India and Qatar Reaffirm Trade Relationship in Doha JWG Meeting

India and Qatar held a Joint Working Group meeting in Doha to discuss a range of trade-related topics. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade, including cooperation in gems, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and food security. Both countries reviewed progress and identified new areas for mutual cooperation.

Delegates from India and Qatar convened a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Doha to discuss various trade-related topics, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced on Friday. The Indian team included officials from the Department of Commerce and other ministries.

The ministry stated that an Indian delegation, consisting of officers from the Department of Commerce and other ministries and organizations, met with their Qatari counterparts in Doha on July 10, 2024. The meeting reviewed ongoing discussions for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Food Safety and the facilitation of trade and customs control on goods. Both sides agreed to expedite the completion of these discussions.

The delegates committed to resolving issues impeding bilateral trade and promoting trade between the nations. They also considered mechanisms to activate the Joint Business Council to implement private sector visions for trade and investment cooperation.

Both parties conducted a thorough review of recent developments in bilateral trade and economic cooperation, emphasizing the potential for further growth. They identified key areas for enhancing trade, including the gems and jewelry sector, cooperation between customs authorities, local currency trade, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and MSME cooperation.

The JWG meeting was co-chaired by Priya P. Nair, Economic Advisor at India's Department of Commerce, and Saleh Al-Mana, Director of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to ministry data, bilateral trade between India and Qatar was valued at USD 14.08 billion in 2023-24, with India being Qatar’s second-largest trading partner. The next JWG meeting is scheduled for 2025 in New Delhi.

The ministry described the first session of the India-Qatar JWG as cordial and forward-looking, highlighting the friendly and special ties between the two countries. (ANI)