Ministry of Commerce and Industry Reviews Themes and Objectives of the Ninth World Investment Forum

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry today reviewed the main themes, priorities and objectives of the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum 2026, hosted by the State of Qatar in partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from October 25 to 27 under the theme “Investing in the Future.” This came during the Forum's opening press conference, which provided an overview of its agenda and expected outcomes and gave media representatives an opportunity to engage with the issues shaping global investment and sustainable development.

In this context, Hamad Al Nasr, Director of the Trade Development and Investment Promotion Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said Qatar's hosting of the Forum reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and supporting investment as an essential pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy. Al Nasr noted that the Forum's return to Doha follows the city's hosting of its third edition in 2012, alongside UNCTAD's thirteenth session, reflecting Qatar's role in international dialogue on investment and development.

He explained that the Forum is taking place amid rapid transformations in the global economy and challenges affecting investment flows, international trade and supply chains, alongside technological developments and changes in energy markets. He said UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026 indicated that global foreign direct investment flows rose by 6% to approximately $1.6 trillion in 2025, but more than 80% of those flows were concentrated in the 20 largest economies, highlighting the need for more effective multilateral cooperation and investment policies that broaden developing economies' access to capital and help build more resilient and sustainable economies.

He added that the Forum provides an international platform bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders to discuss challenges, explore promising investment opportunities and exchange expertise on sectors shaping the future of investment, foremost among them artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, sustainable finance, tourism and culture. He said the Forum programme includes more than 80 sessions and high-level dialogues across seven thematic tracks, with more than 5,000 participants and 400 speakers, as well as a high-level session examining the future of investment in the Gulf region.

Regarding the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's participation, Al Nasr said it forms part of the Ministry's role in supporting economic diversification, developing the business and investment environment, advancing the private sector and attracting high-value investments, helping consolidate Qatar's position as a regional and international hub for business and investment.

He noted that Qatar continues to develop a competitive and open investment environment, explaining that the Law Regulating the Investment of Non-Qatari Capital in Economic Activity allows non-Qatari investors ownership of up to 100% in most sectors, while a $1 billion incentive programme supports domestic and foreign investments.

He invited investors participating in the Forum to explore the investment opportunities available in Qatar, expressing hope that the Forum would help formulate practical visions and ideas and conclude tangible partnerships and agreements that support productive and sustainable investment, strengthen confidence in the global business environment and open broader horizons for cooperation among governments, the private sector and relevant institutions.

Hamad Al Nasr, Director of the Trade Development and Investment Promotion Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, commended the role of media representatives in communicating the Forum's messages to the public and expressed hope that its outcomes would support investment and sustainable development at the regional and international levels.

Source: QNA

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