Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Qatar-Turkey Business Forum was held at JW Marriott Hotel with the participation of Vice President Fuat Oktay, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Sani, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan, Qatari Trade and Industry Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari.

In his speech at the event, Hisarcıklıoğlu said Turkey and Qatar are working together in many areas, including the economy.

Pointing out that the volume of bilateral trade is approaching $3 billion, up from approximately $500 million 10 years ago, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “10 years ago, the Qatari capital investing in our country was $100 million, and now it is $2.5 billion. The value of the projects undertaken by Turkish companies in Qatar reached $17 billion. These are very important developments, but we are at the beginning of the work.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is a great opportunity for the promotion and tourism of this country, and that they are as proud that Qatar is the first Muslim country to host the event.”

- “We are closely following Qatar's 2030 National Vision”

Noting that they are closely following the “2030 National Vision” put forward by Qatar, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Qatar is taking a very appropriate step. We support this vision to diversify the economy. We sincerely believe that you will succeed. Because we as Turkey have experienced a similar transformation in the recent past.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu called for the two countries to join forces, saying:

“We have a great experience and brave entrepreneurs, and Qatar has the capital accumulation and financial experience which we lack. Let's get the Turkey-Qatar partnership accepted by the whole world. Let's make this the peace-trade-wealth line of the region.”

- Vice President Fuat Oktay

Vice President Fuat Oktay said, “Those who try to discredit our history and our stand against terrorism in their parliaments should know that we will not ignore the threats, we will not change our path.”

On the occasion of close friendship between the heads of state, Turkey-Qatar relations have followed a sincere and visionary course, especially in recent years, Oktay said, adding that bilateral trade and economic relations between the countries are built on sincere brotherhood.

Stating that friendship relations once again strongly confirmed within the scope of the Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Sani's visit, Oktay expressed that, on the 46^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, they are proud of the level of cooperation that has been reached.

Oktay also stressed that it is gratifying that the two countries' bilateral economic relations have reached $30 billion volume.

- Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan

Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan stated that they are ready to share strategic projects with Qatari investors and said, “We invite them to take advantage of Turkey's dynamic economy and to invest more in Turkey.”

In her speech at the panel, held within the scope of the forum, Pekcan said businesspeople should improve the friendship and fraternity relations between Turkey and Qatar by increasing the volume of bilateral trade and investments.

Reporting that, recently, trade relations with Qatar have increased by around 75%, but still remain at the level of $2.3 billion, Pekcan said that this does not reflect the full trade potential of the two countries.

Pekcan pointed out that Turkish exports have always been the driving force of the economy, and said that Turkey will achieve a growth rate of 5% by carrying out structural transformations according to the New Economy Program.