Trade & Investment
From The Report: Qatar 2016
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Although Qatar continues to enjoy a healthy trade surplus, benefitting from its position as a critical energy supplier to a number of countries worldwide, export revenues in 2015 were dramatically affected by falling oil and gas prices, while the state’s import bill continues to rise as a result of major infrastructure construction and rapid population growth. Declining export revenues have also seen foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows drop as two major state-owned corporations underwent significant restructuring in 2015. These challenges have been a boon to non-oil growth and economic diversification. Domestically, FDI showed a sharp turnaround in 2014 as ongoing liberalization, including the establishment of new special economic zones and improved access to financing, further bolstered non-oil growth, particularly within the small and medium-sized enterprise segment. The Qatar Stock Exchange has also benefitted from several emerging market upgrades on major global indices, which should help offset losses recorded in 2015 and keep domestic markets on a growth path in 2016.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from David Cameron, Former UK Prime Minister; and interviews with Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Minister of International Trade; and Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A broader base: The government is making efforts to diversify the economy
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Although Qatar continues to enjoys a healthy trade surplus, benefitting from its position as a critical energy supplier to a number of countries worldwide, export revenues in 2015 were dramatically affected by falling oil and gas prices, while the state’s import bill continues to rise as a result of major infrastructure construction and rapid population growth. Declining export revenues have also seen foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows drop as two major state-owned corporations underwent…

Viewpoint

Positive signs: David Cameron, Former UK Prime Minister, on shared security interests and bilateral trade and investment
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The UK and Qatar share a history that goes back almost 200 years. This gives us the strongest possible basis for partnership, and we are working closely with government, business and non-governmental institutions as Qatar implements its National Vision 2030. This includes cooperation on infrastructure projects worth $200bn as Qatar prepares for the 2022 FIFA World Cup; on health care, education and culture; on the energy sector; and on financial and advisory services. The UK is globally committed…

Analysis

A new approach: The country’s investment arm is streamlining its strategy
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After facing setbacks in 2015, Qatar’s multi-billion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is implementing a new strategy aimed at diversifying its asset base and restructuring its internal operations, with an increased focus on investments in the US and Asia. As the state continues to grapple with volatile energy markets and the declining performance of some of its major blue-chip investments, the new strategy is expected to reduce volatility, balance the state’s…

Interview

Much to offer: OBG talks to Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Minister of International Trade
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Interview:Chrystia Freeland How is the new Canadian government looking to enhance bilateral trade ties with Qatar, in particular Canadian exports to the state? CHRYSTIA FREELAND: Our government is open to exploring new trade opportunities with countries around the world. Trade is vital to our economic success in the 21st century: to job creation, to a strong middle class, and to the prosperity of those working hard to join it. Canada’s trading relationship with Qatar is currently quite…

Interview

Best practices: OBG talks to Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry
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Interview:Shahin Mustafayev What is the level of cooperation with the GCC? SHAHIN MUSTAFAYEV: Azerbaijan successfully cooperates, both politically and economically, with GCC countries, with the Joint Intergovernmental Commission playing a special role in developing bilateral relations. The volume of trade between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia has been on the rise, with $400m invested in our country to date by Saudi-owned enterprises. Ties with the UAE are also expanding, with the first overseas…

Interview

Best practices: OBG talks to Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry
OBG
plus

Interview:Shahin Mustafayev What is the level of cooperation with the GCC? SHAHIN MUSTAFAYEV: Azerbaijan successfully cooperates, both politically and economically, with GCC countries, with the Joint Intergovernmental Commission playing a special role in developing bilateral relations. The volume of trade between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia has been on the rise, with $400m invested in our country to date by Saudi-owned enterprises. Ties with the UAE are also expanding, with the first overseas…