DOHA – Governor Eric J. Holcomb concluded an economic development trip to Qatar today after meeting with government officials and business leaders to cultivate new business relationships in the Middle East while advancing innovation, investment, and job creation in Indiana.
“Indiana and Qatar share a strong trade relationship, and this trip has been productive in creating opportunities for future investment across our states,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Throughout the week, my team and I were greeted with great hospitality which led to productive discussions and inspired even more ideas for partnerships.”
On Wednesday, Gov. Holcomb, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, and the delegation, which includes Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) staff members, met with Qatari leadership, U.S. Embassy Doha government officials, the American Chamber Qatar Board of Governors, and the Qatar Investment Authority to discuss opportunities to strengthen business partnerships between Indiana and Qatar.
Gov. Holcomb and Sec. Chambers met with Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani and Qatar Minister of Commerce & Industry and Acting Minister of Finance H.E. Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari to discuss shared economic strengths between Indiana and Qatar, from infrastructure to sports, and further business cooperation between the two states.
The delegation ended the day with Gov. Holcomb and Sec. Chambers discussing a shared passion for sports, including youth and sports technology with Aspire Academy.
On Thursday, Gov. Holcomb and the delegation toured the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, an innovative and sustainable stadium constructed using shipping containers, a site of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East. Indiana is home to a thriving sports economy and will use connections made on this trip to explore possible collaborations and partnerships.
Gov. Holcomb and Sec. Chambers visited with U.S. troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts roughly 8,500 U.S. troops including members of the Indiana National Guard and other enlisted Hoosier men and women.
Throughout the week, the delegation made trips to Qatar National Library, the Qatar Foundation, discussed opportunities with Qatar industry leaders and met with top state officials, including the Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as well as the Qatar Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister, and the Qatar Minister of Commerce & Industry and Acting Minister of Finance, to discuss strategic, economic partnerships.
This concludes Gov. Holcomb’s ninth international economic development trip, first trip to Qatar and is the first international economic development trip for Secretary Chambers. The governor and the delegation return to Indiana today.
