Qatar-Pakistan Business Forum was organized in Doha from 12th to 13th of November 2018. The event was organized by The State of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry in partnership with Avenue Ventures Pakistan at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. High level delegations from both sides attended the event. The keynote speech at the Forum was delivered on the opening day by the State of Qatar’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari. Presentations were given to the attendees on the topics of ‘How to do Business in Qatar’ and ‘Customs Procedures for Supply of Food and Business Materials’
The Pakistani Business delegates were led by Managing Director of the Fauji Foundation and Fauji Group of Companies, Lieutenant General Syed Tariq Nadeem Gilani, HI (M) (Retired) .More than three dozen Pakistani companies pitched their ideas at the forum. These Pakistani companies not only included corporate giants such as Fauji Group, Engro and Packages, but also many emerging local firms like Fast Cables, Interwood Mobel, Bulleh Shah Packaging, Big Bird Foods, Team Agro, Tooba Rice Mills, among several other SMEs in the foods and construction sectors.
Gulf countries rely on imports of foods due to reasons of geography. Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry is particularly focused on foods because their traditional trading patterns in foods have been disrupted and they are looking to arrive at a food-secure place. MD Fauji foundation while commenting on this subject said that Pakistan can provide substantial support in the sector of food security. For example in the meat sector, we can set up a small abattoir in Qatar. In dairy, we can supply milk derivatives such as butter and cheese. Pakistan is also looking to develop partnerships in fruits and vegetables sector.
