We would like to welcome you to the 9th Qatar Business and Investment Forum that is convened this year in Berlin, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar and in the presence of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, high government officials, businessmen and major company representatives from both Countries. This cross – continental event has become a landmark of Qatar’s commitment to benefit from the potential investment opportunities as an important pillar in the country’s economic strategy.

Qatar has become a significant partner for Germany in the MENA region: Doha and Berlin have more than 60 years of commercial relations and 43 years of diplomatic relations. Qatar and Germany collaborate and have partnership agreements in the fields of science, education, technical training, research and development, and new and renewable technologies among others. This robust relationship is built upon mutual trust and a shared vision and is a cornerstone of Germany’s cooperation with the Arab world.

In recent years, trade relations between both countries have witnessed significant development, with both parties seeking to expand areas of mutual cooperation. This development is reflected in the increasing number of German companies operating in the Qatari market, which now amounts to more than 300 companies.

This volume of trade has amounted to approximately 1.9 billion Euros, making Germany one of Qatar’s most important trading partners. Qatar’s outstanding investment activities in Germany have also furthered interest in extending bridges of long-term mutual cooperation at economic and financial levels. This forum is held at a time when Qatar’s investments in Germany exceed 25 billion Euros and include vital projects in automotive, information technology and banking sectors, and a common desire to promote and develop mutual investments.

Germany is also a key partner in achieving Qatar’s vision towards a technology-based economy. As part of its ambitious efforts to modernize the education sector, Qatar Science and Technology Park hired the German software giant, SAP, to play a significant role in training and rehabilitating Qatari youth. While supplying key equipment, the project also transferred German knowledge and technology to develop specific programs and applications in Qatar.

The aim of this forum, which enjoys wide participation of senior government officials and decision makers, in addition to the businessmen and representatives of the Public and private sectors, is further enhancing the Qatari – German bilateral relations in all areas, which will be discussed during the panel sessions that cover all economic sectors. We also seek to promote Qatar’s role and economic status along with the vast privileges offered to the foreign investor, especially in the value-added sectors that respond to Qatar vision 2030, and support the shift towards a knowledge-based economy.