USQBC Doha Convenes Global Leaders on How Private Capital Can Drive Resilient Market Transformation

The U.S.-Qatar Business Council – Doha (USQBC Doha) convened a high-level roundtable at the 9th World Investment Forum (WIF). Held ahead of the Forum's official Opening Ceremony, the roundtable marked the first session of WIF 2026, setting the stage for three days of high-level dialogue on global investment and economic development. The Forum was organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). USQBC Doha’s closed-door, invitation-only session, titled “Private Capital, Public Impact: How Enterprise Drives Resilient Market Transformation,” was held as part of its partnership with UNCTAD for WIF 2026.

The roundtable was attended by Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD, alongside senior representatives from government institutions, multilateral organizations, and private-sector companies. With LuLu Retail Group as a contributing sponsor, the roundtable examined how private enterprise and investment can strengthen market resilience and support sustainable transformation. Participating organizations included, from government, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Qatar's MoCI, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC); from multilateral organizations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC); and from the private sector, VISA, Crowell & Moring, Gem Soft, Lumo Hubs, and LuLu Retail Group.

The closed-door format provided a trusted setting for senior leaders from government, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to engage on how private investment contributes to long-term market stability and economic transformation. Bringing these perspectives together reinforces the value of public-private collaboration in mobilizing investment for priority sectors.

On this occasion, Sheikha Mayes H. Al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha, remarked, “Our partnership with UNCTAD for WIF 2026 enabled us to convene this roundtable under the theme Private Capital, Public Impact. Private investment delivers lasting value when it is aligned with national priorities, when governments and enterprises collaborate early, and when cross-border partnerships widen access to capital, technology, and expertise. USQBC Doha is pleased to provide a platform for this dialogue between the United States, Qatar, and our international partners.”

Reflecting on the roundtable, Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD, noted, “Predictable policies remain the first line of defense for investors because they reduce risk at its source. But no policy can prevent every drought, conflict or currency shock. That is why sharing risk must be part of investment strategies, bringing governments, investors and development partners together to make more projects viable and direct capital to the countries and sectors where it is needed most.”

The roundtable forms part of USQBC Doha's ongoing efforts to advance high-level dialogue and strengthen public-private engagement, reinforcing its role as a trusted convener of senior leaders across the U.S.-Qatar corridor. 

About US-Qatar Business Council – Doha (USQBC Doha)

USQBC Doha is a strategic platform advancing bilateral commercial engagement between the United States and Qatar. Serving Qatari and U.S. companies and institutional partners, the Council provides high-level convening, market intelligence, policy engagement, and strategic facilitation, including introductions, trade missions, and investment initiatives across the U.S.-Qatar corridor.

For more information, contact: desk@usqbcdoha.org | +974 4034 2055

About UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

UNCTAD is the UN’s leading body on trade and development. Founded in 1964, it supports 195 member states with expert analysis, technical assistance, and serves as a platform for intergovernmental dialogue.

UNCTAD helps developing countries make trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy work for inclusive and sustainable development.

unctadpress@unctad.org, unctad.org/media-centre

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