Qatar participated in the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit held from May 1 to May 4 in Washington DC.

The Summit was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Saleh Majed Al Khulaifi.

Qatar’s participation in SelectUSA Investment Summit aligns with its keenness to strengthen bilateral ties with the US and discuss investment opportunities in both countries.

On the summit’s sidelines, Khulaifi participated in a roundtable organised by the US Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by Qatar Free Zones Authority CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Managing Director for Qatar- US Business Council Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al Thani and representatives from Qatar’s public and private entities including the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Barzan Holdings, and major US companies such as Boeing, Motorola, Amazon, and Citibank.

During his participation, Khulaifi highlighted Qatar’s vast investment opportunities across various sectors, including post-World Cup developments. He also emphasized the key laws and regulations governing investment, including the Law regulating non-Qatari capital in economic activity and the Law regulating public-private partnerships, as well as the incentives and benefits available to foreign investors.

On the summit’s sidelines, Khulaifi participated as a guest of honour in the reception organised by the US-Qatar Business Council which attracted senior officials and businessmen from both the US and Qatar.

Additionally, Khulaifi held a series of meetings on the summit’s sidelines. He met with Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Murray, Arun Venkatraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service Global Markets, and Dale Tasharski, Deputy Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service.

During the meetings, officials previewed topics of common interest to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the trade, investment, and industry sectors. They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations in light of the distinguished ties of friendship and common strategic interests that bind the two nations, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing the partnership.

Khulaifi highlighted Qatar’s successful policies to support the private sector, showcasing the various incentives, regulations, and promising opportunities to encourage investment and entrepreneurship in the country.

SelectUSA Investment Summit is the most prominent event dedicated to attracting FDI to the US.

It mainly attracts senior officials, chief executive officers, and thought leaders. Each edition focuses on a particular theme related to the US investment ecosystem, the latest industry trends, and new

opportunities.

This year’s edition is witnessing the organisation of more than 100 different sessions, including discussion panels with prominent US officials and company executives, in addition to specialised sessions focusing on various industries such as investment, international supply chains, advanced manufacturing, car manufacturing, aeronautics, clean energy, and other fields.

Qatar and the US have a strong economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching $6.68 billion in 2022. The US is Qatar’s ninth-largest trading partner.