His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry met with His Excellency Mr Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, on the side-linesof his participation in the World Economic Forum ‘Davos 2022’, held in Switzerland, under the theme: ‘Preparing for the Post-Covid era’, from May 22 to 26, 2022.

The meeting featured discussions on ways to develop bilateral relations across multiple fields, between the State of Qatar and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Moreover, the convening officials explored a number of issues of common interest aimed at strengthening cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, and industry, in addition to exchanging views on the topics on the Forum’s agenda.

Moreover, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the successful economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities available in Qatar that are aimed at encouraging Iraqi investors, businessmen, and business owners to invest in Qatar.

It is worth noting that the volume of trade exchange between the State of Qatar and the Iraqi Republic amounted to about $145.3 million in 2021. Additionally, Qatar is home to 304 Iraqi companies operating in many sectors and important economic activities. The two countries are bound by a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, including the Agreement on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation.

This year’s edition of the World Economic Forum Davos highlights a number of key issues and topics, including post-pandemic recovery and climate change. Over 2,500 leaders and experts from all over the world are taking part in ‘Davos 2022’, including more than 1,250 private sector leaders, along with up to 100 ‘global innovators’ and ‘technology pioneers’.