FM P Chidambaram seeks enhanced bilateral trade and cooperation with Qatar

DUBAI: Seeking to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today held discussions with Qatar's Emir and the Minister of Economy and Finance, as he asserted the robustness of the Indian economy and its vast potential for the gulf country's firms.

Chidambaram, who is on an official visit to Qatar, met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the country's Minister of Economy and Finance Yousef Hussain Kamal in Doha, an Indian Embassy statement said.

The meeting was held in the framework of excellent relations and regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries, the statement said.

Chidambaram also discussed cooperation in various areas including investments, banking and finance, energy, aviation, travel and tourism.

The Qatari minister also hosted a luncheon in Chidambaram's honour which was attended by leading businessmen among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Kamal said that the state visit of the Emir to India in April, 2012, had imparted fresh momentum to the friendly ties and growing bilateral cooperation between India and Qatar.

Chidambaram thanked the Emir for the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar.

The Emir noted the vast potential to further expand India-Qatar cooperation for the mutual benefit of both sides.

He assured his government's support to the efforts being made to broaden the areas of engagement discussed between the two finance ministers and encouraged the two sides to actively follow up on the discussions during the Finance Minister's visit.

The Emir also expressed appreciation for the large, diverse, vibrant and highly regarded Indian community in Qatar.

Chidambaram underlined the robustness of the Indian economy, its vast potential, distinctive advantages as an investment partner and the other opportunities in India for business enterprises from Qatar.

He also interacted with prominent Qatari business leaders at a dinner hosted in his honour by Ambassador of India.

Chidambaram addressed an investors meeting organised jointly by the Embassy and the Doha Bank during which Chairmen, CEOs of several Qatari companies and heads of local operations of Indian companies and banks participated.

Finance Minister visited the complex of Hamad International Airport (HIA), Doha's new airport, on a tour conducted by CEO of Qatar Airways and HIA Akbar Al Baker.

Chidambaram also visited the renowned Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

Chidambaram, who is on a 3-nation tour to seek foreign investments, had earlier visited London and Paris. He will leave from Qatar for New Delhi later tonight.