Qatar and Italy trade volume for the past year amounted to almost €8bn, an increase of 120.5 percent compared to 2021.
Italian Ambassador to Qatar, H E Paolo Toschi, speaking at a press conference, attributed the rise in bilateral trade to the strong ties between the two countries.
“We are very enthusiastic about the opportunities that the two countries have, because there is a great complementarity between our industries and there’s a great complementarity between our people.”
The envoy said that they outperformed the bilateral trade year-on-year in 2021, which is a good indication of Qatar and Italy’s relationship.
Italian Trade Agency, Trade Commissioner for Qatar and Bahrain, Paola Lisi told The Peninsula that the €7.83bn trade volume amount is from the first 11 months of the year 2022. “This is an increase of 120.5 percent compared to the same period in 2021, according to data from the Italian National Statistical Institute.”
“In 2021, the value of the trade exceeded €4bn for the first time. Italy ranks fourth in the list of Qatar’s supplier countries and eighth in the list of customer countries,” she added. Major Italian exports to Qatar are machinery, furniture, cars, fashion, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Qatar exports fuels, plastics, chemicals, precious stones and other products to Italy. Lisi added: “We believe that there are still further great opportunities to increase commercial and industrial cooperation between our countries in all productive sectors.”
She had previously said that because Qatar’s economy is strong in energy and infrastructure, there are several opportunities emerging in new industries.
Currently, there is a steady rise in areas like luxury goods, food, and beverage.
On a side note, Ambassador Toschi also commended Qatar as the world’s safest country.
“I think it’s a testimony to the many investments that have been made here to make the city safe, enjoyable and open. It is a city that I myself and my family have the pleasure to enjoy, in the museums, parks, public spaces, and I’m confident that also thanks to the re-opening of the cruise business from Italy, many Italian tourists will enjoy [travelling to Qatar].”
