Arab-German Business Forum Concludes in Berlin - Report
Berlin, June 19 (QNA) - The the Arab-German Business Forum concluded in the German capital, Berlin, on Friday, following three days of discussions and meetings that witnessed extensive Qatari participation, making Qatar the most prominently represented delegation across the forum's sessions and panel discussions since its opening on June 17.
The forum's closing session delivered a clear message: Arab-German economic partnerships can no longer be measured solely by trade volumes or investment figures, but rather by their ability to foster long-term cooperation built on trust, encourage innovation, and contribute to stability and prosperity for peoples and nations alike.
In this context, Qatar emerged as a leading example of how economic cooperation can be closely linked to resilience and crisis preparedness. Through its active participation in the forum's sessions and discussions, the State of Qatar highlighted a model of partnership that goes beyond traditional commercial exchange, emphasizing sustainable relationships capable of strengthening countries' ability to withstand global and regional disruptions.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed stressed that the resilience of the Qatari economy, its flexibility, and its rapid response to emerging developments have been key factors in maintaining economic stability and balance amid a complex geopolitical environment marked by both regional and international challenges.
His Excellency noted that the strength of Qatar's economic system is rooted in its robust infrastructure, which continues to receive strong support from the country's wise leadership to ensure its ongoing development in line with technological advancements and future requirements. He also highlighted Qatar's stable and investment-friendly business environment, supported by a flexible regulatory and legal framework that can be continuously updated to provide certainty and security for investors and businesses.
HE Dr. Al Sayed further pointed out that efforts aimed at ending conflict in the region and advancing political settlements could open new economic opportunities and expand areas of cooperation with international partners and allies.
For his part, HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber and First Vice Chairman of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani said that the 29th edition of the Arab-German Business Forum witnessed strong momentum and significant interest, reflected in the high-level ministerial representation from both Qatar and Germany, the participation of senior executives from major economic and industrial institutions, and attendance exceeding 400 participants.
In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani said that the current German government has demonstrated openness toward expanding cooperation and partnership with the State of Qatar. He noted that several German economic delegations have recently visited Doha to explore current and future investment opportunities, adding that investment expansion is no longer limited to major German corporations, as Qatar has increasingly attracted medium-sized enterprises seeking opportunities in the country.
His Excellency also expressed hope for increased joint investments in advanced technological sectors, including artificial intelligence, describing the Arab-German Business Forum as a reflection of the depth and continuity of the partnership between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany. He noted that this year's edition coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic and commercial ties and building long-term trust between the two sides.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani emphasized that Arab-German relations are founded on trust, economic complementarity, and shared strategic interests. Germany's industrial and technological leadership, combined with the investment capabilities and market dynamism of the Arab world, has helped create a partnership that extends well beyond traditional trade into areas such as energy, infrastructure, advanced industries, innovation, and cultural cooperation.
He further stressed that the Qatari-German partnership represents a model of resilience and constructive engagement amid rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic conditions. Strengthening strategic partnerships, he said, remains a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 by combining German innovation and industrial excellence with Qatar's flexibility, resources, and long-term vision to support sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani also highlighted Qatar's accelerated transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy supported by world-class infrastructure, strong financial foundations, and a competitive investment environment. Ongoing reforms, including legislative modernization, streamlined procedures, enhanced tax frameworks, and the development of financial systems, continue to strengthen private-sector growth and reinforce investor confidence. He noted that the forum provided an important platform for deepening strategic dialogue, expanding partnerships, and exploring new avenues of cooperation, further enhancing Qatar's position as a global investment destination.
For his part, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Germany Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar affirmed that the opportunity is now greater than ever for Qataris and Germans to capitalize on their longstanding friendship and trusted relationship by expanding economic and trade partnerships and strengthening cooperation in technical and technological fields.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Arab-German Business Forum, His Excellency described trust-based relations as the cornerstone of successful business, investment, and commercial cooperation.
HE Al Hamar noted that Doha and Berlin already enjoy strong and longstanding ties at a time when many countries are still seeking opportunities to establish new partnerships. He observed that successive regional and global crises have demonstrated that economic resilience is a critical factor in navigating uncertainty and sustaining growth.
He added that the State of Qatar has developed into a highly competitive destination for economic projects and advanced technology industries, supported by strong economic fundamentals and an attractive investment climate. This environment has already attracted German investors, particularly younger entrepreneurs, whose investments have expanded across both large-scale ventures and medium-sized projects.
According to His Excellency, this trend reflects a growing recognition that economic cooperation between trusted partners extends beyond the traditional concept of buying and selling goods and services, regardless of the scale of such transactions.
Meanwhile, President of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Olaf Hoffmann underscored the importance of expanding cooperation between Qatar and Germany in the fields of startups and innovation. He pointed to recent initiatives launched by both sides to strengthen the presence of German startups in the Qatari market and enable them to benefit from the opportunities available in the country.
Hoffmann said that while Germany offers a favorable environment for startup growth, Qatar is also emerging as a promising destination due to the investment and technological opportunities it provides. He highlighted the talented young professionals, entrepreneurial potential, and collaborative spirit he observed during the forum's accompanying events.
He emphasized that cooperation between the two sides has produced positive results in recent years and expressed hope that this collaboration would continue to expand through joint programs and initiatives enabling young German startups to visit Doha and explore available opportunities, while also increasing the participation of Qatari entrepreneurs in economic events hosted in Germany.
Hoffmann further suggested the creation of dedicated platforms and programs for startups within events organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Germany or during future editions of the Arab-German Business Forum. Expanding communication and exchange between entrepreneurs and startup communities in both countries, he said, would open new horizons for future partnerships and cooperation.
He stressed that the State of Qatar has consistently proven itself to be a reliable partner for German companies and that bilateral economic relations have demonstrated a strong capacity to overcome external challenges and crises. He also praised the resilience and stability of Qatar's economy and business environment despite ongoing regional tensions and uncertainties.
The forum featured a series of sessions and discussions focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and strengthening cooperation between Arab and German startups. A dedicated session on the State of Qatar, as the forum's partner country, explored investment opportunities, innovation, and strategic cooperation in light of global transformations. Participants included representatives from Qatar Chamber, Qatar Financial Centre, and leading German economic institutions and companies.
The event also included meetings between Qatari officials and German business leaders, chief executive officers, and company representatives aimed at exploring investment opportunities and expanding cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
Additional sessions examined the role of artificial intelligence, research and development, and advanced industrial technologies in enhancing economic resilience and supporting sustainable growth. Discussions also addressed opportunities for cooperation in advanced technologies, digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship.
Participants further explored issues related to reconstruction, sustainable development, infrastructure investment, technology, and international partnerships, as well as ways to strengthen trade corridors, logistics services, and free zones amid geopolitical challenges. Digital trust and cybersecurity were also highlighted as essential components in protecting increasingly interconnected economies.
The forum additionally addressed healthcare innovation, smart care solutions, and the interconnection between the energy and water sectors within broader sustainability efforts. Discussions emphasized the role of economic diplomacy and international partnerships in promoting stability and stimulating economic growth. Networking sessions and roundtable discussions provided participants with opportunities to exchange expertise, explore direct investment prospects, and strengthen engagement between economic institutions, companies, and investors from the Arab world and Germany. (QNA)
English
Français
Deutsch
Español
русский
हिंदी
اردو