Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Dean of the College of Law at HBKU Dr. Susan L Karamanian along with other officials during the event.
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed participated in the launch ceremony of Qatar World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair, organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) at Education City.
The event was attended by senior academic leaders, representatives of international organisations, and a distinguished group of researchers and students.
The launch marks Qatar’s inclusion in the WTO Chairs Programme, which aims to support academic research, education, and training in the fields of international trade, while promoting cooperation between academic institutions and policymakers around the world.
During the ceremony, Dr Al-Sayed commended the WTO’s decision to select the College of Law at HBKU to host the Chair, noting that this milestone marks a significant addition to
Qatar’s academic and research landscape.
The Minister emphasised that this recognition reflects the international community’s confidence in Qatar’s national capabilities and in the strong research and innovation environment fostered by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
His Excellency stated that HBKU’s inclusion in the WTO Chairs Programme constitutes a pivotal step in Qatar’s journey to strengthen its role as an active contributor that is shaping the future of global trade which will be achieved through advancing specialised research in areas such as international and digital trade, and industrial policies, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030).
He added that this achievement will enhance collaboration between higher education institutions, government entities, and international organisations to develop trade policies based on knowledge and scientific research.
Such efforts will strengthen the national research capacities and empower young Qatari talent to address global economic challenges.
H E further emphasised that the WTO Chairs Programme serves as a strategic platform to exchange expertise, formulate trade policies, and support the countries’ efforts to achieve economic diversification and benefit from global transformations in digital economy, innovation, and trade integration. These initiatives, he added, will build a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based national economy.
In addition, Sara Abdulla Al Sulaitin, Director of the Case Management Office and the Taqadi System, Investment and Trade Court of Qatar, engaged in an insightful ‘Lunchtime Conversation’ chaired by Dr. Susan L Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, which featured questions by Dr. Khalid Al Kuwari, Lecturer College of Law. During the discussion, they explored challenges and opportunities affecting international commerce and the role of the court in supporting a stable, attractive investment environment especially through the digital technology offered by the court.
Commenting on the Chair, Dean Karamanian, said: “We are proud to officially commence the WTO Chair activities in Qatar as these responsibilities closely align with HBKU’s commitment to fostering meaningful research and education. Leveraging Qatar’s position as a global trade and logistics hub, we eagerly embrace the opportunity to play a role in strengthening academic capacity and creating opportunities for trade and influencing policies that benefit Qatar, the region and the international community.”
