Malta Enterprise delegation strengthening links with Qatar

A business delegation organised by Malta Enterprise comprising 20 local enterprises operating in a wide variety of sectors is currently visiting Qatar to explore prospective business ventures and strengthen the commercial relationship between the two countries.

During a networking event at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malta Enterprise executive chairman Alan Camilleri delivered a short presentation on the business environment in Malta.

Camilleri also invited the Qatari Chamber to organise a business delegation to Malta to explore the multitude of trade and investment opportunities the country offers, with the possibility for Qatari companies to enter into other nearby markets within the EU and North Africa whilst operating in

Malta's stable economic environment.

The delegates were also addressed by the Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mohammed Bin Ahmed Bin Towar Al Kuwari, as well as by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry representative John Huber.

The session was followed by a series of one-to-one-meetings which enabled companies from both countries to establish contact with prospective business partners and explore commercial leads they shall now be following up to ensure a fruitful outcome is achieved.

Qatar is one of the wealthiest states in the Gulf region especially thanks to its enormous oil and natural gas reserves which are the third-largest in the world. The country is however also seeking to develop a knowledge economy particularly by stimulating the private sector.

While the EU is one of Qatar's major trading partners, Malta is still to strengthen trade with the country, having imported only €0.5 million worth of goods from Qatar and exported just under €5 million in 2011.

Prior to the business delegation, Malta Enterprise executive chairman Alan Camilleri was in Doha to participate in the World Investment Forum organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and investment (UNCTAD).

At this international event, Malta Enterprise was awarded the Investment Promotion Award which honours the world's best-practices in investment promotion for its efforts to attract foreign investment to Malta and assisting companies already in the country to develop and grow their operations.