H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and H.E. Luigi Di Maio, European Union Special Representative for the Gulf region, inaugurated the 8th EU-GCC Business Forum in Doha, on Thursday, November 28th, 2024. The forum aims to strengthen economic relations between the EU and the GCC by supporting economic diversification and addressing bilateral trade and investment cooperation issues. The forum gathered a distinguished group of officials and experts, including H.E. Dr. Cristian Tudor, EU Ambassador to Qatar; Mr. Hamad Al-Mulla, Head of Negotiations and Strategic Dialogue Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat; and representatives from ministries, relevant authorities, and the private sector from both sides. In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised the forum’s pivotal role in enhancing economic collaboration between the EU and GCC. H.E. hoped that the discussions would contribute to achieving the vision of GCC and EU leaders to strengthen their strategic trade and investment partnership, capitalise on the opportunities provided by the evolving business environment, digital and green transformations, and sustainable energy, and thus drive sectoral cooperation in areas that support economic integration and diversification, ultimately fostering resilient and sustainable economies. H.E. noted that the EU is the GCC’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume increasing by 69%, from approximately $116 billion in 2020 to over $196 billion in 2023. H.E. called for expediting negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two regions to further enhance partnership and encourage mutual investments. H.E. also discussed Qatar’s efforts under its National Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and pivot toward digital economy, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. He highlighted promising programs under Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy to boost non-hydrocarbon sectors such as digital technology, advanced industries, financial and logistics services, and renewable energy. H.E. Minister of State for Foreign Trade concluded his speech by reaffirming the strong ties between Qatar and the EU, built on constructive cooperation in various fields. H.E. hoped the forum’s discussions would bolster economic partnerships between the GCC and EU, serving their mutual interests. The forum featured five panel discussions focusing on enhancing EU-GCC cooperation. The first session explored innovation in transport and logistics, emphasising the impact of smart infrastructure on connectivity. The second session addressed the green economy, focusing on renewable energy technologies and sustainable policies to tackle environmental challenges and foster economic growth. The third session highlighted opportunities to enhance tourism and cultural exchange, creating new economic prospects between the GCC and the EU. The fourth session examined the role of information technology and AI in improving digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital trade. Lastly, the fifth session delved into growing opportunities in innovation and healthcare, focusing on digital health platforms and integrated care solutions to strengthen collaboration between the two sides.