India-Qatar Joint Business Forum Strengthens Economic Ties Amidst Amir’s Visit
The India-Qatar Joint Business Forum, held on February 18, 2025, in New Delhi, marked a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the forum coincided with the official visit of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to India from February 17-18, 2025.
The forum brought together key policymakers and business leaders, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, State of Qatar, who delivered the keynote addresses.
Strengthening India-Qatar Economic Relations
In his inaugural speech, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized India’s ambitious goal of becoming a USD 30-35 trillion economy by 2047, in line with the Viksit Bharat vision. He highlighted that while energy trade has historically been the cornerstone of India-Qatar relations, the future lies in diversifying their partnership into cutting-edge sectors such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Computing
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Semiconductors
As global geopolitical shifts and cybersecurity threats become more pronounced, Minister Goyal stressed the importance of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta). He underscored that both India and Qatar possess distinct competitive advantages, which position them as natural partners in driving innovation and technological advancements.
Building a Future-Oriented Partnership
The forum focused on the need for strategic collaboration in areas beyond hydrocarbons. Minister Goyal reiterated that the India-Qatar partnership should be built on three core pillars:
- Entrepreneurship – Encouraging startups and fostering an innovation-driven economy.
- Technology – Leveraging advancements in digital transformation and smart industries.
- Sustainability – Promoting green energy, carbon-neutral initiatives, and sustainable urban development.
As both nations undergo economic transformation, their aligned **development visions—India’s Vision 2047 and Qatar’s National Vision 2030—**offer a roadmap for deeper collaboration.
India’s Business Reforms and Investment Opportunities for Qatar
Minister Goyal also highlighted India’s ongoing business reforms, particularly efforts to:
- Reduce the cost of doing business
- Enhance Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
- Establish a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem
He invited Qatari businesses to explore opportunities in India’s dynamic economy, particularly in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tech-City)—a hub for global financial services and fintech innovation. He also proposed the formation of a Joint Working Group to identify and advance collaboration in sectors of mutual interest.
Conclusion
The India-Qatar Joint Business Forum 2025 reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. With an expanding partnership that now encompasses advanced technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, India and Qatar are well-positioned to shape the industries of the future. The forum not only reinforced existing economic ties but also laid the foundation for a new era of strategic cooperation between the two nations.
