Qatar- QBA Discusses Economic Cooperation with Canadian Delegation 

(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) met on Saturday with a Canadian business delegation, currently visiting Doha, headed by Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay.

The visit aims to enhance and strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between Qatar and Canada.

In a speech delivered at the meeting, QBA board member Sherida Al Kaabi highlighted the economic prosperity that Qatar witness now thanks to the wise policies of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, as the country has become a major attraction for regional and international investments in various fields.

Al Kaabi said that QBA community understands the role of Canada as one of the richest countries in the world and a G8 member, where the industrial sector accounts for 27.1 percent of its economy, while the services sector represents the largest bulk of the GDP at 71 percent.

He pointed out that Qatari-Canadian relations have seen clear improvements at all levels, noting that Canada is an attractive destination for Qatari students due to its scientific and technological excellence. He also pointed out that Canadian exports to Qatar have reached 223.88 million in 2009.

In turn, Tremblay said that Canada has deepened its relations with the Gulf countries in the recent years, especially in the economic field.

He stressed that GCC investors in general, and Qatar in particular, have become a major player in foreign investments as a result of large liquidity the region enjoys, and was reflected by the recent global financial crisis when the region remained largely unaffected.

Tremblay added that Qatar has developed an excellent reputation in the industry of annual conferences and events, building a bridge between global investors from all over the world.

Montreal mayor noted that his country is always keen on attending Gulf events and exhibitions.