Qatar, Belgium to increase of trade ties

BRUSSELS, May 25 (KUNA) -- Belgian companies are playing an important role in strengthening economic ties with Qatar, Qatari Minister of Economy and Trade Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani said Wednesday.
"Yet we have to exert more effort to expand and develop our economic, trade and investment cooperation," he said in his opening remarks at a Qatar-Belgium economic forum, noting that there are 61 Belgian companies in Qatar.
In his speech he referred to Qatar's National Economic Vision 2030 to guide economic, human and environmental development of the country and reduce dependence on oil and gas.
The Qatari minister said the drop in global economic growth and the low oil prices should drive us to conclude joint investments to develop our economies.
"We hope that this meeting will lead to an increase of trade relations between Belgium and Qatar and for new investments between the business community of the countries," he added.
On his part, Qatari ambassador to Brussels Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, told the forum that trade exchanges between Belgium and Qatar have been rising.
Qatari imports from Belgium have recorded an increase of 56% in 2015 compared to 2014 to reach more than 218 million euro, while Belgian imports from Qatar reached 1.13 billion euro in 2015, he noted.
The Qatari ambassador said this business forum is a perfect follow up to the large economic delegation led by Princess Astrid of Belgium to Qatar last year.
The one day forum is organised by Embassy of the State of Qatar and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), in collaboration with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional foreign trade agencies. Pieter de Crem, Belgian Secretary of state for foreign trade said "we are proud what Belgian companies have done in Qatar." "Many landmark buildings and projects could not have been made possible without Belgian engineering or technology," said de Crem.
"Our cooperation has already developed in all the sectors of the ambitious Qatar National Vision of 2030," he added.
Chairman of ABLCC John Beerlandt said "we follow your example on how to do business. We participate also closely in lifting the image of your country." "You are a model not only in the region but in the world how to treat people and how to conduct all matters related to humanity and business," he said.
A big number of Belgian and Qatari businessmen and financial and bank representatives and diplomats are attending the forum titled "a smart partnership, expanding cooperation in key areas." (end) nk.nfm