(MENAFN- The Peninsula) sanaullah ataullah |
The Peninsula
Doha: Qatar's investment in Australia has doubled in the last two years, recording about AUD4bn (QR10bn), said Ambassador of Australia to Qatar H E Jonathan Muir.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of 'Australia Week' festival at Lulu Hypermarket, The Pearl-Qatar, the Ambassador said that the investment of Qatar in Australia increased over the time.
“Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund is very important partner. QIA is a major investor in Australia's commercial real estate, electricity grids, city airports and other key sectors,” said Muir.
He said that recently Nebras Power, global power development and investment company headquartered in Doha, made investments in renewable energy sector of Australia which is very important for decarbonising national economy and to enhance country's efforts for sustainable energy transition.
To recall, Australia is on track to generate half its electricity needs from renewable sources within three years, according to a report highlighting the extraordinary pace of change underway in the country's energy system.
To a question about the meat export from Australia to Qatar, the envoy said that Widam Food Company, Qatar's leading meat production and distribution company, is a long standing trade partner of Australia.
“We are looking forward to further strengthening our relations to continue meat supply to Qatar in the best possible way,” said Muir.
Australian exports to Qatar are led by alumina, meat, and engineering services. Qatar's exports to Australia are primarily aviation services, fertiliser and aluminium.
The Ambassador said Australia is producing alumina in a large quantity which is being exported to Qatar.
“Other things which are being exported to Qatar include engineering services and food items. Retailers like Lulu Group are playing a key role in promoting Australian products in Qatar,” said the Ambassador.
He said that Qatar is exporting aviation services, fertilisers, and aluminium to Australia.“Qatar is exporting more to Australia compared to those Australia exports to Qatar.”
Regarding Australia hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 this summer, he said that residents of Qatar are one of the largest purchasers of tickets for the event.
Speaking about FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Ambassador said:“Qatar hosted a fantastic mega sporting event. It was amazing and unique. Everybody loved it.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Airways contributed greatly in hosting the World Cup.”
He said that people in Qatar, both citizens and residents, should be proud of the way the country hosted the World Cup.