Qatar Chamber and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce have agreed to intensify efforts to expand trade and investment links, placing greater emphasis on connecting businesses in Qatar with opportunities in Belgium, Luxembourg and the wider European Union.The two chambers examined mechanisms for increasing commercial exchanges and encouraging partnerships during a virtual meeting involving Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli and senior representatives of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. Discussions centred on cross-border investment, business networking and practical ways of helping companies identify partners and enter new markets.
Al Obaidli said cooperation between business institutions could play an important role in converting the established economic relationship into additional investment and trade opportunities. The meeting also considered expanding communication between private-sector companies and organising activities designed to bring investors and businesses together.
The talks build on a series of engagements between Qatar Chamber and Belgian business organisations as Doha seeks broader economic relationships with European markets. Belgium has emerged as a significant European trading partner for Qatar, supported by commercial links spanning energy, services, technology, manufacturing and other sectors.
Trade between Qatar and Belgium reached QR4.6 billion in 2024, according to Qatar Chamber figures presented during a Qatar-Belgium business meeting in Doha in April 2025. Chamber officials have previously highlighted the presence of Belgian companies operating in Qatar through wholly owned businesses and partnerships with local firms, while Qatari investment is established in Belgium, particularly in energy.
Energy remains an important pillar of the relationship. Qatar has longstanding liquefied natural gas links with Belgium through the Zeebrugge LNG terminal, which serves as a major entry point for gas supplies into north-western Europe. The commercial relationship has nevertheless widened beyond hydrocarbons as businesses seek opportunities across technology, logistics, healthcare, education, consultancy and manufacturing.
The latest discussions reflected that broader approach, with both chambers focusing on institutional cooperation capable of facilitating direct exchanges between companies. Chambers of commerce can provide introductions, information on investment environments and support for business delegations, helping companies assess regulatory requirements and identify potential joint ventures.
Al Obaidli also holds a senior role within the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. He was elected vice-chairman of its board during meetings in Brussels in June, when Philippe Dessoy was elected president. Qatar Chamber said the appointment recognised Al Obaidli’s contribution to strengthening economic cooperation between Arab and European business communities.
Those Brussels meetings brought together representatives from Arab chambers and business organisations to discuss trade and investment relations with Belgium and Luxembourg. Participants examined opportunities for greater private-sector cooperation and the role of business institutions in supporting commercial engagement between the Arab region and Europe.
Qatar Chamber has increasingly used direct meetings with foreign chambers, trade bodies and business delegations to promote private-sector links. Its discussions with Belgian representatives have stressed opportunities for joint ventures and strategic alliances rather than relying solely on traditional merchandise trade.
A Belgian delegation that visited Doha in April 2025 comprised 44 companies from a range of sectors, described at the time by Belgium’s ambassador to Qatar, William Asselborn, as the largest Belgian trade delegation to the country in a decade. Companies represented fields including healthcare, education, information technology, legal consultancy, aviation, glass and metal manufacturing, retail, smart buildings and environmental consultancy.
During those talks, Qatar Chamber urged companies from Belgium to examine investment opportunities supported by Qatar’s infrastructure and business regulations, while encouraging Qatari companies to explore opportunities in Belgium. Representatives of Brussels’ economic development agency also outlined investment prospects available to foreign businesses.
The latest virtual meeting extends those exchanges through the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber, whose remit provides Qatar-based companies with a broader platform for engagement with commercial networks in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Qatar Chamber representatives have also participated this year in other Arab-European business forums, including meetings with German, French and Portuguese counterparts, as part of efforts to improve market access and establish direct connections between private companies.
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