General

Moscow: Qatar Free Zones Authority and BIOCAD ,one of Russia's leading biotechnology companies, today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for the establishment of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals activities in the Free Zones in the State of Qatar, including but not limited to research and development and manufacturing processes. The MoU signing was witnessed by Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, who is also Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), and HE Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov. The MoU was signed by CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani and CEO of BIOCAD Dmitrii Sivokoz during the Qatar Russia Business Forum. High-ranking officials from both countries attended the signing ceremony, alongside distinguished industry leaders and guests. Read Also Minister of Commerce and Industry inaugurates Qatar-Russia Business Forum The MoU seeks to create conditions for cooperation in strategic areas such as new technologies, logistics and biomedical sciences. BIOCAD shall also encourage its partners and suppliers to establish presence in Qatars Free Zones as part of broadening Qatar's biomedical sciences ecosystem. In addition, BIOCAD shall support local research and development and engage with leading Qatari universities and research institutions, fostering academic-industry partnerships and involving the local scientific community in collaborative R&D initiatives. HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani, the CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), commented on the occasion said that: "Our partnership with BIOCAD is a strategic step in positioning Qatar as a hub for biomedical innovation. It reflects QFZs commitment to attracting future-focused industries and advancing the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030." Recently, a delegation from the Qatari Ministry of Public Health paid a visit to the Russian Federation, with a special focus on BIOCADs R&D and manufacturing facilities. During the meeting, the parties discussed potential cooperation in providing Qatar's population with modern, effective, and safe medications, including pharmaceutical localization and the establishment of biotechnological production within Qatar. "The company is interested in entering the Qatari pharmaceutical market not just as a supplier of its products, but also as a reliable state partner, contributing to the development of the country's own pharmaceutical industry through the transfer of technology for the production of biotechnological medicine for Qatar and global markets," said CEO of BIOCAD Dmitry Sivokoz. He added that: "this cooperation would not only improve access to high-efficacy therapies for Qatari patients but also foster the development of the local pharmaceutical industry and strengthen bilateral ties between Russia and Qatar." As Qatar and its Free Zones accelerate their efforts to become a globally recognized center for biomedical sciences innovation and high-tech research and development, this partnership underscores the countrys commitment to enabling advanced industries that serve both the national interest and global health outcomes.

Transport

Doha, Qatar: The Doha Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the ICAO Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), reaffirmed the commitment of ICAO member states and all participating entities to strengthening international cooperation for air transport facilitation. The declaration underscores the importance of ensuring the seamless movement of passengers, crew, and cargo across borders in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Adopted during the high-level Ministerial Session, the declaration highlighted the vital role of air transport in connecting people, supporting trade, and fostering economic and social growth. It called for enhanced coordination to streamline travel facilitation and ensure the efficiency of global aviation operations. Participants emphasized the importance of facilitation measures in protecting passenger rights, fostering innovation, developing skills, and enhancing public health preparedness through national aviation plans designed to address pandemics and health emergencies. The declaration also stressed the integration of civil aviation with public health measures, advocating for a comprehensive approach to ensure the continued safe and effective operation of air transport during crises while bolstering resilience against future challenges. It called for the adoption of unified policies for air transport facilitation, based on flexible technical standards tailored to each country's needs, and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms to support facilitation programs. The declaration also emphasized ensuring accessibility for vulnerable groups, including refugees, persons with disabilities, and stateless individuals. The Doha Declaration serves as a strategic roadmap guiding ICAOs future policies by supporting digital transformation, enhancing border coordination, and promoting the exchange of best practices among Member States. Participants commended Qatars efforts in organizing this global conference and the pivotal role played by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and ICAO in ensuring its success. The event attracted high-ranking officials, experts, and aviation specialists from over 120 countries, 17 international organizations, and approximately 3,000 attendees. Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani stated that the Doha Declaration serves as a "guiding roadmap for future policies in air transport facilitation", highlighting Qatar's commitment to infrastructure development and smart, sustainable mobility, in line with the declaration's vision for seamlessly connecting passengers and cargo across borders. QCAA Acting President Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri reiterated ICAO Member States' commitment to enhancing air transport facilitation per ICAO Assembly resolutions. He encouraged the adoption of the Doha Declaration as a foundation for a unified vision that aligns with technological advancements and future needs. President of the ICAO Council HE Salvatore Sciacchitano stressed the importance of ensuring smooth mobility for passengers, crew, and cargo while maintaining the highest safety standards. He reaffirmed ICAO's commitment to establishing sustainable funding mechanisms that support accessibility for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, refugees, and stateless individuals. HE ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized that the Doha Declaration paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable global aviation network. He outlined three key priorities: enhancing border coordination, accelerating digital transformation, and achieving global consensus on air transport facilitation, noting that ICAO will support these efforts through technical expertise and the exchange of best practices. FALC 2025 is the second-largest ICAO gathering after its General Assembly in terms of ministerial representation and participation levels. It attracted over 120 ministers and heads of civil aviation authorities, around 3,000 aviation experts and leaders, 17 international organizations, 80 speakers across 13 panel sessions, and 35 exhibitors in the accompanying expo. The conference addressed critical issues such as customs clearance procedures, travel document security, refugee and deportee processing, countering human trafficking, assisting victims of aviation accidents, supporting Member States' capabilities, and innovations in air transport facilitation. The accompanying exhibition provided a key platform for showcasing the latest technologies in air transport facilitation.

