South Australian Investment and Trade Minister Calls for Joint Economic Forum

Doha, March 18 (QNA) - Minister for Investment and Trade in the Government of South Australia, Martin Hamilton-Smith, on Saturday called to coordinate efforts to hold an Economic Forum, which brings together South Australian companies and Qatari businessmen to discuss investment opportunities and increase cooperation with the Qatari private sector. During a meeting held in Qatar Chamber today, Smith reviewed investment opportunities in the Government of South Australia and means of economic cooperation along with the possible partnerships with Qatari businessmen. The Government of South Australia enjoys a unique location amid the wild roads, railways and sea and air transport networks, he said, noting that it is about two hours from Sydney, making it an important gateway to his country. The Government encourages foreign investment and grants attractive facilities for investors seeking new business opportunities, especially in the food and beverage, mining, energy, education, health and tourism sectors, he explained. In this context, the South Australian Minister stressed the economic growth over the past two decades of the Government famous for food and beverage, noting that fresh and frozen food products are exported to more than 100 countries around the world, in addition to the remarkable growth in the agriculture and livestock sector. For his part, Vice Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC) Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Tawar expressed Qatari businessmen' keenness to be acquainted with economic development in the Government of South Australia, shedding light on the promising investment opportunities in Qatar . In this context, he highlighted the efforts being exerted to enhance the partnership between public and private sectors thanks to the Qatari government's determination to develop the private sector and increase its contribution to the country's GDP. (QNA)