The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Qatar are poised to deepen their partnership as bilateral trade approaches $15 billion, with new opportunities emerging across multiple sectors including energy, aviation, agribusiness, healthcare, hospitality, telecommunications, fintech, digital innovation, and investment.
Speaking at a reception in Doha on Wednesday commemorating ASEAN’s 59th anniversary, HE Nguyen Huy Hiep, Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Doha and Vietnam’s Ambassador to Qatar, highlighted the expanding cooperation between the two parties. The event drew diplomats, officials, and representatives from various sectors, including Abdullah Ahmad Darmani, acting head of the Communications & Outreach Section of the Fire Station, among other attendees.
Ambassador Hiep emphasized that ASEAN values its strengthening ties with Qatar and acknowledged Qatar’s constructive role in fostering dialogue and cooperation in the region. He noted the significance of 2026 for ASEAN, following the admission of Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member last year, underscoring ASEAN’s development as an inclusive and resilient regional community with a population exceeding 680 million and a combined GDP of approximately $3.9 trillion.
The ambassador further pointed out that 2026 marks a milestone year in ASEAN-Qatar relations, with Qatar having recently become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. This status builds upon Qatar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2022 and opens a new chapter for bilateral collaboration. Cooperation has reportedly been growing in the areas of energy, connectivity, education, humanitarian assistance, investment, and sustainable development, underpinned by increased high-level exchanges.
Addressing the broader regional context, Ambassador Hiep reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, restraint, adherence to international law, and peaceful diplomatic solutions. He commended Qatar’s responsible diplomatic efforts in navigating complex regional issues.
The reception also spotlighted environmental protection, with the theme centered on fostering a green, clean, and beautiful living environment. Displayed recycled-material architectural models created by ASEAN embassies symbolized the shared responsibility of governments, businesses, communities, and individuals in safeguarding the environment. Ambassador Hiep linked sustainable development and climate resilience closely to economic growth, connectivity, and people’s well-being.
He expressed optimism for enhanced collaboration between ASEAN and Qatar in renewable energy, green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, digital transformation, as well as food and agriculture sectors. The ASEAN Committee in Doha is expected to continue fostering people-to-people interactions, cultural exchanges, business ties, and practical cooperation initiatives.
In closing, Ambassador Hiep extended gratitude to the government and people of Qatar for their ongoing friendship and support, expressing hope that the bilateral relationship between ASEAN and Qatar will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.