Minister Hashim, BOI Chief visit Qatar

Minister of Highways and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim (left) and BOI Chairman Upul Jayasuriya with Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani 

Following the successful visit by the Emir of QatarSheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thanito Sri Lanka in March, the Qatari Government extended an invitation to a Sri Lankan delegation, as a result of which Minister of Highways and Investment Promotion Kabir Hashim and Board of Investment Chairman Upul Jayasuriya visited Doha last week.

On the sidelines of the Doha forum, the Minister also met with several high-level delegates of the Qatari Government, including the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani.  

Despite Qatar’s previous interest in expanding their investments to Sri Lanka, it was only following the Emir’s visit during the new Government’s reign that their confidence in the country as an investment destination peaked. The Minister of Economy and Commerce told Hashim that the Emir had instructed his Government to “take Sri Lanka to the next level”.

Qatar is fast becoming the investor giant of the 21st Century, with signature investment projects around Europe, America and the Middle East. Qatar is now targeting Asia and through potential investments in Sri Lanka, the Qatari Government wishes to make the island nation their flagship investment for its expansion into Asia.

During the visit the Minister also met the Executive Director of Development at the Qatari Diar, SaadFarhan Al-Otaibi, who expanded on their ideas for Sri Lanka. Along with setting up industrial parks and heavy industrial metal parks that will generate jobs and income for the country, the Qatari Government has expressed interest in exploring the possibility of establishing a LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) plant. 

Sri Lanka has enjoyed close ties with Qatar, with over 150,000 Sri Lankans making up the 2.1 million population of Qatar. 

Minister Hashim is committed to expanding Sri Lanka’s standing on the global stage as an investor destination and is positive about extending the country’s ties with Qatar.