Doha: Qatar and the US are strategic allies which are both committed to elevating women in the business world, Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al Thani, Managing Director of US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) Doha Office has said.
She was addressing the Middle East Business Luncheon and Networking Reception organised by the USQBC in partnership with the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT), in Washington, DC recently.
The event was attended by government and private sector officials from both the US and Qatar, USQBC members, WIIT members, and the wider business community.
The event also featured other officials including Camile Richardson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Middle East and Africa, International Trade Administration of the US Commerce Department; Jasmin Silva Navarro, Co-Chair Africa and the Middle East at WIIT; Fahad Al Dosari, Qatar’s Commercial Attaché to the United States; Scott Taylor, President of USQBC; and Mohammed Barakat, Managing Director and Treasurer of the Board of Directors at USQBC.
Speaking virtually during the event, Sheikha Mayes said: “The United States and Qatar are more than just partners. We are strategic allies with a relationship founded upon trust, mutual interest, and similar values.
“One of these values that I’m particularly proud of is the commitment by both countries to elevate women in the business world and provide them with the tools they need to be successful in their pursuits,” she added.
Richardson added: “It is an honour to be invited to the Middle East Business Luncheon and Reception by the US-Qatar Business Council and the Association of Women in International Trade. I believe that our shared efforts to promote trade and investment will contribute to economic opportunities in both the US and the MEA region and will give a platform to women-owned businesses locally and abroad to enhance their international growth”.
Also speaking during the event, Al Dosari stressed: “The United States and the State of Qatar have a remarkable relationship spanning more than 50 years.
Both countries deeply value the important contributions their women make to the economy.
We look forward to welcoming American women in Qatar as they seek to expand their business in the country and wider region”.
Navarro added: “Women play an essential role in both the United States and Qatari economy.
Both countries value their businesswomen and are committed to fostering their leadership and growth public sector resources and initiatives”.
Also addressing the function, Taylor said: “I have been surrounded by strong women all my life and the importance of their empowerment is one of the many shared values between Qatar and the United States.
Both countries put a tremendous emphasis on education and support programs to ensure women have the tools they need to hit the ground running and succeed in the business world”.
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