Doha, October 27 (QNA) - The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has held talks with officials from Iraq, Lebanon and Hong Kong to explore opportunities for stronger trade and investment ties and the development of joint projects.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha and were led by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, chairman of the QBA's board of directors.

He met HE Minister of Trade of the Republic of Iraq Mustafa Nizar Al Ani, HE Minister of Economy and Trade of the Lebanese Republic Amer Bisat, and HE Chairman of the Trade Development Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Prof. Frederick Ma.

Discussions focused on expanding commercial and investment relations, increasing the participation of Qatari companies in development projects and establishing partnerships between businesses in Qatar and the three markets.

Potential areas of cooperation included industry, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, food security, logistics, technology, food manufacturing, tourism, financial services, innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The meetings also explored ways to increase reciprocal investment, strengthen contacts between business leaders and companies, and exchange information on investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks and available incentives.

The association highlighted Qatar's advanced infrastructure, investor-friendly business environment and strategic location, positioning the country as a potential regional hub for Asian companies seeking to expand into the Gulf and neighboring markets.

HE Sheikh Faisal said the association's participation in the forum reflected the Qatari private sector's commitment to expanding international economic ties and building sustainable partnerships across Arab, Asian and global markets.

He stressed the importance of moving beyond discussions and preliminary understandings towards identifying concrete investment opportunities, developing joint projects and strengthening direct engagement between investors.

Such cooperation could facilitate technology and knowledge transfer while generating additional economic value, he said.

HE Sheikh Faisal added that the forum provided an opportunity to showcase Qatar's economic potential and competitive advantages to international partners, while opening new avenues for Qatari companies to expand abroad.

He said a stronger role for the private sector in international partnerships would support Qatar's economic diversification and sustainable development objectives. (QNA)