His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the meeting of the Higher Committee for the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development, held in Doha on Sunday, 9 February 2025, with the participation of the Secretary-General of the Partnership, and ministers of commerce and industry of the member states.
The meeting announced the accession of the State of Qatar to the Integrated Industrial Partnership, as the sixth member – following the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain and Morocco. Qatar’s accession endorses national vision’s focus on enhancing cooperation and partnership with the member states, supporting sustainable development, and stimulating regional industrial integration.
The meeting considered Qatar’s accession as an added value, owing to Qatar's competitive advantage, positive economic prospects and advanced infrastructure – eventually enhancing regional economies and stimulating industrial integration among member states.
The meeting stressed the pivotal role Qatar will play in advancing the Partnership’s goals, by encouraging the private sector, providing investment opportunities, facilitating the flow of capital and goods, and stimulating trade cooperation.
The meeting also welcomed the accession of the Republic of Türkiye as an additional leverage, due to the prospects of Turkish economy; considering such an expansion as a joint commitment to advancing regional industrial cooperation.
During the meeting, a number of agreements were ratified between private sector companies from the member states in a range of sectors, spanning agriculture, food, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, textiles and clothing, chemicals, plastics, manufacturing products and metals.
Qatar Steel and Bahrain Steel signed an agreement worth $1.266 billion to supply five million metric tons of steel within five years – a deal that takes industrial cooperation between Qatar and Bahrain to higher levels. This partnership ensures a stable supply of essential raw material for Qatar Steel operations, which improves operational efficiency and contributes to economic development regionwide.
The agreement will generate new investment opportunities and enhance industrial competitiveness in both countries; while supporting supply chains and boosting self-sufficiency.
A day earlier, the Executive Committee of the Integrated Industrial Partnership convened on Saturday, 8 February 2025. The meeting was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and H.E. Mr. Omar Al-Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Integrated Industrial Partnership, with the participation of government officials and business leaders from the member states.
The meeting reviewed a series of industrial projects submitted by participating companies, and designated final projects for implementation.
