(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: Qatar and the US will continue to work on strengthening their robust partnership, especially in the field of investment and trade, Minister of Finance H E Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari said at a private dinner reception hosted by the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) in Washington, DC, recently.
The USQBC organised the function, which featured the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Qatar Central bank H E sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, at its office building rooftop at 1700 New York Avenue Northwest, in Washington, DC, in the US. The event was attended by government and private sector officials from both the US and Qatar, USQBC members, and the wider business community. The dinner reception was also sponsored by Lulu Group International/Y International USA at the Platinum Level and IBM at the Gold Level.
Minister of Finance, the QCB Governor, as well as the President of USQBC Scott Taylor, and Managing Director and Treasurer of the Board of Directors at USQBC Mohammed Barakat delivered their remarks during the reception.
Minister Al Kuwari said:“The State of Qatar is proud of the incredible partnership with the United States that has been forged over the last 50 years. Our bilateral relationship has grown exponentially during this time and we will continue to look for ways to strengthen our robust partnership, especially in the field of investment and trade”.
Taylor added:“Qatar and the United States are more than just allies, we are strategic partners, and this strong partnership directly impacts the American people. Whether it be cooperating on defensive security, collaborating on energy projects, or calling for peaceful diplomatic solutions; both countries are committed to a prosperous and secure future”.
Barakat noted:“The US-Qatar Business Council is committed to expanding and enhancing the already robust US-Qatar relationship. Through our market advisory services, those companies seeking to expand their business in Qatar will be well equipped with the knowledge and access they need to establish their footprint in one of the most attractive global investment destinations”.
The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar. This milestone signifies the longevity and strength of the bilateral ties between both countries. The two countries have established a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, in addition to deep commercial, security, and cultural partnerships. In recognition of this special partnership, following the January 31 visit by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the White House, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a“Major Non-NATO Ally” to the United States.
Also speaking during the event, Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International said:“Lulu Group International/Y International USA is proud to be a Platinum Level sponsor of this event. We are committed to the growth and expansion of the US-Qatar relationship and look forward to our continued contributions to Qatar's food security and economic growth”.
Lulu Hypermarket is the leading retailer in Qatar with 17 outlets and is still growing throughout the State. Lulu has established its presence in the US in November 2016 with a state-of- the-art export distribution centre named Y International USA located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Lulu Hypermarkets and Y International USA have been a major source of support for Qatar during all logistic challenges and crises in the recent past, by ensuring food security, price control and uninterrupted supplies.
Jonathan Adashek, Chief Communications Officer & Senior VP, Marketing and Communications at IBM said:“IBM, a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting services, has been in the Middle East and Africa region for more than 70 years with a direct presence in Qatar since 2012. Over the decades, we have been playing a vital role in shaping the region's technology landscape and accelerating the digital transformation journeys of our customers.
“IBM has core capabilities in hybrid cloud, AI, blockchain, data, security, and quantum computing, with global competency centres, research facilities and technical exploration centres to serve clients, governments, and the ecosystem. Aligned to Qatar's 2030 vision of transitioning to a competitive knowledge-based economy, IBM has worked closely with its clients and partners in Qatar to capitalise on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Developing and nurturing local talent are also key pillars of IBM's strategy in Qatar,” he added.