The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has discussed ways to strengthen economic and trade relations with a German economic delegation led by Dr. Jörg Kukies, the German Minister of Finance, accompanied by senior representatives from major German companies in the energy and financial sectors.
The meeting also intended to explore cooperation opportunities in priority sectors, including finance, advanced industries, technology, innovation, digital transformation, renewable energy, logistics, trade, and investment between Qatar and Germany.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Jörg Kukies highlighted the productive meetings he had with Qatar’s Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy, praising the significant economic development Qatar has experienced over the past decade. He noted Qatar’s substantial investments in infrastructure and its readiness to diversify its economy.
Dr. Kukies emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries, stating that Qatari investments in Germany are crucial for economic growth and job creation.
The German minister also mentioned Germany’s ongoing energy transition towards green and electric energy, with numerous projects underway, adding that Germany is considered one of the most attractive places for business, boasting a diverse economy with added value in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, mechanical industries, and small and medium-sized technology companies.
Furthermore, Dr. Kukies pointed out that Germany is the largest economy in Europe and serves as a gateway to approximately 450 million consumers. He also highlighted Germany’s upcoming program to coordinate between major German companies and banks to establish a strong financial center to promote Germany and support startups, with the government aiming to invest around $12 billion (12 billion euros) in these companies by 2030.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman, welcomed the delegation and said that trade and investment relations between Qatar and Germany are witnessing rapid growth, driven by a shared vision to enhance economic and trade cooperation and create new partnership opportunities between the business communities of both countries.
Sheikh Faisal noted that the QBA regularly conducts visits to major global countries, including Germany. In May 2024, a QBA delegation visited leading German companies in fields such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and other sectors, holding numerous meetings through the Qatari German Joint Task Force to explore investment opportunities and overcome obstacles for private companies in both countries. He also emphasized that the financial sector is a partner in the economic development process of both countries.
“As members of the association, we have several businessmen who own private banks and are also shareholders in numerous banks. Deutsche Bank is represented in the Middle East by a member of the Qatari Businessmen Association. We as businessmen seek that the banking sector contributes to the development process and finance private companies in both countries, especially in important projects with added value and operational capacity,” QBA Chairman concluded.
