HE Minister of Economy Calls for Enhancing Ties with Slovenia

Doha, May 03 (QNA) - HE Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani stressed Tuesday on the importance of putting more effort in enhancing economic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Slovenia. His Excellency said that the two countries will look to expand trade volume and prioritize investment in field that would make a qualitative addition to the two countries' economies. His Excellency was speaking during the first session of the Qatari-Slovenian joint committee on economic and commercial cooperation, which he chaired with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Karl Erjavec. The meeting took place in Slovenian city Ljubljana. HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce said that bilateral relations saw a real progress thanks to the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President of Slovenia Borut Pahor. His Excellency noted that economic cooperation increased markedly in recent times. Back in 2013, the trade volume was worth QR45.2 million. In 2015, trade volume reached QR82.4 million. HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce presented Qatar's strategy towards diversifying its economy by supporting the private sector and issuing the necessary legislation in that facilitates doing business in the country. His Excellency also highlighted Qatar's efforts in the field of international commercial arbitration. Speaking on the global economy in light of the decline of global oil prices and levels of growth, His Excellency called for taking measures that would stimulate growth and employment. HE the Minister also called on Slovenian and Qatari experts to present their propositions that would help make today's meeting a success. The two sides reviewed today cooperation in the economic, commerce, investment, transport, energy, industry, SMEs, agriculture and infrastructure fields. His Excellency stressed on the importance of signing an agreement to protect investments of both countries. His Excellency also said he was looking forward to facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries. Furthermore, HE the Minister called on enhancing trade volume in the chemical and petrochemical sector. (QNA)