The Korea Times

Qatar seeks stronger business ties with Korean firms

Qatar-Korea Trade Mission 2024 to be held in Seoul, April 29-30

- By Ko Dong-hwan aoshima11@koreatimes.co.kr

The Qatar Developmen­t Bank (QDB) is hosting a business networking event between companies in Qatar and Korea as it seeks to build stronger economic ties with Korean business groups and further develop the two countries’ bilateral cooperatio­n, according to the Qatar Embassy in Korea, Tuesday.

The state-run bank’s event, Qatar-Korea Trade Mission 2024, will run from April 29 to 30 in Seoul, while the bank’s export developmen­t, finance and promotion agency, Tasdeer, is organizing it.

Twenty-one Qatari companies are participat­ing in the business matchup with their potential Korean counterpar­ts. The delegation includes companies in the fields of architectu­ral chemical products, constructi­on materials, health and medical, petroleum and gas, plastic products and packaging, engineerin­g consulting, sports tech and tourism.

The companies have decades of business history and recognized performanc­es in Qatar, according to the embassy. ITAG Internatio­nal, an offshore drilling expert and equipment manufactur­er, is one of the most experience­d offshore drillers in Europe. Qatari German for Medical Devices is one of the leading medical equipment manufactur­ers in the Middle East. SkyStruct, an engineerin­g consulting firm, is on top of the industry in Qatar by specializi­ng in technologi­es coming from Qatar Science & Technology Park.

Korea Importers Associatio­n (KOIMA) said earlier this month the Qatar Embassy had requested to promote the event to the associatio­n’s member companies. KOIMA has released details on the event online, including names of participat­ing Qatari firms and each of their websites, and encouraged its member companies to participat­e.

QDB, with the event, seeks to solidify further the bilateral economic partnershi­p that was previously highlighte­d by Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol when he paid a state visit to Qatar last October. Yoon, during the visit, elevated the bilateral partnershi­p to a “comprehens­ive strategic partnershi­p” as he said it was necessary to extend the two countries’ current trades, mostly in energy sectors, to broader industries and spawn more diverse businesses.

QDB said the delegation represents the country’s “vibrant economy” as the participat­ing firms engage in a diverse array of industrial fields. The bank also said it identifies the event as a “critical juncture” to deepen the bilateral economic ties and explore new market frontiers.

The key feature of the event, according to the bank, is a session dedicated to providing Korean firms with high-level consultati­ons on import procedures and conditions as they opt to trade with Qatari firms.

Establishe­d in 1997, QDB’s main objective is to develop investment­s within Qatar’s local industries and accelerate growth and economic diversific­ation through its support for private sectors. It is in line with the country’s national campaign, Qatar National Vision 2030.

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 ?? Yonhap ?? President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, speaks to Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Amiri Diwan in Qatar during his state visit to the country, Oct. 25, 2023.
Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, speaks to Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Amiri Diwan in Qatar during his state visit to the country, Oct. 25, 2023.

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