Focus on free trade, investment and Gaza during Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade’s visit to United Arab Emirates and Qatar
SWEDEN, September 10 - Published
On 10–11 September, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar. The agenda includes meetings with government representatives about the regional situation, the inauguration of the first Swedish-Qatari business forum and discussions with Swedish companies.
“When several countries, not least the US, close themselves off, we need to open new markets for our businesses. Sweden is pushing for free trade agreements between the EU and the Gulf countries. The importance of the Gulf countries as a trading partner for Sweden is growing in line with their rapid societal transformation. Swedish companies have cutting-edge expertise in areas such as innovation and the green transition, which is of great interest to these countries. This equals major opportunities for Swedish businesses and creates jobs opportunities in Sweden. I am visiting the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to further strengthen our trade relations,” says Mr Dousa.
“My talks with official representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will touch on the tense situation in the region. The focus must now be on de-escalation and restraint. Our talks will of course also touch on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the importance of allowing emergency aid in,” Mr Dousa emphasised.
The United Arab Emirates is Sweden’s largest export market for goods in the Middle East and North Africa, and an important regional hub for Swedish companies. In addition to meeting with the Emirati Minister of Trade, Mr Dousa will meet with some of the approximately 250 Swedish companies that are active in the Emirati market, including those in sustainable transport and infrastructure.
Qatar is also an important and growing market for Swedish companies. The bilateral relationship has deepened in recent years, not least through the Qatari emir’s visit to Sweden last year. During his visit, Mr Dousa and his Qatari counterpart will inaugurate the first Swedish-Qatari business forum, which a large number of Swedish and Qatari companies will take part in.
The visit also provides an opportunity for discussions on humanitarian and foreign policy issues with two key actors in the Middle East.
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