H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, participated in the first edition of the Arab, Central Asia and Azerbaijan Business Forum, held in collaboration with the League of Arab States under the theme “Towards Sustainable Cooperation and Partnership”. The conference, taking place from 26–27 February 2025 in Abu Dhabi, coincides with the Investopia 2025 Summit.
The conference is a direct outcome of the Doha Declaration, which was issued during the third edition of the Arab Economy and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan, held in Doha in April 2024. The forum, as an interactive platform for the private sector, aims to strengthen economic and investment ties and achieve integration with major regional economic platforms.
During his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed emphasised that the conference reflects the shared commitment to bolstering economic, trade, and investment cooperation and developing strategic partnerships that support mutual investments and help achieving sustainable development goals. The Minister highlighted that the historical relations and cultural ties between the Arab world and Central Asian countries serve as a solid foundation for advancing collaboration across various sectors.
His Excellency also stressed that Qatar attaches great importance to empowering the private sector in building strategic partnerships with Arab and Central Asian countries, as well as Azerbaijan. This includes encouraging knowledge exchange, fostering investment initiatives, and launching projects that drive long-term economic sustainability.
He further highlighted that the conference is a new beginning for expanding cooperation, focusing on initiatives that reinforce economic partnerships, and establishing strong trade and investment relations. He called on business leaders and investors from both regions to engage in joint efforts that foster development and prosperity.
The conference was attended by ministers of economy and commerce from several Arab and Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, alongside senior officials from regional and international organisations and representatives of the private sector.
The event featured a ministerial roundtable, bringing together ministers of economy and commerce and leaders of regional organisations, where participants discussed the future of economic cooperation. At the conclusion, a joint statement was issued outlining frameworks for future collaboration and shared initiatives.
The conference hosted a series of panel discussions covering topics such as regional corridors: creating business opportunities, the new economy in the region, financing and monitoring waste management, food security, the impact of climate change, the role of artificial intelligence and digital economy, and sessions with sectoral focus on oil and gas, energy, trade, and investment for sustainable development. Roundtables and business meetings were held among companies from participating countries.
On the sidelines of the conference, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed held bilateral meetings with foreign government officials, including H.E. Eng. Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Arab Republic of Egypt; H.E. Mr. Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Tunisia; and H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates.
Discussions at these meetings focused on topics of mutual interest, including enhancing trade and investment cooperation between the State of Qatar and respective states and exploring pathways to strengthen bilateral collaboration.
