IBF, High Tech Port Fair Conclude in Doha

Doha, October 08 (QNA) - The 19th International Business Forum (IBF) and High Tech Port Fair concluded on Thursday at Qatar National Convention Center under the organization of Turkey's Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) in cooperation with the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences. IBF President Erol Yarar expressed delight at the success of the 19th edition of the forum that is staged in Qatar for the first time, noting that constructive session were held during the event, enabling participants to learn about the technology that each of Turkey and Qatar has, and projects that both sides can benefit from. He hoped that the forum and fair will be a starting point for joint events between Qatar and Turkey in the future so as to promote commercial and investment cooperation between the two countries. Five sessions took place during the event, focusing on ICT sector in Qatar, technical partnership in civil aviation between Qatar and Turkey, cooperation in cyber security and homeland security between the two countries, strategic partnership to boost bilateral trade and investment opportunities, and technology transfer between the two countries. Participants lauded the event and praised the large amount of knowledge they were able to attain in addition to learning about several state-of-the-art Turkish technological products not only in the defense industry but in other fields too. The 19th IBF and High Tech Port Fair aimed to develop the deep ties between Qatar and Turkey and came as enactment of economic and commercial cooperation and creating a platform that incorporates the public and private sectors in both countries. It also endeavored to build communication bridges between businessmen in both countries in order to discuss prospective investment and commercial opportunities and evaluate potential cooperation in high-tech defense and protection industries. A number of Qatari ministries, institutions and economic entities such as the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology took part in the conference and fair. From the Turkish side, relevant ministries, economic entities and up to 67 leading companies participated in the event along with nearly 1,000 personalities from all over the world. The High Tech Port Fair accompanied IBF, comprising exhibitors in the field of high-tech defense industries such as radars, telecommunications, drones, road and vehicle monitoring devices, and civil and military navigation systems. MUSIAD is a nonprofit organization with branches in many world countries. It carries out economic and humanitarian activities and has a significant role in the development of economic sectors. Founded in 1990 by five businessmen, it blossomed over 25 years to become one of the most influential civil associations in Turkey with 11,000 businessmen representing 11,000 businesses under its umbrella. Exports of MUSIAD members account for 17 percent of Turkish exports and Turkish national income. Through its activities, MUSIAD strives to revive and activate joint economic action among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) under the slogan "high moral values and high technology". MUSIAD's 15th international fair was held last year in Istanbul over 100,000 square meters amid presence of a large number of domestic and international government officials. It drew the participation of 746 local and international companies as well as over 150,000 visitors from Turkey and 7,246 participants from abroad. (QNA)