Qatar, Tajikistan businesses to boost joint investments: Sheikh Ahmed
The two countries agree on avoiding double taxation, setting up Qatari-Tajik Businessmen Council and opening direct air routes
HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani has said efforts will be made to encourage joint investment projects between Qatari and Tajikistan businessmen.
He was speaking after co-chairing the third session of the Joint Tajik-Qatari Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation Committee, which was held in the Tajik capital Dushanbe.
The Tajikistan side was led by the country’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Nematullo Hikmatullozoda.
The two sides also agreed on signing an agreement for avoiding double taxation between the two countries.
A Qatari-Tajik Businessmen Council will be formed to enhance business relationship between the two countries and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, services and other economic fields.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the “strong relationship” that existed between the two countries. This was reflected in the official visits of the leaders of two countries. Many agreements and MoUs have been signed following these high-level visits.
HE Sheikh Ahmed and Hikmatullozoda lead the high-level delegations of Qatar and Tajikistan at the third session of the Joint Tajik-Qatari Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation Committee in Dushanbe.
The minister stressed the need for further enhancing the cooperation between the two countries and said, “By opening direct air routes between the two countries, bilateral trade and tourism can be boosted. This will also allow both countries to expand into neighbouring markets and reach newer markets.”
The minister expressed the hope that the joint committee will contribute to building bridges between the business sectors in the two countries, and enhance Tajik investments in Qatar.
Sheikh Ahmed said Tajik companies will be able to benefit from the promising investment opportunities provided by the Qatari economy.
He also welcomed the participation of various commercial and business enterprises of Tajikistan in the international products exhibition to be held in Doha in October.
Sheikh Ahmed pointed out that the event was an ideal opportunity to discuss ways to develop trade and investment partnership between businessmen from the two countries.
Talking about the Qatari economy, Sheikh Ahmed said, “We continue our balanced growth, enhance competitiveness and motivate our economic sectors to increase productivity. These have become possible due to the systematic policies set by our wise leadership.”
The minister noted that Qatar’s GDP grew in excess of 1.6% at constant prices in 2017, a proof that the siege did not impact the country’s economy.
“It only increased our determination to achieve further growth and economic stability,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
He said Qatar’s foreign trade increased by 16% in 2017 to reach $103bn compared with $89bn in 2016.
The country’s total exports went up by 18% to $67bn in 2017 compared with $57bn in 2016.
The third session of the Joint Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation Committee was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Ministry of Municipality and Environment; Ministry of Energy and Industry; Ministry of Culture and Sports; Qatar Central Bank; Qatar General Organisation for Standardisation; General Authority for Civil Aviation; Hassad Food Company; Qatar Airways; Qatar Chamber; Nebras Energy and Qatar Development Fund.
