Portugal and Qatar strengthen economic and commercial cooperation ties

• The Qatari-Portuguese Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation met in Lisbon to discuss deepening ties in the fields of economic, commercial, and investment cooperation in several sectors.

• The two countries agreed on holding Joint Commission meetings every two years.

• The third Joint Commission meeting will be held in Doha.

Climate, agriculture, education, transports, and technology were the focus

The Qatari-Portuguese Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation met in Lisbon on 1 and 2 October to adopt measures that strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between both countries. 

The Qatari delegation, headed by the Vice-Minister of State for Foreign Trade Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed was hosted by the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Castro Almeida and met with the Portuguese delegation headed by the Secretary of State for Economy João Rui Ferreira. 

"These meetings are the reflection of the good economic and commercial relations between both countries, which have huge potential to progress. Bilateral investment is highly beneficial to boost economic growth. Portugal has been staking its claim as a trustworthy and safe partner for investors from the Persian Gulf and our companies find in Qatar a market and platform for a region rife with opportunities", stressed the Minister Castro Almeida. 

In this second Joint Commission meeting, the subjects of bilateral discussion focused on deepening the commercial, economic, corporate cooperation and investments between Qatar and Portugal. The two delegations also addressed cooperation in areas such as: climate change, agriculture, transports, communications and information and communication technologies, tourism, education, culture, and sports.

Parallel to this meeting, technical meetings were held between institutions from both countries, namely the Portuguese Development Bank and the Qatar Investment Authority; the Portuguese Foreign Trade Agency (AICEP) and the Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and between AICEP and Invest Qatar. 

"Deepening the economic and commercial relations between Qatar and Portugal is important for both countries. Eleven years later, the Joint Commission meeting took place in a constructive environment and with perspectives for reinforcement in various areas", stated the Portuguese Secretary of State for Economy. 

Both countries agreed on continuing the dialogue between Qatar and Portugal with the Joint Commission meeting every two years and setting up a Joint Economic Council. 

João Rui Ferreira destaca ainda a importância de encontros mais regulares a nível institucional e sobretudo empresarial dos dois lados, que permitam desenvolver e definir planos de atividades. 

Both parts expressed their expectation that it will be possible to sign a cooperation agreement in the field of Education, Science, Technology, and Higher Education, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth, Sports, and Culture. 

As part of their trip to Portugal, the Qatari delegation visited the Unicorn Factory Lisboa. 

It was established that the third Qatari-Portuguese Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation meeting will be held in Doha on a date to be confirmed.