India, Qatar discuss business and football

CHENNAI: India and Qatar discussed business and football as part of a forum organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Wednesday.
As Qatar seeks to step up its economic engagement with India, Indian companies are looking to tap business opportunities thrown up by the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east), ministry of external affairs, said Indian companies would be ready and willing to help Qatar develop the necessary infrastructure for the successful organization of this prestigious tournament.
Since the volume and composition of bilateral trade between the two countries are not commensurate with its potential, Wadhwa called for the two countries to step up their engagement in the energy sector and said India and Qatar could also develop joint projects in third countries.
Also speaking at the session, E M S Natchiappan, minister of state for commerce and industry, stated that India was embarking on a major infrastructure development programme and welcomed investment from Qatar in that sector.
He also mentioned that India was developing several industrial corridors in the country and these projects present a myriad of opportunities for investment by Qatari business. The minister spoke of the role that Indian nationals were playing in Qatar in creating a positive image of India.
For his part, Sultan bin Rashid Al Khatir, under secretary, ministry of economy and commerce, Government of Qatar, and leader of the Qatari delegation stated that Qatar was seeking Indian investment as the country proceeded on its privatization process.
He also spoke about the synergies that the two countries have in the field of infrastructure. He called from businesses from both countries to leverage these commonalities and strengthen infrastructure in both countries.
A high level 15-member Qatari delegation and about 40 senior representatives from Indian industry participated at the event.
Senior officials from the Government of India including those from the ministry of external affairs, ministry of commerce and industry and ministry of finance participated at the event.
The ambassador of India to Qatar and the ambassador of Qatar to India also participated at the forum.