Rishad arrives in Qatar for Doha Forum 2012

Qatar-Sri Lanka trade and bilateral relations have been further boosted by the currently on-going Doha Forum 2012. “Our participation in this event is a sign of Sri Lanka’s improving profile in international trade, specially, in the Middle East trade,” announced Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, prior to his departure to Doha on Saturday 19 May. Minister Bathiudeen is part of the 54 delegation from Sri Lanka led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to represent Sri Lanka at this three day forum.

The international guests of honour in this year’s Doha Forum are President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former President of Senegal and current Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, Abdou Diouf. The Doha Forum 2012 is the 12th edition of this Forum and takes place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

The Forum is organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended by more than 610 participants representing 84 countries and organisations features very high-profile personalities, eminent political leaders, decision-makers and members of parliament, renowned businessmen, academics, media figures and experts, as well as representatives of the civil society and regional and international organisations. The Doha Forum is scheduled to conclude on 22 May.  

According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the total bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Qatar has increased to US $ 174.89 million in 2011 from the $16.57 million levels of 2002. As a tenfold growth in Sri Lanka – Qatar bilateral trade being reported, the first ever joint trade talks between Sri Lanka and fast growing Qatar are also in the offing.

“We are now interested in convening the First Joint Council meeting between Sri Lanka and Qatar under the 2012 Agreement at an early date,” Minister Bathiudeen apprised Minister of Business and Trade of Qatar Jasim bin Abdulaziz bin Jasim Al Thani, during the Sri Lanka-Qatar bilateral session held on the side-lines of the 13th Ministerial Meeting of UNCTAD General Assembly Session at the Qatari National Convention Centre, Doha, Qatar.

When considering Sri Lanka’s trade with the Middle East, Qatar ranks as the 15th trade partner among the Middle East countries showing that there is still upward trade potential between the two countries.  Qatar is a growing market with higher purchasing power. Recently Sri Lanka has been able to enter in to the construction sector in Qatar. Expanding Qatari employment and labour markets show strong potential for Sri Lanka’s professional services, skilled and semi-skilled workers.

According to the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, in 2011, Sri Lanka’s exports to Qatar were $ 10.86 million with main export items to Qatar being ‘food preparations’ (16%, includes, Lankan cordials, jams, spices, Ginger Beer etc.) followed by tea, citrus fruits and vegetables. In 2011, Sri Lanka’s imports from Qatar were $ 174.89 million and the major imports being polymers of ethelene, minerals and chemical fertilisers, and polymers.