Qatar Chamber and ABLCC Meet to Boost Trade and Investment

Qatar Chamber held a virtual meeting with the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) on September 5, 2026, to discuss expanding trade and investment ties between Qatar and Belgium. The Qatar News Agency reported the session, which included Qatar Chamber board member and ABLCC vice president Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli. Philippe Dessoy, ABLCC president, and Qaisar Hijazin, ABLCC secretary general, also participated in the discussions. The meeting aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two regions, according to the Qatar News Agency.

Key Participants Discuss Opportunities

Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, a Qatar Chamber board member and vice president of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), was among the key participants in the virtual meeting held on September 5, 2026. Also present were Philippe Dessoy, the ABLCC president, and Qaisar Hijazin, the ABLCC secretary general. The discussions, reported by the Qatar News Agency, focused on identifying avenues for enhanced economic collaboration, particularly in expanding trade and investment ties between Qatar and Belgium.

Mr. Al Obaidli noted the availability of substantial partnership opportunities for Qatari and Belgian firms. These potential collaborations span multiple sectors, indicating a broad scope for bilateral engagement. He further emphasized the mutual benefits that could arise from such joint ventures, showing the strong potential for growth in economic relations. Mr. Al Obaidli's remarks stressed that these opportunities are ripe for exploration by businesses from both nations, aiming to foster strong and sustainable partnerships. He noted that the diverse economic landscapes of Qatar and Belgium offer complementary strengths that can be leveraged for mutual advantage.

Mr. Dessoy, for his part, acknowledged Qatar's existing investments within Belgium. He noted that these investments show the established economic relationship between the two regions, serving as a testament to the confidence Qatari investors have in the Belgian market. Mr. Dessoy indicated that significant potential remains for additional Qatari investment in Belgium and across the wider European market. He suggested that exploring these areas would be beneficial for both Qatari investors and the European economy, pointing to untapped sectors and emerging industries that could attract further capital. His comments noted Belgium's strategic position as a gateway to the broader European Union, offering Qatari businesses diverse avenues for expansion.

Revitalizing Economic Engagement

Participants in the meeting addressed specific strategies to revitalize the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce's (ABLCC) role in fostering deeper economic relations between Qatar and the European Union. This revitalization effort aims to strengthen existing ties and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly focusing on enhancing trade and investment flows. The discussions on this topic were central to the meeting's agenda, reflecting a shared commitment to maximizing the ABLCC's impact.

Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, a Qatar Chamber board member and vice president of the ABLCC, stressed the importance of activating the Chamber's mechanisms. He emphasized that these mechanisms are key for boosting trade flows between Qatar and the European markets, particularly Belgium and Luxembourg. Mr. Al Obaidli also noted the need to create new communication channels. These channels would facilitate direct engagement for investors from both sides, enabling them to identify and pursue partnership opportunities more effectively. He reiterated that a more active ABLCC would serve as a vital bridge for businesses, enhancing bilateral trade and investment exchanges. His vision for the ABLCC included proactive initiatives to connect potential partners, share market intelligence, and streamline investment processes, thereby significantly increasing economic interaction. He further elaborated that by strengthening these channels, the ABLCC could play a key role in translating potential opportunities into concrete business ventures.

Future Collaboration and Events

Qatar Chamber received an invitation to participate in the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce's (ABLCC) economic conference scheduled to take place in Brussels. Qaisar Hijazin, ABLCC secretary general, mentioned that the ABLCC is preparing to host a major economic conference in Brussels next year. This event is expected to serve as a platform for further discussions and networking opportunities between Qatari businesses and their Belgian and Luxembourgish counterparts, aiming to build on the momentum generated by the recent virtual meeting. The conference will likely focus on concrete steps to enhance trade and investment flows, aligning with the shared objectives of both chambers to strengthen economic ties between Qatar and the European markets. Mr. Hijazin emphasized that the upcoming conference in Brussels would be a significant opportunity for direct engagement and the forging of new partnerships, building on the groundwork laid during the virtual meeting. The invitation to Qatar Chamber shows the ABLCC's commitment to ensuring broad participation from key stakeholders in Qatar, facilitating full discussions on trade, investment, and economic cooperation. This future event is anticipated to further solidify the economic bridges between the Gulf nation and the European heartland.