General

Moscow: On the sidelines of the visit of HH Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Russian Federation, the Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation HE Maxim Reshetnikov inaugurated the Qatar-Russia Business Forum today. The forum aims to enhance investment, trade, and industrial cooperation between the two friendly nations and explore prospects for partnership across vital economic sectors, reflecting the strength and depth of their bilateral relations. The forum witnessed the participation of a delegation from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, headed by HE Chairman of the Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani and President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin, along with several dignitaries and senior officials from the public and private sectors, as well as a distinguished group of businesspeople and investors from both countries. In his opening remarks, the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry emphasized the deep-rooted and longstanding ties between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation, based on historical and strategic foundations. He noted that these relations have advanced in recent years thanks to the shared will of both leaderships to diversify and expand areas of cooperation, to achieve sustainable economic growth and ensure a more prosperous and stable future for both peoples. His Excellency said that the forum represents a strategic platform for strengthening economic relations between the two countries, pointing out that the Qatar-Russia partnership is built on solid foundations of mutual trust and shared interests. He highlighted that trade volume between the two nations increased by 262% during 2023-2024, which reflects the vast potential and promising opportunities to broaden economic cooperation. His Excellency also highlighted the pivotal role that both Qatar and Russia play in shaping global energy policies through their membership in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). He stressed that Qatar is one of the leading investors in Russia in key sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, and logistics services. HE The Minister underlined the important role of the private sector in driving bilateral cooperation, expressing both countries aspirations to build strategic partnerships between public and private sector institutions to foster joint investments and boost project flows in priority areas. His Excellency explained that, under Qatar National Vision 2030, the State of Qatar continues to implement the objectives of its Third National Development Strategy to achieve diversified and sustainable economic growth by creating an attractive and competitive business environment founded on transparency and equal opportunities for both local and foreign investors. His Excellency also discussed the most notable reforms undertaken by Qatar to enhance the investment climate, including the simplification of regulatory procedures, facilitation of business registration and licensing, comprehensive incentive packages such as tax exemptions and competitively priced land leases, and reduced energy costs. In this context, His Excellency invited Russian investors to take advantage of Qatar's advanced investment environment and to engage in the promising opportunities available in the Qatari market. For his part, HE Russia's Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in his opening remarks that the Qatari-Russian Joint Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation resumed its work this year after outlining the strategic priorities for cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in industrial and technological sectors and expanding trade relations and investment partnerships, which would boost future cooperation opportunities. On the sidelines of the forum, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry held bilateral meetings with HE Maxim Reshetnikov and representatives of the Russian private sector. These meetings addressed ways to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. For his part, HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani stressed the chamber's commitment to enhancing economic and trade cooperation with Russia. The Chairman gave a speech at the Qatar-Russia Business Forum and said that it represents an ideal platform to find the best ways to improve investment opportunities and increase the volume of economic and trade exchange between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation under the guidance of the wise leadership in both countries. He underscored the active and pivotal role played by the Qatar-Russia Joint Business Council in strengthening the ties of cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, through arranging bilateral meetings and visits to build strategic partnerships between businessmen from both sides to serve the common interests and promote economic integration between Qatar and Russia. He also pointed out that the private sector is a key pillar in advancing economic cooperation in both countries. He pointed out that the Qatar Chamber welcomes Russian companies, some of which operate in the Qatari market across various sectors, and whose numbers and activities are increasing year after year. The Chamber encourages them to invest in various fields such as energy, renewable energy, tourism, digital technology, agriculture, and industry, as the Qatari market boasts an attractive investment climate, supported by a modern infrastructure, encouraging incentives, and modern laws. For his part, Board Member and Chairman of the Qatar association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics (QAFL) Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misned participated in a panel discussion at the forum titled "Developing Transportation and Logistics for a Connected World." Al Misned said that that Qatar has witnessed significant development in the logistic sector recent years, driven by its ambitious national visions, strategic geographic location, diversified economy, and commitment to sustainable development. These factors have positioned Qatar as a major hub for trade and transportation in the region. He noted that Qatars logistics market is expected to record some of the highest growth rates in the region in the coming years, especially given the countrys development of modern logistics systems. These systems seamlessly connect world-class airports and seaports with an advanced road network and logistics infrastructure, reinforcing Qatars strategic importance. He emphasized that this integrated infrastructure, combined with Qatars business-friendly environment and attractive investment climate, will play a key role in attracting more foreign investment and international companies to the country.