(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: The State of Qatar participated in the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit, which was held from May 1-4 in Washington DC.
The Summit was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry H E Saleh Majed Al Khulaifi.
Qatar's participation in the summit aligns with its keenness to strengthen bilateral ties with the US and discuss investment opportunities in both countries.
On the sidelines of the summit, Al Khulaifi participated in a round-table organised by the US Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority, Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar Managing Director for Qatar- US Business Council, and representatives from Qatar's public and private entities including the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Barzan Holdings, and major US companies such as Boeing, Motorola, Amazon, and Citibank.
During his participation, the Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs highlighted Qatar's vast investment opportunities across various sectors, including post-World Cup developments. He also emphasized the key laws and regulations governing investment, including the Law regulating non-Qatari capital in economic activity and the Law regulating public-private partnerships, as well as the incentives and benefits available to foreign investors.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Al Khulaifi participated as a guest of honor in the reception organized by the US-Qatar Business Council which attracted senior officials and businessmen from both the US and Qatar.
Additionally, Al Khulaifi held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the summit and met with Mark Murray, Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative, Arun Venkatraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, and Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service Global Markets, and Dale Tasharski, Deputy Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service.
During the meetings, officials previewed topics of common interest to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the trade, investment, and industry sectors. They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations in light of the distinguished ties of friendship and common strategic interests that bind the two nations, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing the partnership.
Al Khulaifi highlighted the State of Qatar's successful policies to support the private sector, showcasing the various incentives, regulations, and promising opportunities available to encourage investment and entrepreneurship in the country.
SelectUSA Investment Summit is considered to be the most prominent event dedicated to attracting FDI to the US It particularly attracts senior officials, chief executive officers, and thought leaders. Each edition focuses on a particular theme related to the investment ecosystem in the US, the latest trends in the industry, and new opportunities.
This year's edition is witnessing the organisation of more than 100 different sessions, including discussion panels with prominent US officials and company executives, in addition to specialized sessions focusing on various industries such as investment, international supply chains, advanced manufacturing, car manufacturing, aeronautics, clean energy, and other fields.
Qatar and the US have a strong economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching $6.68bn in 2022. The US is Qatar's 9th largest trading partner.