QEF highlights Qatar's strategic vision, global investment appeal: CEOs
QNA
Doha
The Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg, which is set to commence on Tuesday, stands as a testament to Qatar's deepening commitment to fostering international economic cooperation and driving global dialogue on pressing financial and investment issues. Senior executives from Qatar's key economic institutions emphasized the pivotal role of the Forum in reinforcing the country's global positioning as a major investment and financial hub.
Speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency, Mohammed Saif Saeed Al Sowaidi, CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), highlighted that the forum mirrors Qatar's vision of global engagement. 'As a global economic hub, Qatar is capable of convening all leaders and experts from around the globe to come together and share ideas about economic issues and explore investment opportunities,' he said.
Al Sowaidi stressed that QIA's participation in the Forum aligns with its mission of developing a robust and diversified investment portfolio that ensures long-term financial sustainability and benefits future generations.
'Guided by a far-sighted vision, QIA prioritizes long-term growth pillars such as the technology sector, digital transformation in healthcare, industrial transition in developing nations, and other strategic themes, while maintaining the agility to adapt to short-term market fluctuations,' he noted.
QIA, Al Sowaidi said, rigorously assesses investments based on returns and associated risks. He expressed confidence in the sovereign wealth fund's adaptability amid ongoing global economic volatility, especially in light of shifting global trade policies, notably those under review in the United States.
Echoing the significance of the forum, Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), described the QEF as 'a prestigious global platform' that continues to strengthen Qatar's reputation as a destination of choice for global investors.
In his remarks to QNA, Al Jaida said the Forum has historically served as a strategic platform for QFC to forge strong relationships with international financial institutions and to promote Qatar's attractive investment environment. 'Our participation has directly contributed to attracting a number of leading companies to the Qatari market, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional and international financial hub,' he said.
Al Jaida recalled that in previous editions, QFC signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with major international players, including Unicorns, the media company behind Unicorn Hunters, and the Hashgraph Association to support the deployment of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in Qatar. Another key partnership was signed with Mastercard to develop fintech solutions and accelerate innovation in financial services.
'These partnerships reflect QFC's commitment to supporting Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem and to providing real growth opportunities for both local and international companies,' he added.
As a strategic partner in this year's edition, QFC aims to spotlight its critical role in driving economic diversification and enhancing the business climate in Qatar. Al Jaida revealed that this year's Forum would enable QFC to explore new alliances in strategic sectors such as fintech, asset management, and professional services. One such key partnership being pursued is with the Ashmore Group, a global asset management firm specializing in emerging markets.
Al Jaida will also take part in a prominent panel discussion titled Crypto & Digital Assets: Investing in the New Era, which will examine the future of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The session will delve into regulatory frameworks, smart investment strategies, and the rapid transformation shaping the digital financial world.
In conclusion, Al Jaida underscored that the Forum provides a unique opportunity for QFC to engage directly with global companies and demonstrate its competitive advantages, including an independent legal and regulatory framework, 100% foreign ownership, and generous tax exemptions. 'Through one-on-one meetings and panel discussions, QFC will introduce companies to growth opportunities in the Qatari market and offer the support they need to establish operations within our integrated business ecosystem,' he said.
As Qatar prepares to welcome world leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to Doha for the Forum, the combined efforts of institutions like QIA and QFC are set to further enhance the nation's role on the global economic stage, amplifying its voice in shaping the future of global finance and investment.
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