A Qatari delegation chaired by H.E. Mr. Sultan Bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has participated in the 12th session of the Russian–Arab Business Council, and the 4th international ARABIA-EXPO exhibition. The event is taking place in Moscow, Russia, on April 8-10, 2019 under the theme “Time to Cooperate for Our Future.”

H.E Mr. Al Khater attended the official opening ceremony, which was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The ceremony brought together a number of Russian officials, government figures and heads of participating Arab delegations. H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the accompanying delegation toured the 4th International Exhibition “Arabia-EXPO” and visited the pavilion hosted by Qatar Chamber.

The 12th session of the Russian–Arab Business Council provides a platform to strengthen dialogue between Russia and the Arab region and bolster cooperation on the economic, trade and investment levels. This year’s edition features working sessions on the prospects of developing Russian and Arab relations and the advantages of the business environment in Moscow. Discussions also touches on investment opportunities across Arab countries and Russia as well as services offered in free economic zones in participating countries.

The session features round table discussions on a number of economic topics, including infrastructure, construction, real estate, financial services, trade, medicine, pharmacy and cosmetics.

A number of bilateral business council meetings are being organized by Russia and a number of participating Arab countries, such as Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Jordan, Oman, Sudan and Morocco.

The Russian–Arab Business Council coincided with the 4th International Exhibition “Arabia-EXPO”, which is the largest international event for trade and economic cooperation between Russia and the Arab world. The three-day event brings together representatives of Arab countries and officials from 85 Russian authorities.

The exhibition aims to encourage bilateral investments in Arab countries and Russia, to showcase investment opportunities, and to enable participating countries to promote and market their goods and services. The exhibition also provides a platform to strengthen communication between businessmen, companies and institutions in Arab countries and Russia.