Qatar seeks investment opportunities with US
Touching on the reforms that Qatar has undertaken in recent years to bolster its investment environment, the MoCI undersecretary said the country has been able to rapidly diversify local and global supply chains while stepping up efforts to improve its logistics networks to become one of the most advanced digital and logistical systems worldwide, connecting companies to global supply chains through advanced communications and transportation infrastructure.
Qatar has managed to maintain a resilient, diversified and globally connected economy, offering US investors key incentives to tap the Qatari market. The government has been keen on developing laws and regulations that incentivise investments. These include the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, which allows foreign investors up to 100% ownership in various sectors and economic activities, in addition to many other competitive advantages such as the freedom to transfer profits in any convertible currency.
Qatar has established an Investment Promotion Agency to streamline procedures and provide support to foreign investors, including US companies that may benefit from various investment opportunities in Qatar.
In line with its long-term economic diversification strategy, Qatar sought to bolster its private sector. In this context, a law was issued regulating the partnership between private and public sectors. The law empowers the private sector to tap key opportunities fuelled by Qatar’s growth and development.
Foreign investors may tap infrastructure projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and opportunities in a thriving industrial sector that witnessed an increase in the number of operating factories to 915 as of this month (September).
In his closing remarks, alKhater said Qatar and the US have achieved a great deal since the launch of the Strategic Dialogue three years ago. Qatar looks forward to capitalising on these special ties to explore the full spectrum of available business and investment opportunities, and to enhance its co-operation with the US across an array of sectors, despite the economic challenges that the world is currently facing.
“The US and Qatar’s commitment to working closely together would lead to the announcement of the upcoming Economic Roadshow and the signing of the announcement of intent to host an investment forum in 2021,” the official announced.
The MoCI undersecretary lauded the agreement signed on Monday between Qatar’s Widam Food Company and US’ Tyson Fresh Meats for supplying protein in the global food and agribusiness sector. It represents an important step and provides an example of the rewarding co-operation between Qatar and the US.
The session featured a number of discussion panels that touched on Qatari investments in the US, investment opportunities in Qatar, the economic inclusion of women, and the incentives that Qatar Free Zones offer to investors.