Sheikh Faisal presents the QBA Crystal Shield to Nathan during the meeting.

Trade volume between Qatar and the US reached $6.9bn last year, which reflects the transformation of Qatar into one of the “most important” US trading partners, the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) has said.
The QBA, which organised a business lunch for US State Department Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Scott Nathan, also said preparations for the hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 opened new channels for US investments in Qatar, especially in large infrastructure and the sports facilities sector.
As for investment co-operation, the QBA said the Qatar Investment Authority inaugurated its first office in New York City in September and is planning to invest about $35bn over the next five years in a number of vital sectors in the US.
During the meeting, QBA chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani presented the QBA Crystal Shield to Nathan, in the presence of his accompanying delegation and US ambassador Dana Shell Smith.
Sheikh Faisal noted that the interest of the Qatari private sector in investing in the US market has grown significantly as witnessed by several Qatari investments in various sectors.
Nathan said: “I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet so many Qatari business leaders and discuss measures to enhance our economic partnership and explore investment opportunities in the US. My visit also aims to discuss ways to enhance trade relations between Qatar and America.”
QBA first deputy chairman Hussein Alfardan discussed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US last October to launch “The Economic and Investment Dialogue,” which highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and partnership between the two countries. On her part, Smith said the US is keen to strengthen economic relations between the two countries, and added that the economic and investment dialogue would serve as a mechanism to organise meetings and co-ordination between government ministries and economic and trade entities of both countries.
The meeting also served as a venue for QBA members to discuss challenges faced by Qatari investors when exploring the US market, particularly in its tax system.
They also discussed ways by which the US government can support investors and the possibility of having a free-tax regime for them in the future to encourage investments and support the joint projects in various economic fields.
QBA board member Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani al-Thani joined other QBA members during the lunch meeting.