FIEO Welcomes Strengthened India-Qatar Strategic Partnership, Anticipates Significant Boost in Trade and Investment  

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) warmly welcomes the enhanced strategic partnership between India and Qatar, following the State Visit of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to India. This landmark development sets the stage for deeper economic cooperation, paving the way for increased trade and investment flows between the two nations, said Ashwani Kumar, President, FIEO.
 
Highlighting the key outcomes of the visit, Kumar emphasized that the strengthening of bilateral ties will create new opportunities for Indian exporters and businesses. Some of the most significant developments include:
 
(a) Establishment of a Bilateral Strategic Partnership: This agreement lays a strong foundation for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and technology, providing Indian exporters with new avenues for growth.

(b) Target to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030: The ambitious commitment to significantly enhance trade volumes signals a robust and positive trajectory for Indian businesses engaged with Qatar.

(c) Elevation of the Joint Working Group to a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce: This upgraded framework will facilitate more effective dialogue, address trade-related concerns, and foster a business-friendly environment.

(d) Exploration of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): The commitment to discussing a CEPA reflects a long-term vision for deeper economic integration, potentially unlocking substantial benefits for Indian exporters.

(e) Qatar Investment Authority’s Pledge to Invest USD 10 Billion in India: This significant investment will bolster economic activity, create new business opportunities, and strengthen collaboration between Indian and Qatari enterprises.

(f) Operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Qatar: The integration of UPI in Qatar will streamline financial transactions, making cross-border trade more seamless and efficient.

(g)Strengthening Business Collaborations: Greater engagement between industry bodies, including the Joint Business Council and Joint Business Forum, will enhance business-to-business partnerships and promote trade.
 
Commenting on these developments, Ashwani Kumar stated, “The outcomes of this high-level visit are extremely promising for India’s exporting community. The commitment to doubling bilateral trade, coupled with Qatar’s significant investment pledge and initiatives to improve trade facilitation, creates a conducive environment for Indian businesses to expand their footprint in Qatar.”
 
FIEO remains committed to working closely with its members and stakeholders to leverage these opportunities and contribute towards achieving the ambitious trade targets set by both governments. Kumar expressed confidence that the enhanced economic cooperation between India and Qatar will not only boost bilateral trade and investment but also contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of both nations.