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Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat met his Qatari counterpart Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed in Ankara on August 24 to examine ways of expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. The discussions concentrated on increasing trade flows, building more resilient supply chains and opening fresh avenues for private-sector partnerships. Bolat hosted a roundtable that included senior figures from both governments, reflecting the priority both nations attach to deepening ties that have expanded rapidly in recent years. Officials reviewed implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement that took effect in 2025 and identified concrete steps to broaden its impact across multiple sectors.
Bolat told reporters after the meeting that the two sides had set a target of lifting bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. “Türkiye-Qatar relations have truly made tremendous progress,” he said. He added that total annual foreign trade had increased 53-fold over the past 21 years, reaching $1.3 billion last year, while volumes had climbed to $2.5 billion during preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar. The minister described these figures as a foundation for further growth now that the partnership agreement is in force.
Turkish contractors have delivered 206 projects in Qatar worth more than $21 billion, according to data Bolat presented during the talks. More than 1,100 Turkish companies maintain operations in the Qatari market, contributing expertise in construction, services and technology. Qatari entities have meanwhile placed $7.8 billion through 250 companies in Türkiye, with those investments directed into finance, banking, energy, logistics, media and agriculture. The scale of existing engagement provided the backdrop for discussions on how to accelerate new joint ventures.
Al-Sayed conveyed that the Qatar Investment Authority stands ready to enlarge its presence in the Turkish economy, with several initiatives already under preparation. The ministers examined opportunities to diversify cooperation beyond current areas, including joint projects that could support supply-chain integration. Both delegations stressed the importance of removing remaining procedural obstacles that limit two-way flows of goods, services and capital.
Regional logistics challenges featured prominently as officials considered the implications of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. They explored alternative transit routes, drawing on a transit agreement with Saudi Arabia that became effective on April 15 and enables shipments through several regional corridors. Bolat stated that the two countries “will work together to establish these transit and trade corridors on a stronger and more stable basis.” The conversations underscored the value of coordinated planning to safeguard commercial routes serving both economies.
The Qatari delegation also comprised Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, Customs Chairman Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Justice Undersecretary Saeed bin Abdullah bin Saeed Al Suwaidi, Transport Undersecretary Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim Al Maadeed and Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Eng Ali bin Abdul Latif Al Misnad. Turkish participants included senior officials from the trade and treasury ministries who contributed sector-specific perspectives. Their collective input helped map out practical measures to translate the high-level objectives into measurable outcomes over the coming months.
