During a lecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), His Excellency Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of diversification and self-sufficiency in the economic development of Qatar.
In his remarks, the minister noted that Qatar’s response to the blockade of June 2017 has resulted in significant, positive changes to the economy: “The blockade was a good thing for Qatar. We have achieved so much that we would not have achieved without it.”
Over the past two years, Qatar’s total exports and foreign trade have witnessed noticeable growth, while food production and local manufacturing have drastically increased. Qatar has successfully adopted many food security initiatives that move the country toward self-sufficiency.
Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, said: “It is so important that our students hear directly from the minister the ways the Qatar business community has adapted in the wake of the 2017 blockade. We have many aspiring business leaders studying here, and the minister succinctly outlined how industry can thrive in times of adversity.”
The minister discussed the initiatives that will foster a favourable business climate within Qatar and encourage international trade. He praised Qatar’s logistics capabilities, noting how well several industries have relied on Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port to manage a sudden spike in the inflow of goods to the country.
The minister noted: “Qatar has successfully established direct commercial routes with a number of strategic hubs around the world and, since the blockade, trade has been diverted to our major trading partners.”
The minister’s talk was the first Dean’s Lecture Series for the 2019-20 academic year. Now in its ninth year, CMU-Q’s Dean’s Lecture Series features industry leaders, government officials and members of the business community who share their expertise on relevant and topical issues.
For more information on the Dean’s Lecture Series, and to find out more about programs offered at Carnegie Mellon Qatar, please visit: www.qatar.cmu.edu