Ministry of Commerce and Industry Participates as Official Partner in Qatar Economic Forum: UNGA Special Edition in New York
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry participated as an Official Partner in the Qatar Economic Forum: UNGA Special Edition 2026, Powered by Bloomberg, held in New York on Sunday, 20 September 2026, alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Forum opened in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with the participation of a high-level Qatari delegation comprising H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs; H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance; and Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority.
Held under the theme “Growth on New Terms: Capital, Risk and Resilience,” the Special Edition brought together heads of state and government, policymakers, investors and business leaders from around the world. Discussions addressed pathways to growth in a world where the rules governing trade, investment and energy are changing and risks are increasing, alongside the major forces reshaping the global economy, including geopolitical shifts, trade and capital flows, energy security and supply, and rapid technological developments.
H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, also participated in the plenary session, “The Growth Agenda,” alongside Bruce Flatt, Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Corporation. The session was moderated by Bloomberg’s Christina Ruffini.
The discussion explored the future of growth, shifts in trade policy, and how governments, businesses and investors are responding to the changes reshaping the global economy. It also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in increasing productivity, strengthening competitiveness and attracting high-value investment. In addition, the session examined ways to enable the private sector, develop the capabilities of Qatari companies and strengthen their presence in global markets amid changing trade routes, capital flows and supply chains.
During the session, His Excellency affirmed that economic and investment activity in Qatar remains strong despite regional and international developments. He noted that more than 5,000 foreign-owned companies were registered during the most recent quarter, representing a 60% increase compared with the same period last year, while exports by local manufacturers increased by 12%.
He also noted that several international companies are considering relocating their regional headquarters to Qatar or expanding their presence in the country. Ongoing discussions with at least four companies concern foreign direct investments valued at USD 15 billion, and the companies involved continue to proceed with their investment plans.
His Excellency noted that Doha Investment will manage and develop Qatar Investment Authority’s domestic investment portfolio, helping accelerate the creation of added value for the national economy, expand the private sector’s role in driving growth, support local companies and help emerging businesses scale. It will also work to deepen capital markets and attract international capital and expertise.
Doha Investment also aims to strengthen governance and develop talent, with a focus on financial services, transport and logistics, food security, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and technology, real estate, and hospitality.
Addressing economic resilience and supply chains, His Excellency explained that approximately 90% of global shipping takes place by sea, making it difficult to dispense with maritime routes. He noted that Qatar is focusing on goods and services that can be produced or delivered locally without passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including data and computing services.
On the sidelines of the Forum, His Excellency held a series of bilateral meetings with international business leaders and investors. These included Raj Ganguly, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of B Capital; Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor; Bruce Flatt, Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Corporation; Mark Coombs, Chief Executive Officer of Ashmore Group; and David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Carlyle.
The meetings explored opportunities to expand cooperation and investment across several priority sectors, including technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, hospitality, asset management and alternative investments. They also examined new partnership opportunities, ways to increase high-value investment flows, and measures to support the growth and expansion of businesses.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s participation as an Official Partner of the Forum reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its position within the global trade and investment landscape, expanding channels of engagement with the international business and investment community, and promoting the opportunities offered by Qatar’s business and investment environment.
The Qatar Economic Forum is one of the most prominent events on the global economic calendar and an international platform for high-level dialogue on issues affecting global markets, investment flows, trade and international business.
The Forum’s agenda covered five principal themes: geopolitical shifts in the Middle East and their implications for the global economy; the outlook for energy supply and demand; the reshaping of global trade flows; the rebalancing of global capital and emerging investment trends; and artificial intelligence, from digital promise to practical reality.