Ambassador of India to Qatar, Dr Deepak Mittal
Doha: Ambassador of India to Qatar, H E Dr. Deepak Mittal has said Qatar-India trade volume is expected to return to pre-COVID-19 level by middle of this year.
“Bilateral trade between Qatar and India crossed $11bn in 2019. Despite COVID-19 challenges the trade volume between two countries from April to November in 2020 was about $7bn which was a good growth,” H E Dr. Deepak Mittal told The Peninsula.
The Ambassador said that he hoped that the bilateral trade volume might return to pre-COVID-19 level by the middle of current year. “Now we feel that we will be able to go back by the middle of 2021 to full pre-COVID-19 time,” said Dr. Mittal.
He said production in India already beaten the slowdown during the pandemic. “India should see its growth rate hitting the pre-pandemic level, which had been about seven to eight percent. We are confident of going towards it which is good for India and Qatar to boost bilateral trade,” said Dr. Mittal.
Speaking about the commodities which are being traded between two countries, the Ambassador said: “We do exchange energy, electric appliances, foods, beverages, chemicals, textile, pharmaceuticals, construction materials among many more.” He said in 2020, India has been among the top three destinations for exports from Qatar.
“We have very strong relations with Qatar especially in investment and trade sectors ... we both India and Qatar are looking into how to diversify our trade further.
“We do have a very strong energy partnership. Now we are thinking why the partnership is limited to energy, why not to look into diversification of trade and to complement each other and participate in ensuring food security and healthcare developments,” said Dr. Mittal.
He said 2021 looks good as it began with all positive developments in the region. “We expect the vaccination drive taking place in Qatar and India will bring more strength towards work and business,” said the Ambassador.
Speaking about 72nd Republic Day of India which falls on January 26 (today), the Ambassador said the event will be celebrated with fun and fervour following COVID-19 protocol in a safe environment.
“The event will begin with flag hoisting at the premises of Indian Embassy in Doha by 8am. A small reception will be held for limited number of people,” said Dr. Mittal.
He said the flag hoisting ceremony will be live streamed on official Facebook account of Indian Embassy enabling maximum members of Indian expatriate community to participate.
To a question about the programme of the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the Ambassador said the Council is involved in holding promotional events regularly to promote Indian products in Qatar.
“Last year, because of the pandemic, we could not hold physical exhibitions and events. We have been doing a lot of activities virtually. With gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions more activities will be organised,” said Dr. Mittal.
