Niger's President Calls Qatari Businessmen to Invest in His Country

Doha, February 09 (QNA) - Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou has called on Qatari businessmen to invest in his country, saying that Niger has promising investment opportunities in several fields, including agriculture and tourism. During a meeting with a number of businessmen at Qatar Chamber, the president pointed to the investment opportunities in his country in the fields of infrastructure, energy, communications, agriculture, food security, tourism and hospitality, and mining, calling on business owners to benefit from the investment-friendly atmosphere in his country and the legislations that protect investments and capital. The president praised the deep ties between Qatar and Niger, which, he said, both sides aim to strengthen on all fronts, adding that the two countries enjoy strong political ties and share several values. He added that the aim of his visit is to create means of communication between business owners from both sides and attract Qatari investments to his country, especially in light of the legislative amendments and new laws on firms, tax waiving, partnership between the public and private sectors as well as facilitations offered by the government for the business environment. Niger's economy grew by 6 percent over the past five years, the president said, adding that his country enjoys a strategic location in western Africa and can act as an access point for Qatar to the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), a huge market of 300 million people. He added that his country signed an agreement with Qatar on double taxation, with another agreement on the legal framework to be signed soon with the aim of facilitating and protecting Qatari investments in Niger. In turn, Qatar Chamber Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Tawar Al Kuwari said several Qatari businessmen are keen on learning about the investment opportunities in Niger, particularly as Africa becomes a business destination. He added that the chamber is working to encourage business owners to learn about emerging markets such as Niger, especially food security and industries. He said the chamber welcomes the president's invitation and will work on arranging a visit for Qatari businessmen to Niger. (QNA)