Minister calls for enhancing trade ties with Slovenia

HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani has stressed the need to enhance economic relations between Qatar and the Slovenia.
Speaking during the first session of the Qatari-Slovenian joint committee on economic and commercial co-operation, which he chaired with Karl Erjavec,  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia,  the Minister said that the two countries will look to expand trade volume and prioritise investment in the field that would make a qualitative addition to the two countries’ economies.  
The meeting took place in Slovenian city Ljubljana.
HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce said that bilateral relations saw a real progress thanks to the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Slovenia Borut Pahor.  
The Minister noted that economic co-operation increased markedly in recent times. Back in 2013, the trade volume was worth QR45.2mn. In 2015, trade volume reached QR82.4mn.
The Minister of Economy and Commerce presented Qatar’s strategy towards diversifying its economy by supporting the private sector and issuing the necessary legislation that facilitates doing business in the country. He also highlighted Qatar’s efforts in the field of international commercial arbitration.  
Speaking on the global economy in light of the decline of oil prices and levels of growth, he called for taking measures that would stimulate growth and employment.  
The Minister also called on Slovenian and Qatari experts to present their propositions that would help make the meeting a success. The two sides reviewed co-operation in the economic, commerce, investment, transport, energy, industry, SMEs, agriculture and infrastructure fields.
The Minister stressed the importance of signing an agreement to protect investments of both countries. He said he was looking forward to facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries. Furthermore, the Minister called for enhancing trade volume in the chemical and petrochemical sector.
Separately, Slovenian President Borut Pahor met the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani yesterday.
A press release issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce said that they reviewed relations between Qatar and Slovenia and ways of enhancing them.