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Qatar Economic Forum
Doha, Qatar
17 - 18 Apr 2006
In a press conference held in Doha to announce the upcoming Qatar Economic Conference (April 17-18), H.E. Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad Al-Thani, Qatar's Minister of Economy and Commerce and Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki, Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group General Manager, both addressed the press corps to highlight the role of the Forum in shedding light on Qatar's economic developments.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad Al-Thani began by thanking His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar for his patronage of the Forum which will "gain added importance, and is in fact the right event at the right time" due to the unprecedented phase of broad economic and social developments that Qatar is experiencing under his guidance and that of his trusted Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Sheikh Al-Thani also extended his gratitude to the co-organizer, Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group "for its efforts aiming to make this Forum a success and to value the important role that it plays in promoting Arab economies and investment opportunities in the region through similar conferences and other activities."
"The aim of this process of development," he continued, "is to build a modern country capable of playing a vital and pioneering role in the regional and international arenas. The ongoing economic expansion is based on the proper utilization of our natural resources and the potentials of our human resources to sustain diversified and balanced economic structure.
We look forward to the Forum and its ability to shed additional light on Qatar's economic achievements through the expected contributions of its prominent participants. The Forum will also represent a platform for us to present our future economic vision, and to showcase the promising business investment opportunities that Qatar offers to local, Arab and foreign investors. Qatar has worked hard to make the country an ideal oasis for investors and for investment activities and will continue to do so. The forum will also be a valuable chance for all participants, to meet and to debate issues of mutual interests."
In conclusion, Sheikh Al-Thani thanked the ambassadors, representatives and sponsors present at the press conference for their attendance and called on the audience to do its part "to highlight the importance of the Forum to the concerned companies, institutions and investors in their countries."
In his comments to the audience, Mr. Raouf Abou-Zaki, General Manager of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal, thanked His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Crown Prince of Qatar for his patronage and his concern for
Mr. Abou-Zaki also extended his sincere gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad Al-Thani, for taking the initiative to hold this Forum, and for his confidence in Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group for whom he entrusted the task of organizing this important forum; "we are honored to be here today with His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Trade, whose presence is an expression of the Qatari government's interest in and support for this Forum which is being organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce."
"Building on the growing Arab and world interest in economic developments in Qatar," he continued, "the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Qatar and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group are organizing the Qatar Economic Forum to serve as a framework for interaction between Qatari, Arab and international policy-makers and business leaders who would help identify and formulate business and investment opportunities. The forum will also be useful in providing insight on the latest relevant government policies, new projects, investment incentives and the latest laws and regulations concerning doing business in Qatar."
Forum topics include a look at Qatar's economic future, the investment environment including oil and gas, mega-projects, contracting prospects and Qatar's future role as a financial center, as well as requirements for developing tourism, education and science initiatives.
The Qatar Economic Forum will provide a platform for a select group of speakers including top executives of leading oil, petrochemicals, financial and investment firms, as well as specialized experts and policy makers to discuss and to analyze leading issues and topics related to Qatar economy.
The forum is expected to attract a wide audience from the region and abroad, representing most economic sectors and industries, especially finance, real estate, oil and gas, ICT and others. Government officials will include leading Qatari ministers and public officials and a number of Arab and non-Arab ministers and officials. Other participants will include business and corporate leaders and senior executives from Qatari, Arab and global companies.