Doha, 16 Dec 2023
By Ashraf Siddiqui
The recently formed Committees by the Chamber of Commerce of Qatar and Chamber of Commerce of Iran are expected to have their maiden meeting in February 2024 in order to boost trade relations between both the countries, Ambassador of Iran to Qatar, Dr Ali Salehabadi has said.
In his interview with Ashraf Siddiqui, Dr Salehabadi praised the outcome of the recently held 9th Qatar-Iran Joint Commission of Economic Cooperation meeting in Tehran headed by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani and Iran’s Minister of Energy, Ali Akbar Mehrabian, and participated as member of Qatar's delegation was also Qatar Chamber Chairman, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani.
Dr Salehabadi said the decision to form these committees was taken during the 9th Qatar-Iran Joint Commission of Economic Cooperation meeting and each side will consist of 15 to 20 business community members.
Dr Ali Salehabadi holds doctorate in financial management from Tehran University (2003) and have extensive experience in financial, trade and capital market sectors. Before his appointment as ambassador to State of Qatar, he served as Governor of Central Bank of Iran (2021-23), earlier he held positions of President and Managing Director of Export Bank of Iran (2015-21); In his young age of 28 was appointed as President, Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO).
His appointment as ambassador to Qatar reflects Iran government's profound aspiration to establish and develop robust economic and trade relations between both the nations.
Talking about the recent visits of Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian to Qatar, the envoy said it pushed the relations between Iran and Qatar to an excellent level in all fields. “Fortunately, leaders from both sides are very positive; both are good friends to each other; and enjoy common and positive views on a number of regional and international issues which prepares ground for enhancing relations in various fields,” he said.
He added, “Because of close bilateral friendship and relations, we have wide areas of exchange of our views at different occasion. During recent visit of foreign minister of Iran to Qatar, he met Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim; and other authorities during which they discussed various solutions to bring peace to the region.
He added that the talks between Qatar and Iran were mainly relating to Palestine, especially the Gaza situation. The ambassador expressed deep concern about the current situation facing the people in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. He asserted that the ongoing events in Gaza amount to genocide and there’s urgent need to halt it.
He said Israel must understand that Hamas cannot be eliminated, instead continuous use of force might lead other resistance groups in the region to join Palestinians in their just struggle for liberation from the Israeli occupied forces unlawful and illegal occupation. This, he warned, could escalate to further dire situation in the region.
In order to enhance trade relations with other countries, sanctioned hit Iran needs to improve and re-build it's infrastructure and efforts are being exerted in this area, former top financial chief of Iran mentioned. He hoped that in coming years, economic relations of Iran with other countries specially with Qatar would be enhanced significantly and much stronger.
He pointed out that both sides have identified various projects in areas of non-sanctioned and discussions are under way about them. 'However, there are certain areas where by exerting some efforts, both sides can increase significant trade volume like agro produces and food sector, he stressed.
Former chief of financial sector of Iran was confident that the Chamber of Commerce of Qatar and Iran will be playing their role to enhance economic relations by collaborating with traders and experts. He added that both sides are required to have regular discussions and meetings in this regard. This is the time, we need to exert our efforts, he stressed.
Talking about recently concluded Doha Forum, Iran’s envoy admired the high quality of organizing skills on holding such an amazing conference. He said that such a large number of statesmen and world experts of diversified areas from various regions of the world gathered to share their experiences and had fruitful discussions to find solution of challenges the world is facing today - including issues like of Gaza, Sudan to Artificial Intelligence, economic, energy, cyber and environmental issues, has been very impressive and amazing.
Dr. Ali Salehabadi emphasized that Qatar has truly showcased its distinctive role, skills, and expertise across various domains, acting as a mediator and facilitator in conflict resolution through dialogues. The country has excelled in hosting prestigious global conferences such as the Doha Forum, WISE and WISH. Furthermore, Qatar has demonstrated its capabilities by organizing major international sports events, including 2022 FIFA World Cup; the ongoing Doha Expo 2023, the Upcoming Asian Football Tournament; the 2030 Asian Games and various exhibitions.
Expressing admiration, Irani envoy stated that Qatar is truly remarkable, leaving an impressive and significant impact on humanity and global society. As the Iranian ambassador in Qatar, he extended his gratitude to the Qatari people, the government, and the leadership for their initiatives spanning diverse fields.
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