H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, participated in the launch ceremony of Qatar World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair, organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) at Education City. The event was attended by senior academic leaders, representatives of international organisations, and a distinguished group of researchers and students.
The launch marks Qatar’s inclusion in the WTO Chairs Programme, which aims to support academic research, education, and training in the fields of international trade, while promoting cooperation between academic institutions and policymakers around the world.
During the ceremony, H.E. Dr Al-Sayed commended the WTO’s decision to select the College of Law at HBKU to host the Chair, noting that this milestone marks a significant addition to Qatar’s academic and research landscape. His Excellency emphasised that this recognition reflects the international community’s confidence in Qatar’s national capabilities and in the strong research and innovation environment fostered by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
His Excellency stated that HBKU’s inclusion in the WTO Chairs Programme constitutes a pivotal step in Qatar’s journey to strengthen its role as an active contributor that is shaping the future of global trade which will be achieved through advancing specialised research in areas such as international and digital trade, and industrial policies, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030).
His Excellency added that this achievement will enhance collaboration between higher education institutions, government entities, and international organisations to develop trade policies based on knowledge and scientific research. Such efforts will strengthen the national research capacities and empower young Qatari talent to address global economic challenges.
His Excellency further emphasised that the WTO Chairs Programme serves as a strategic platform to exchange expertise, formulate trade policies, and support the countries’ efforts to achieve economic diversification and benefit from global transformations in digital economy, innovation, and trade integration. These initiatives, he added, will build a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based national economy.
In conclusion, H.E. Dr Al-Sayed congratulated Hamad Bin Khalifa University on this distinguished academic achievement, commending the efforts of its faculty and expressing his appreciation to all local and international partners who contributed to the success of this initiative. He also expressed his confidence that this Chair will serve as a distinguished platform for academic excellence that enhances Qatar’s position as a global centre for thought leadership and policy innovation in trade and sustainable development.
