Source: nuqataropen.wordpress.com
Qatar, a small peninsula in the Gulf, has now become a major international player in the World Market, setting new bench marks in fields of lnnovation, Infrastructure development, LNG, Education and Sports.
With Qatar bidding for the prestigious World Cup 2022, it becomes imperative that this jewel in the pearl of the Gulf has reached new governments to invest in Qatar as the destination of the world.
On a maiden visit to Lisbon in the summers of April 2009, HH Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Royal Consort Sheikha Mozah with the accompanying delegation held official round talks with the Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates and accompanying delegation Minister of State and Foreign Minister Luis Amado, Minister of State and Finance Minister Fernando Teixeira dos Santos and Minister of Economy and lnnovation Manuel Pinho.
A joint statement, agreement and the MoU were signed for Qatar by Minister of Business and Trade H.E. Sheikh Fahad bin Jassem Bin Mohammad Al-Abdurrahman AL-Thani and for Portugal, the Minister of State and Foreign Minister Luis Amado.
A major boost of co-operations signed between the two friendly countries in May 2010 with HE the Premier of Qatar and Portugal Foreign Minister Luis Amado signed an agreement between both the governments on the cancellation of entry visa for holder of diplomatic and special passports. A protocol of co-operation and joint news exchange was also signed.
Recently on 24 October 2010 Qatar welcomed the arrival of Portuguese Minister of Economy and Innovation Jose Vieira da Silva led by a 15 member delegation held bilateral co-operation in sectors as Banking and Finance, Tourism, Telecommunication and Energy. Portugal famed for its historical tourism is also on the anvil which chips in 11% of Portugal's GDP.
It's hoped Qatar takes this promotion in investing in resorts and hotels in Portugal, adding to economic co-operation including Protection of investment and other instruments to be finalized before end of 2010.
According to Mr. da Silva, the time is right for both countries to move beyond government-level relationship to – where company to company partnership can be created.
Portugal is also interested in importing Qatari LNG and a deep sea harbour is currently being developed to receive supplies.
No links can be possible without flight services and therefore, Qatar Airways, currently ruling the skies in being of the most prestigious airline in the world, is also in negotiating to have direct flight between Doha and Lisbon, once all technical issues are completed.
On a closing note, the former deputy PM of Portugal and chairman of Friendship Association Portugal-Qatar Jose Luis Arnaut said, "any relationship between Qatar and Portugal will be a win-win opportunity for both countries.
With the Portuguese Goan community increasing in Middle East, its hoped that the Portuguese authorities may setup a permanent Cultural office in Qatar with facilities of issuing Passports and legal support making it a one stop destination barring restrictions and simple efficient single window system.
Bonding a partnership with Miguel Reis Associados, the proximity between Europe and the Middle East is as close to a mouse click away to help fellow Goan brethren to claim their right of Portuguese Citizenship.
Anthony Peter D'Souza¹
Doha - Qatar
[1] Mr. Anthony Peter D'Souza is a Portuguese citizen of Goan descent, member of the Portuguese community in Qatar and our partner in that country.
Hi,There are a number of ways a foreign company can do Business setup in Qatar, and not all of them involve a Qatari Business. Thanks.....
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