FM seeks enhanced bilateral trade and cooperation with Qatar

Seeking to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today held discussions with Qatar's Emir and the Minister of Economy and Finance, as he asserted the robustness of the Indian economy and its vast potential for the gulf country's firms.
Chidambaram, who is on an official visit to Qatar, met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the country's Minister of Economy and Finance Yousef Hussain Kamal in Doha, an Indian Embassy statement said.
The meeting was held in the framework of excellent relations and regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries, the statement said.

Chidambaram also discussed cooperation in various areas including investments, banking and finance, energy, aviation, travel and tourism.
The Qatari minister also hosted a luncheon in Chidambaram's honour which was attended by leading businessmen among other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamal said that the state visit of the Emir to India in April, 2012, had imparted fresh momentum to the friendly ties and growing bilateral cooperation between India and Qatar.

Chidambaram thanked the Emir for the welfare of the Indian community in Qatar.
The Emir noted the vast potential to further expand India-Qatar cooperation for the mutual benefit of both sides.

He assured his government's support to the efforts being made to broaden the areas of engagement discussed between the two finance ministers and encouraged the two sides to actively follow up on the discussions during the Finance Minister's visit.