Qatar Minister Links Global Trade and Investment to Peace and Security

Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Sayed, has emphasized the critical need for international cooperation and economic stability, asserting that trade and investment are contingent upon peace and security. During his address at the United Nations-led World Investment Forum in Doha on Sunday, al-Sayed highlighted how geopolitical instability and increasing economic fragmentation pose significant threats to global investment prospects.

"The global economy is undergoing changes. There are geopolitical changes. These are all issues that redefine the landscape of global investment," he stated. The minister further elaborated, "We believe that investment in the future is related to investment in peace and security. Trade will prosper, and long-term investment will create its potential only with a safe and stable environment."

The World Investment Forum, organized by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), serves as a platform for heads of state, policymakers, CEOs, and investors to deliberate on global investment, opportunities, challenges, and sustainable development.

Al-Sayed's remarks come amidst ongoing global conflicts and heightened concerns regarding a potential escalation of the US-Israel war on Iran. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, has faced disruptions since the US and Israel initiated the war on February 28. Iran's response included effectively blocking the strait and launching attacks on regional targets.

Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world's traded oil and gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz. In the preceding week, intensified attacks on shipping in the strait, coupled with uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to resolve the nearly eight-month war, have contributed to a surge in oil prices, further straining the global economy. On Thursday, oil prices saw an approximate 4 percent increase, reaching a five-month high, with Brent futures surpassing $113.17 per barrel.

"Further cooperation, less isolation"

Al-Sayed underscored the importance of predictable international regulations and robust economic partnerships in this era of heightened uncertainty. "In our world, which is facing further uncertainty and economic fragmentation, our message stays clear. It is a call for further cooperation and less isolation, further cooperation and less division," he declared.

Iranian strikes in March impacted Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, causing damage to facilities with repairs anticipated to take several years. The minister detailed Qatar's initiatives to bolster supply chains, diversify economic alliances, and "open new markets for our exports." He reported that Qatar attracted 373 foreign direct investment projects in 2025, marking a 50 percent rise from the previous year and creating over 15,000 jobs. Additionally, al-Sayed mentioned that Qatar has planned infrastructure projects valued at $38.5 billion over the next five years, complemented by an estimated $22.5 billion in private sector investment for hospitality and real estate.