Qatar and Malta have reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral economic relations and enhancing investment cooperation during a virtual business meeting held on Wednesday. The event brought together senior officials and business leaders from both countries to explore avenues for expanded trade and commercial partnerships.
The Qatari delegation was led by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, a board member of Qatar Chamber and chairman of its Food Security and Environment Committee. Representing Malta was Dr Marthese Portelli, chief executive officer of The Malta Chamber. The videoconference included a number of prominent business figures from both sides, focusing on opportunities across multiple high-growth sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial services, fintech, regtech, corporate services, public administration, infrastructure, and hospitality.
During the discussions, Al Obaidli highlighted the longstanding relationship between Qatar and Malta and reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in economic, commercial, and investment fields. He noted that bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately QR46.4 million last year, marking roughly a 15 percent increase from QR40.3 million recorded in 2024. Despite this positive growth, he acknowledged that trade volumes remain below the full potential both countries hope to achieve.
Al Obaidli emphasized the promising investment opportunities available in both Qatar and Malta across diverse sectors, encouraging Qatari entrepreneurs to explore Malta’s market and consider establishing strategic partnerships or joint ventures with Maltese companies. At the same time, he welcomed Maltese firms seeking to enter the Qatari market, noting Qatar’s advanced investment infrastructure, supportive regulatory environment, and strategic location as advantages for investors aiming to access regional and global markets.
He also stressed the importance of ongoing exchanges between business delegations through both in-person and digital platforms to strengthen networks and raise awareness of investment climates and commercial prospects in each country.
On the Maltese side, Portelli expressed keen interest from her country’s business community in expanding trade and investment cooperation with Qatar. She highlighted Malta’s competitive investment environment and extensive incentives offered to international investors, which contribute to its appeal as a destination for foreign businesses.
Portelli further noted that increased partnership between the private sectors of the two countries could unlock new opportunities in innovation-driven industries and services. She underscored the potential for such collaboration to foster sustainable economic growth and establish long-term business relationships.
The meeting marks a continuation of efforts by Qatar and Malta to build stronger economic ties, reflecting both countries’ strategic priorities to diversify trade and investment links beyond their traditional partners.