New Delhi: India and Qatar recently convened a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Doha to bolster bilateral trade relations, announced the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Friday.

The Indian delegation, comprising officials from the Department of Commerce and other ministries, engaged in discussions with their Qatari counterparts on July 10, 2024, focusing on various aspects of trade cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Food Safety and exchanged views on enhancing pre-arrival information exchange to streamline trade and customs procedures. They committed to resolving existing trade barriers promptly to facilitate smoother trade relations.

The delegates also explored activating the Joint Business Council to promote private-sector initiatives in trade and investment. They discussed recent developments in bilateral trade, identifying promising sectors such as Gems and Jewellery, customs cooperation, local currency trade, pharmaceuticals, food processing, food security, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Leading the discussions were Priya P. Nair, Economic Advisor from India's Department of Commerce, and Saleh Al-Mana, Director of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

According to ministry data, bilateral trade between India and Qatar reached USD 14.08 billion in 2023-24, underscoring India's position as Qatar's second-largest trading partner. The next JWG meeting is scheduled for 2025 in New Delhi, reaffirming both nations' commitment to enhancing their economic ties.

The ministry described the meeting as constructive and forward-looking, reflecting the strong and amicable relations between India and Qatar.

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