New York, September 20 (QNA) - HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announce the launch of "Doha Investment" platform, a dedicated platform to manage and grow the Qatar Investment Authority's (QIA) domestic investment portfolio and accelerating long-term value creation within the Qatari economy.

In his opening remarks at the Qatar Economic Forum - Powered by Bloomberg, held Sunday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency said that the launch of the platform follows Qatar's successful three-decade-long effort to build world-class infrastructure, institutions, and companies. The mission now is to leverage the full potential of these pillars and support the next phase of Qatar's economic development.

His Excellency added that, through this platform, the State of Qatar aims to expand private sector participation to serve as a driver of economic growth. The platform will support leading companies, help startups grow, deepen capital markets, and attract international capital and expertise to contribute to these efforts.

His Excellency noted that the platform would contribute to enhancing governance and developing capabilities, thereby making companies more competitive and better prepared for expansion. He further indicated that the platform's success would be measured by the extent of its contribution to building a more competitive, resilient, and diversified Qatari economy in which the private sector plays a greater role.

His Excellency emphasized that over the next five years, the State of Qatar is expected to launch new infrastructure projects valued at approximately USD 38.5 billion, including public-private partnership projects, with the initial tendering processes commencing immediately. He added that, in parallel, separate projects in the real estate and hospitality sectors are expected to attract private investments totaling USD 22.5 billion. This includes the Simaisma Beach project, which is projected to draw investments of around USD 5.8 billion, with further projects to be announced in due course.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that these projects and investment opportunities, combined, represent a value exceeding USD 60 billion over a five-year period.

His Excellency said that the goal is to combine public infrastructure projects with private capital and international expertise. He noted that Qatar is seeking partners who possess technological innovation and market access, and are prepared to build long-term partnerships.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized that the State of Qatar does not underestimate the current state of uncertainty, yet it will not allow short-term disruptions to dictate its long-term direction.

His Excellency asserted that the State of Qatar works to enhance regional stability through diplomacy, while advancing reform, strengthening resilience, and creating growth opportunities through investment.

His Excellency added that for the State of Qatar, diplomacy and economic stability are closely linked, as diplomacy safeguards the conditions that enable individuals to engage in trade and investment and plan for the future. He emphasized that the foundations of sustainable security cannot be established through recurring cycles of escalation and retaliatory responses, nor through arrangements that leave any state permanently vulnerable to insecurity.

Regarding the current crisis in the region, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that discussions during the crisis would begin with the topics of security and de-escalation, subsequently moving on to issues concerning energy supplies, shipping routes, and the fate of investment plans.

His Excellency emphasized that the region requires a framework grounded in respect for the principle of sovereignty, where no state poses a threat to another. He stressed that the State of Qatar will remain a committed partner in mediation efforts, a reliable energy supplier, and a long-term investment partner.

His Excellency described the events the region has witnessed recently as an "earthquake," with aftershocks extending far beyond its borders, challenging prevailing assumptions about security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that Doha has worked with regional and international partners to keep channels of communication open, de-escalate tensions, and support diplomatic understandings, highlighting Qatar's recognition that economic resilience requires preparedness, institutions, infrastructure, and partnerships established prior to the onset of crises.

His Excellency said that the crisis put these fundamental pillars to the test, as activities were disrupted and costs rose. Yet, the Qatari financial system continued to operate and companies carried on with their functions. He added that this resilience reflects years of preparation and planning under the leadership and vision of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani affirmed that Qatar's economic fundamentals remain robust. He noted that the expansion of the North Field would reinforce the country's position as a reliable energy supplier and support its economic diversification efforts; for energy is the source of its strength, diversification is the secret to its resilience, and technology is its future. (QNA)