Washington: H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who is leading a Qatari delegation to US, yesterday visited the venue of the City Center project in Washington DC and was given a detailed presentation by the officials of Qatari Diar in USA.
Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied during the visit by Qatar Investment Authority CEO H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani.
Sheikh Mohamed also paid a visit to Georgetown University, where he met the president of the university. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, Qatar Central Bank Governor H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani, and the CEO of QIA.
The Qatari delegation also met Tom Price, member of the US House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Budget Committee, and discussed with him a number of topics of common interest between Qatar and the United States.
Sheikh Mohammed along with the Qatari delegation also attended a dinner hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and the US-Qatar Business Council with more than 250 guests in attendance, including members of the US Congress, senior business officials and Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States of America H E Mohammed bin Jaham Al Kuwari.
In a welcome speech, Al Emadi stressed Qatar’s keenness on establishing strong partnerships with US companies to enhance the implementation of a range of development projects in Qatar.
The Minister of Finance noted Qatar’s commitment to the implementation of development goals in infrastructure, education and health sectors, and said: “Despite the decline in oil prices, Qatar will continue the path of development and there will be no change in fiscal policy on spending or investment in infrastructure.” Nearly $200bn has been approved for various development projects until 2022, he added.
He explained that these allocations would focus on transportation projects and infrastructure, including the railway network, the new port, health, education and sports facilities, including the establishment of 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums.
Qatar has important investments in the United States and has plans to increase these investments over the next five years to exceed $35bn, Al Emadi said, adding that these investments are aimed at various economic fields such as energy, technology and real estate.
The Minister of Finance also met a number of students and officials at Georgetown University and the American University in Washington, where he provided an overview of the future vision of Qatar and answered their queries.
QNA
