18 April 2023, Doha – Qatar: Qatar’s pavilion at Hannover Messe 2023 hosted a joint panel attended by a number of experts and industry leaders from Qatar, including representatives from the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).  

Organised in collaboration between IPA Qatar and the German Federal Association for Small and Medium-sized Business (BVMW), the panel discussion delved into opportunities for investment and collaboration in the manufacturing and technology sectors. It also highlighted the country’s digital advancements and how they benefit businesses looking to establish or expand in Qatar.

Recognising the strong trade and investment relationship between Qatar and Germany in his opening remarks, H.E. Sultan bin Rashid Al-Khater, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said: “Germany is Qatar's fifth-largest trading partner and has significant investments in the country with bilateral trade reaching $1.8 billion in 2022. The 323 German companies currently operating in Qatar play a vital role in supporting the country's overall development.”

"Over the past years, Qatar enacted new laws and regulations to support foreign direct investment and create a favourable business environment. In turn, these reforms have strengthened the country's position as a preferred destination for foreign investors looking to launch new businesses in the region. In addition, they contribute to creating new job opportunities and promoting the country’s sustainable economic development,” H.E. added.

Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, IPA Qatar, said: "Qatar's advanced manufacturing and industrial technology sectors offer significant investment opportunities, and events like Hannover Messe provide a platform for us to showcase these sectors to the global business community. Our participation in the fair highlights Qatar's commitment to economic diversification and innovation, and we look forward to building new partnerships and collaborations that will drive growth and development in our country.”

Markus Jerger, CEO, BVMW, also acknowledged the growing ties between the two countries in his introductory speech, stating: “The German SMEs are the economic backbone of Germany. I am sure that our GCC office in Doha will help to establish numerous and successful Qatari-German joint ventures in the coming years. This will strengthen the common economy and will tighten the relations with our important partner Qatar as well.”

Sheikh Suhaim Saoud F. Q. Al-Thani, Manager of International Business Relations, QFZ, said: “Qatar is a country of many opportunities, and QFZ is proud to support its continued growth, development, and economic diversification efforts while providing a seamless platform for companies worldwide to unlock new opportunities and explore the frontiers of technology through our free zones.”

Dr. Danny Ramadan, Investment Director, QSTP, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), said: “QSTP is the only free zone in the MENA region focused on targeting tech-based, research, development, and innovation (RDI)-driven companies, and it offers them a myriad of benefits. Our unique location within Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem that includes various academic and research institutes allows for multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaborations within RDI.”

Majed Al Amari, Business Development Associate, QFC, also talked about the entity’s commitment to supporting investors during the panel discussion. He said: “Qatar Financial Centre contributes significantly to the country's economic diversification by attracting various types and sizes of businesses, from start-ups to large corporations, offering them flexible legal and regulatory service. We also actively promote innovation and technology adoption to help establish Qatar as a forward-looking global business and commercial hub.”

Mohammed Al Mulla, Specialist, Investor Relations, IPA Qatar, commented on Qatar’s emergence as a hub for innovation and investment: “Qatar's strategic position as a gateway to global markets, coupled with its low energy prices, competitive tax system and advanced digital infrastructure, means that it is an attractive destination for companies looking to expand their operations.”

The Qatar Pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and supported by IPA Qatar, provided visitors with an exclusive look at the latest industrial technology advancements and the lucrative investment opportunities in Qatar.

Established in 1947, Hannover Messe is one of the world's largest trade fairs for industrial technology and serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The event attracts 6,500 exhibitors and 250,000 visitors annually in the form of industry leaders, experts and businesses from around the world, providing an opportunity to connect, network and explore potential investment opportunities.

Qatar’s industrial technology sectors: manufacturing the future

Qatar's industrial technology sector is experiencing significant growth, and the country is home to one of the 14 advanced manufacturing hubs (AMHUBs) globally. The sector has been identified as a key driver of economic diversification and is ranked among Group A of the GovTech Enablers Index, which recognises countries that have established enabling environments for government-driven technology innovation. Qatar's favourable business environment includes no customs and duties on machinery and equipment imports, which renders it an attractive destination for investors. Additionally, the country's strategic location in the Middle East makes it an ideal location for freight forwarding and logistics. These factors have contributed to the sector's growth, and Qatar's industrial technology industry is poised for continued success in the coming years.