space technology, and aviation, during the meeting.
Commenting on the bilateral trade volume, the Minister explained that German exports are driving this trade, led by machinery, vehicles, chemicals, electrical products, energy, and precision engineering products.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany H E Katherina Reiche, QC Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Ambassador of Germany to Qatar H E Oliver Owcza, and other officials during the meeting. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Qatar is a major and highly important partner for Germany. The macroeconomic context underlines why this partnership matters, and it matters a lot. The growth of Germany’s GDP, along with the strong performance of Qatar’s economy, which is expected to achieve 5% growth in the coming years, presents significant opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries, she added.
Minister Katherina Reiche pointed out German companies are seizing these opportunities. Today, around 100 companies from Germany are exploring opportunities related to digital transformation in Qatar and are ready to participate actively in this sector, from engineering, transport, ICT, and construction to energy.
“Our enterprises are not just present, they are truly contributing to Qatar’s transformation, participating in projects approaching $39bn across all stages including flagship ventures like Dorsch Consulting, vision for Lusail smart city, and pioneering work on blue ammonia,” she said.
Also, speaking during the event, QC Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani noted that Germany has long represented a model of excellence in advanced manufacturing and innovation and is one of the fundamental pillars of the global economy.
Qatari investments in Germany in multiple sectors are clear evidence of the country’s confidence in the German economy. “We value the role of German companies operating in Qatar and their contribution to the development of many productive sectors."
The volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Germany reached QR6.6bn last year. The meeting with the German delegation represents a practical step toward a stronger economic future for both nations,” he added.
Based on this ongoing partnership, Sheikh Khalifa pointed out QC’s readiness to continue providing all possible support to enhance cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
He said, “We invite the companies from both sides to benefit from the promising opportunities available in fields of manufacturing, advanced technology, including AI, clean energy, healthcare, sports, education, and several other sectors.
During the meeting the two sides discussed the investment climate in both countries, available investment opportunities, and the role of the private sector in promoting bilateral trade.
They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key economic sectors such as energy, industry, and information technology.
