Emerging Tech, Start-Ups Take Center Stage In Future Trade Partnerships: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, Feb 19 (KNN) India is pivoting its trade focus from traditional energy partnerships to emerging technologies, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's remarks at the India-Qatar Business Forum.

Speaking during the visit of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to New Delhi, Goyal emphasised that artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, quantum computing, and semiconductors would become the new cornerstones of India's international trade relationships.

The transition will be built on four key pillars: sustainability, entrepreneurship, energy, and technology, with India's robust start-up ecosystem positioned as an attractive destination for Qatari investments.

Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thbin Faisal Al Thani, highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, noting that India has become Qatar's third-largest trading partner.

The business forum, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with various Indian and Qatari government bodies, featured three panel discussions focusing on investments, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The event highlighted potential collaborations in digital transformation and high-quality solar grid polysilicon manufacturing, leveraging India's digital expertise and Qatar's regional position as a Middle Eastern hub.

The forum concluded with the signing of two memoranda of understanding: one between the Qatari Businessmen Association and CII, and another between Invest Qatar and Invest India.

Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Al-Sayed, also discussed investment opportunities through platforms like the Qatar Investment Authority, which aims to enhance bilateral investment prospects.

(KNN Bureau)