India, Qatar Expands Trade Horizon with AI and Quantum Computing

New Delhi, Mar 20 (KNN) India is transitioning from traditional energy-based trade to advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Quantum Computing, and semiconductors.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted this shift at the India-Qatar Business Forum, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.

"We are now looking at a new future where we transition from energy being the hallmark of our trade to new-age technologies," Goyal stated.

He emphasised that this transformation will be driven by sustainability, entrepreneurship, energy, and technology. He also underscored India's robust startup ecosystem as a major attraction for Qatari investments.

The forum coincided with the visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and was held in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, State of Qatar.

Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thbin Faisal Al Thani, reaffirmed the strong economic ties between the two nations, noting that India is Qatar’s third-largest trading partner.

Ahmad Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, spoke about Qatar’s investment platforms, such as the Qatar Investment Authority, which aims to enhance opportunities in India.

Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada highlighted the positive economic outlook and the mutual benefits of strengthening industry, trade, and technology collaborations.

The event featured panel discussions on investments, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, emphasising India’s role as a technology provider and Qatar’s ambition for digital transformation.

Two MoUs were signed between the Qatari Businessmen Association and CII, and between Invest Qatar and Invest India, marking a step forward in bilateral economic cooperation.

(KNN Bureau)