DOHA: Investment opportunities are abound in the US for Qataris in various sectors. Citing recent announcements by top government officials, experts yesterday noted US is expected to attract an estimated over $35 billion worth of investments form Qatar over the next five years.
Attending an economic forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Qatar (AmCham Qatar) here the other day, market experts from both public and private sectors said they foresee big opportunities for Qatari investors in the US market.
The Forum, “Doing Business in the US”, was opened by Dana Shell Smith, the US Ambassador to Qatar and Remy Rowhani, Director General of Qatar Chamber. The experts and business leaders discussed opportunities for Qatari investors in strategic sectors of the robust US economy, including in investment banking, commercial real estate, entertainment and transportation. The forum also discussed other important areas of the American business environment, providing expert insights into the immigration, tax and legal systems.
Dana Shell Smith said: “The US-Qatar relationship is strong on many levels. Our business and cultural relationship is the foundation that underpins so much of what we do. We share around $7bn in bilateral trade.”
Detailing Qatar Chamber’s role as a gateway to helping all companies achieve their ambitions, Rowhani said: “We are open for business and we are open for partnerships with the US companies to help us deliver the great goals of our National Vision.”
AmCham Qatar Chairman Robert Hager said that there has been a great deal of activity following US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker’s visit to Doha last year. “While this week celebrates the diverse and multi-faceted nature of our partnership, today we want to talk business, he said. “Our two countries, I believe, share similar attitudes on such crucial issues as growth, vision, innovation and independence.”
Citing a figure from a recent visit to the US by H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, the Minister of Finance, speakers from the forum estimated that Qatar’s investments in the United States will exceed a staggering $35bn over the next five years.
The speakers included Rodney E Slater, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs and former US Secretary of Transportation; Ryan Elzein, Foreign Service Commercial, US Embassy in Qatar; Zubaid Ahmad, Vice Chairman and Global Head of Private Sector, Citi; Susan B Bastress, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs; Scott Cooper, Partner, Fragomen Worldwide; and Bob Hercules, Independent Filmmaker and Co-Owner of Media Process Group.
