The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) met with a delegation of Swiss companies and hospitals that specialized in medical tourism and services.
Al Kaabi, a board member of QBA, discussed the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries and opportunities for tourism and investment in it.
He noted Switzerland is a major tourist destination for Qataris and Gulf residents, while Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup, where it would welcome the Swiss fans and tourists.
Ambassador of Switzerland to Qatar, Edgar Dorig, said there are various opportunities to enhance Qatari-Swiss cooperation in multiple sectors, especially tourism and medical tourism.
He noted that the volume of trade between the two countries rose to more than QR 5 billion in 2021, witnessing an increase compared to 2020, when the same figures were QR 2.6 billion.
Dorig said that Switzerland’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will increase the interest of Swiss fans in visiting Qatar.
He said that the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, which includes organizing events like car exhibitions, and promoting investments in hospitality and real estate.
Omar Hussein Al Fardan, QBA member, said that post the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing interest by the members of the Qatari Businessmen in the health sector and technology.
He noted that relations with Switzerland are growing in fields like tourism, especially medical treatment, which is an opportunity for closer cooperation between private sectors in the two countries.