Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Moldova Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud answered Logos Press questions about the development of Moldovan-Qatari relations.
LP: – Your Excellency, this year marks 28 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Moldova. How do you assess this period in general, and in which fields of cooperation have the best results been achieved?
– Let me start by thanking you for your kind invitation to conduct this interview with your publication. I am pleased to note that diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Moldova were established 28 years ago, in 1997, and were crowned by the opening of the embassies of both countries in Doha and Chisinau almost 11 years ago. This period has been full of various initiatives of promising cooperation at the diplomatic, commercial, economic and social levels.
And we continue to develop our ties on all these fronts. We are working to promote and expand this cooperation, including economic, investment and trade areas. And especially emphasizing the investment opportunities for Qatari investors that Moldova offers. We hope that this will lead to an increase in the volume of trade and direct Qatari investments in Moldova. There are all the prerequisites for this. And we also aim at facilitating the exchange of visits and experience between businessmen from both countries, and at activating the agreements signed between the two countries, which contribute to this path.
LP: – The Persian Gulf is considered in Moldova as one of the most promising regions for cooperation in investment, energy, agriculture and tourism. The mutual opening of the embassies of both countries should have been an incentive for mutual business interests in these fields. In your opinion, does the current level of trade and economic relations meet these expectations?
– The relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Moldova are friendly and based on the principle of mutual respect, and they are developing on an upward trajectory. The Qatari leadership seeks to strengthen ties with the Republic of Moldova, which could make it an important economic partner for the State of Qatar in the future.
Therefore, we are eager to find opportunities and provide means to deepen relations between our two friendly countries, which will have a direct impact on the development of cooperation in all fields, such as investments, energy, agriculture and tourism. I emphasize that we have signed bilateral agreements that cover all these areas and provide a solid basis for reaching a broader level of cooperation and closer ties that meet the expectations of both sides.
LP: – What untapped opportunities and potentials do you see between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Moldova? What should both sides do to realize this potential?
– I see that the Republic of Moldova has many advantages that attract foreign investors, including Qatari investors. This is due to several factors. First of all, with its fertile lands that are ideal for agricultural projects, its outstanding geographical and historical location that promotes tourism cooperation, the availability of a skilled labor force and a tax system that encourages Qatari investors.
In my view, both sides should endeavor to facilitate the exchange of visits and meetings between businessmen from both countries in the near future. And also exchange invitations for relevant entities such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to send delegations. This will increase the attractiveness and interest in investment opportunities and allow for closer familiarization and access to information about important sectors of the Moldovan economy for Qatari investors.
LP: – The possibility of investing in infrastructure and social projects through the Qatar Investment Fund, which is considered the largest investment fund of its kind in the world, has been discussed several times in Moldova. Could such investments be realized in Moldova, and in which areas could they be invested?
– Of course, there are opportunities for Qatari investments in the Republic of Moldova, both through the Qatar Investment Fund and through other economic, investment and commercial structures of the State of Qatar. This will have a positive impact, first of all, on the citizens of Moldova and on the economy of the country as a whole.
However, it is important that the Moldovan government provides incentives and advantages to Qatari investment organizations that want to enter the Moldovan market. As I mentioned earlier, Moldova has promising areas for investment such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and tourism. In addition, investments in the information technology sector in Moldova will have a promising future.
LP: – What are your expectations for 2025 for the Gulf region, the State of Qatar and the world at large? What are the boldest expectations you hope to see realized this year?
– The State of Qatar has good and friendly relations with all peace-loving countries of the world, including the Republic of Moldova. I wish my dear country Qatar progress, prosperity and stability under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State, may God (Allah ?) protect him, and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with whom we strive to achieve security and stability in the region, establishing the foundations of international peace and security, both in the Gulf region, the Middle East and the world at large. I hope that 2025 will be a year of peace and stability for all countries of the world.
LP: – Thank you for the interview!
Qatar’s economy in figures:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP, 2023):
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- nominal – $344.4 bln;
- at purchasing power parity (PPP) – $411.4 bln;
GDP per capita (2023):
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- nominal – $127.144;
- PPP: $152.445;
State budget (2023):
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- Revenues – $114.3 billion;
- expenditures – $106.3 billion;
Amount of attracted foreign investments in 2023: – $33.8 bln.
Qatar has the third largest natural gas reserves in the world and is one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Oil and gas revenues form the backbone of the Qatari economy;
Qatar is actively investing in various economic sectors at home and abroad. The country has several free economic zones that offer investors favorable taxation conditions.
Source: Dynasty business adviser, www.dynasty-uae.com
