Rome: Qatar Chamber (QC) participated in the 4th Arab-Italian Business Forum and the Board of Directors meeting of the Joint Italian-Arab Chamber of Commerce, held on January 28-29 in Rome, Italy. HE QC Board Member Mohamed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi represented the Chamber at the events, which aimed to fortify economic and investment ties between Italy and the Arab world.
According to Qatar News Agency, the forum, organized by the Joint Italian-Arab Chamber of Commerce, welcomed numerous senior officials and businessmen from Arab countries and Italy. It served as a crucial platform for establishing strategic links with decision-makers, businessmen, institutions, and companies from both sides.
In statements made during the Forum, HE Al Ahbabi underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to participating in this significant forum. He highlighted its role in bolstering economic and trade relations between Italy and Arab countries, noting that the forum serves as a valuable platform to explore cooperation across various economic sectors. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the development witnessed by both nations and examine prospects for broader Arab-Italian collaboration.
Al Ahbabi commended the existing bilateral relations between Qatar and Italy, emphasizing their growth in recent years, which has been driven by mutual high-level visits and numerous agreements across multiple sectors. He noted that trade exchange between the two countries has been on the rise, reaching QR 20 billion in 2023 and QR 15.3 billion by November 2024, establishing Italy as a key trade partner for Qatar.
He further stated that Italy is an attractive destination for Qatari investments, with a significant number of Italian companies operating in the Qatari market. These companies, either under full Italian ownership or through partnerships with Qatari businesses, are involved in sectors such as building materials, construction equipment, information technology, trade, and services.
Al Ahbabi also highlighted the interest of Qatari businessmen in exploring investment opportunities in Italy and strengthening ties with their Italian counterparts to establish joint ventures and mutual investments in both countries. He reaffirmed Qatar Chamber’s role in fostering closer collaboration between the business sectors of both nations, driving economic growth and deepening trade relations.
The forum featured a series of discussion panels covering various topics aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and strategic partnerships between Italy and Arab countries. Key areas of focus included agricultural technology, food security, innovation, sustainability, tourism, entertainment, financial services, and Islamic finance.
Additionally, the Board of Directors meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 4th Arab-Italian Business Forum and discussed mechanisms for implementing its recommendations. The aim is to achieve the desired objectives and enhance economic benefits for both Arab and Italian economies.