2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayedand Prof. Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health of the Italian Republic, inaugurated the Qatar–Italy Biotechnology and Science Forum, held in Doha on 17 April 2025. The forum aimed to foster cooperation and partnerships between Qatar and Italy in the areas of biotechnology, life sciences, and innovation.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Qatar Chamber, and participants included Paolo Toschi, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the State of Qatar, several senior officials, representatives of the chambers of commerce of both countries, and experts from the healthcare, science, and biotechnology industries from Qatar and Italy. In his opening address, HE Dr. Al-Sayed highlighted the strength of the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic, noting the growing partnerships between the two countries.
He stated that trade exchange between the two countries exceeded USD 24 billion over the past five years,. HE Dr. Al-Sayed affirmed that Qatar places the development of the science, technology, and innovation sectors among the top priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He stressed the critical role of biotechnology in addressing global challenges, improving healthcare, and strengthening food security. In this context, HE Dr. Al-Sayed stated that Qatar offers world-class infrastructure by investing in specialised medical industries, including generic and biological pharmaceuticals, and medical devices and supplies.
His Excellency commended Italy as a leading hub for biotechnology and innovation, expressing Qatar’s goal to build strategic partnerships with Italy in order to drive growth and excellence in these fields. HE Dr Al-Sayed also highlighted that the State of Qatar has launched an investment package worth QAR 20 billion to support investments in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and future technologies, in parallel with stimulating joint investments with venture capital firms and promoting public-private partnerships. His Excellency reiterated Qatar’s commitment to building a diversified and dynamic knowledge-based economy, affirming the central role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that encompasses overhauling the investment ecosystem, regulations, business doing rules, and rolling out incentives that include tax breaks, competitive leasing rates, and low energy costs.
The forum featured specialised panel discussions that addressed key topics in science, innovation, and biotechnology, with the participation of leading experts and officials from Qatar and Italy. Additionally, the forum included keynote speeches from the Italian side and presentations by various Qatari entities, including the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar), the Qatar Free Zones Authority, the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), and the Qatar Financial Centre. These presentations showcased opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and forging new investment partnerships between the two countries.
Presentations were also delivered by Qatar University, Qatar Precision Health Institute, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Sidra Medicine. Copy 18/04/2025 10.
