BAGHDAD, Iraq – Chairman of Qatar Chamber, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, accompanied by Qatari officials, businessmen and investors from Qatar, arrived at Baghdad, Iraq last Sunday. The visiting group aim to boost bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and investment sectors of Qatar and Iraq.

The visit of the Qatari delegation was welcomed by Iraq Prime Minister, H.E. Adil Abdul-Mahdi. During the conference, the group of officials, industry leaders and businessmen deliberated ways to deepen economic cooperation and boost trade between the two countries; furthermore, to contribute in the reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

Power International Holding’s (PIH) Group Chairman, Mr. Moutaz Al Khayyat and PR and Private Investment Director Mr. Mazen Alsbeti were among the esteemed delegates of the conference. Mr. Moutaz Al Khayyat stresses the importance of removing barriers between countries and augmenting long-term economic cooperation of Qatar on a global scale. In relation to this, last week, PIH Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Mr. Ramez Al Khayyat traveled with the Qatar Chamber delegation to Vienna, Austria with the intent of boosting Qatar’s presence and strengthening relations with various trading partners in Austria.

In the conference, H.E. Al-Kuwari expressed that the percentage of trade with Iraq has risen to 120 percent over the past two years. “The Qatari delegation came to Baghdad to promote cooperation between the two countries, and we aspire to Iraq’s accession to the goods transit agreement signed by Qatar, Turkey and Azerbaijan” he adds.

H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim affirmed that the bilateral trade with Iraq is still below the level of ambitions and potentials of the two brotherly countries, despite the remarkable growth in trade exchange by 52% last year. The value of trade exchange reached 473 million riyals in 2018 compared to 310 million riyals in 2017.

The Qatari-Iraqi bilateral trade increased significantly over the past years, despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The growth of the bilateral trade demonstrates the eagerness of both countries to establish a strong trade and investment partnerships.

Iraq Prime Minister HE Adil Abdul-Mahdi concluded in a statement, “Our interests are with our neighbors and we have a strong will to open and cooperate with Qatar in all fields, and to exchange interests in the economic, trade and investment fields.”

About Qatar Chamber
Established in 1963 by virtue of the Law No (4), Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) is one of the oldest chambers in the GCC countries. QCCIs main role is to organize business interests and represent the Qatari private sector locally and globally as well as support the country’s economic actors and productivity.

معتز الخياط , #معتزالخياط , #معتز_الخياط
Moutaz Al Khayyat, #moutazalkhayyat , #moutaz_al_khayyat