Qatar Chamber recently took part in the “International Trade Essentials” Executive Programme held in Geneva, an event organised by the Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI). The programme attracted business leaders, representatives from chambers of commerce, government officials, and private sector delegates from Arab countries and Switzerland.

Representing Qatar Chamber was Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari, its First Vice Chairman. During the event, he met with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to discuss the critical role of private-sector involvement in economic development and its consultative participation in shaping economic legislation.

Spanning five days, the programme aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge of the international trade system and the functions of key organisations headquartered in Geneva. Activities included site visits and working sessions at the WTO, International Trade Centre (ITC), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the United Nations Headquarters.

The sessions covered a broad range of topics such as the WTO’s core principles and operational framework, the private sector’s role in trade, trade and investment dynamics in the Arab region, WTO accession processes, support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), e-commerce, trade facilitation, value chains, intellectual property rights, and innovation.

Qatar Chamber’s involvement in the programme underscores its ongoing commitment to elevating the participation of Qatari private sector entities in international economic platforms. By engaging with global trade developments and tapping into international expertise, Qatar Chamber seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Qatari businesses and broaden opportunities for trade and investment partnerships worldwide.