Q : Tell us about your perspective on ways that U . S . -Qatar cooperation may be furthered .
A : In July of this year , a bilateral memorandum of understanding was signed between the State of Qatar and the United States to combat the financing of terrorism , announced by His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani with his American counterpart Rex Tilerson . It was also announced that Qatar is the first country to sign the agreement with Washington to combat terrorism .
Q : What are some big picture issues facing Qatar today ?
A : The most important challenges facing Qatar under the Qatar National Vision 2030 , launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2008 , are economic , social , human , and environmental development .
Q : How is Qatar ’ s business community uniquely positioning itself to help Americans who are interested in doing business in the country ?
A : Qatar will remain one of the most attractive markets for investors , with preferred investment opportunities in a number of key sectors . In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on the occasion of Qatar ’ s participation in the meetings of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) and the World Bank , “ The government aims to support continued investment and stimulate private companies and international investors wishing to expand their activities in the region . Qatar ’ s budget deficit is expected to fall in the coming years and the economic outlook will continue to be positive .” Qatar and the United States have long enjoyed strong and valuable relations and Qatar ’ s participation in the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have given it the opportunity to strengthen the relationship with investors and U . S . partners , and highlight ways of joint cooperation . Discussions at IMF and World Bank meetings focused on the opportunities offered by the Qatari economy to investors and bilateral trade relations between the two countries . The delegation affirmed the continuity of the positive outlook on the Qatari economy .
Q : Is there anything we have not discussed that you would like to mention ?
A : I would like to mention that I am honored and privileged to represent my country in such a diverse and hospitable city like Houston . It has been a pleasure to work with and be a part of one of the largest Consular Corps in the United States .
tar is a major departure point for air operations against ISIS in Syria and Iraq .
Education-wise , the United States welcomes hundreds of Qatari students each year and six major U . S . universities have branches in Qatar .
Q : Tell us about your perspective on ways that U . S . -Qatar cooperation may be furthered .
A : In July of this year , a bilateral memorandum of understanding was signed between the State of Qatar and the United States to combat the financing of terrorism , announced by His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani with his American counterpart Rex Tilerson . It was also announced that Qatar is the first country to sign the agreement with Washington to combat terrorism .
In my opinion , the United States ’ decisive role in resolving the current Gulf crisis and continued support of the stability of the Gulf countries will play a major role in supporting U . S . - Qatari relations . This will also provide for continuing growth in trade relations and in education , culture , health , sports , and all other community activities .
Q : What are some big picture issues facing Qatar today ?
A : The most important challenges facing Qatar under the Qatar National Vision 2030 , launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2008 , are economic , social , human , and environmental development .
The economic development strategy of the Qatar National Vision 2030 consists of ensuring strong management of the national economy in order to develop a knowledge-based economy . On the social side , Qatar aims to achieve social development
42 iF Magazine | December 2017 in the country by encouraging the pursuit of human values . The Qatari Government is also implementing social programs to create a sense of communication among members of society . Other government initiatives include promoting sports , the country ’ s cultural heritage , and communication among family members .
In order to have a sound and capable workforce , Qatar ’ s National Vision 2030 is highly concerned with human development , which is done through the development of education and health care and by increasing cultural awareness and employment opportunities . There is a strong focus on youth in this regard .
Rapid population growth and increased air pollution are all obstacles and challenges facing the environment in Qatar , which are embodied in the vision . Qatar has tried to address them through the use of sophisticated technology . Other strategies used by the government to achieve environmental development include environmental awareness campaigns and the promotion of urban growth .
Q : How is Qatar ’ s business community uniquely positioning itself to help Americans who are interested in doing business in the country ?
A : Qatar will remain one of the most attractive markets for investors , with preferred investment opportunities in a number of key sectors . In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on the occasion of Qatar ’ s participation in the meetings of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) and the World Bank , “ The government aims to support continued investment and stimulate private companies and international investors wishing to expand their activities in the region . Qatar ’ s budget deficit is expected to fall in the coming years and the economic outlook will continue to be positive .” Qatar and the United States have long enjoyed strong and valuable relations and Qatar ’ s participation in the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have given it the opportunity to strengthen the relationship with investors and U . S . partners , and highlight ways of joint cooperation . Discussions at IMF and World Bank meetings focused on the opportunities offered by the Qatari economy to investors and bilateral trade relations between the two countries . The delegation affirmed the continuity of the positive outlook on the Qatari economy .
For his part , H . E . Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani , Governor of the Central Bank of Qatar , stressed that the blockade imposed on the Qatari economy is a problem . He added that the Qatar Central Bank has taken a number of tough and appropriate steps to ease the impact of the siege on the banks ’ financial accounts by injecting liquidity and increasing deposits of the public sector . He also stressed that the precautionary indicators for the banking sector are still healthy .
Qatar is one of the largest trading partners of the United States in the Middle East , with an increase of 29 % in imports in 2016 . Recently , a new set of laws and regulations aimed at developing the business environment and improving the growth of the private sector have been launched in Qatar .
Q : Is there anything we have not discussed that you would like to mention ?
A : I would like to mention that I am honored and privileged to represent my country in such a diverse and hospitable city like Houston . It has been a pleasure to work with and be a part of one of the largest Consular Corps in the United States .