Qatari-Belgian Investment Forum Opens

Doha, March 22 (QNA) - The Qatari- Belgian Forum 2015 was held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani. HE the Minister of Finance Ali Shareef Al Emadi said during the Forum's opening session today that the Qatari-Belgian Forums aims at pushing forward the friendly relations between the two countries to more cooperation in all fields in order to increase the volume of trade and open new horizons for joint investment between Qatar and Belgium. The Minister of Finance also expressed the hope that the Forum would come out with constructive results supportive to the path of cooperation between the two countries and the common interests of both sides. He described the close relationship of friendship and cooperation between Qatar and Belgium as distinctive, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries in 2014 exceeded 1.2 billion euros. Qatar's exports of oil, gas and their derivatives in 2013 and 2014 totaled USD 1.8 billion. HE Al Emadi said the State of Qatar pursues a multifaceted economic strategy crystallized as part of Qatar National Vision 2030 in order to boost the economy and promote social, human and environmental development, pointing out that in line with the objectives of the vision Qatar, is seeking to diversify its national economy. He said the non-oil sector is accounting for more than 51 percent of its gross domestic product rose Investigator 12 percent in 2014. HE the Minister noted that despite the fall in oil prices that Qatar will continue to implement major development projects with a focus on health, education, infrastructure and transport, including rail projects and projects related to hosting 2022, which will support the participation of the private sector in economic growth in the coming years. His Excellency added that small and medium-sized enterprises have great interest in the recently launched a number of new economic zones to support the participation of the private sector. (QNA)