Adam Kulach, ambassador of the EU delegation in the GCC, says Qatar is a ‘land of opportunities’. PICTURE: Jayaram

By Peter Alagos
Business Reporter

The European Union (EU) is keen on strengthening investment opportunities with Qatar in  education, research and innovation, and energy, said Adam Kulach, ambassador of the EU delegation in the GCC.
Kulach, who led a delegation from the EU-GCC Trade and Business Co-operation Facility, met with Qatar Chamber head of International Relations Ali Saaed Busharbak in a forum entitled “Strengthening FDI in the GCC” held at the QC headquarters yesterday.
Describing Qatar as a “land of opportunities,” Kulach stressed that Qatar investments “are widespread” in Europe and that the Qatari flag “is very well-known and visible” in the European Investment Bank.
“Qatar is a land of opportunities for European investors and its business circles because of the nature of its economy and investments, and its continuous drive to modernise the country through alternative and diversified agents,” Kulach noted.
Despite oil price slump, Kulach said many European investors took assurance from the recent speech delivered by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the inauguration of the 44th ordinary session of the Advisory Council.
“During a crisis, people usually think investments would go down…but as mentioned by His Highness the Emir in his recent speech, he assured that major investment projects will continue despite the current situation in the oil and gas market. And I believe that was an important assurance to many,” Kulach said.
He also said the oil crisis could serve as an occasion for Qatar to forge more partnerships, especially with European nations: “Opportunities are even great at a time of crisis because many countries, including Qatar, are looking for better and competitive ways of co-operation and I think in this particular field and direction, Europeans have a lot to offer.”To boost the European economy, Kulach said authorities are utilising research and education.
“One focus is on research and education to modernise the economy and to make it more competitive, and the EU welcomes global partnerships, especially with Qatar,” he said.
Kulach also complimented Qatar’s thrust towards education, particularly the government’s investments in higher education with European partners, among others. “Opportunities in education will continue because the ambition is still there to make Qatar a centre of excellence in higher education; several international educational institutions have established branches in the country, which is another form of investment,” he said.
Aside from education, Kulach said investments also generate employment, which bring new technologies that could be developed by local companies and help them go global.
“Qatar is also energy…and energy drives everything. In particular, gas is used for development and is an important feed for different kinds of industries. Everybody in the EU, including Qatar, is looking at how to make the best possible use of natural resources such as gas,” Kulach said.
He added that the EU and Qatar could also explore investment opportunities in developing human capital, and in the services and transportation sectors. He also emphasised the importance of Qatar Airways, which, he said, “had created jobs for many Europeans.”