New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal co-chaired the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (JCEC) in Doha with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, reaffirming both nations’ resolve to deepen trade and investment ties and pursue a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
During the bilateral talks, the two sides reviewed their $14 billion trade relationship, identifying scope to double bilateral trade by 2030. Goyal emphasized the need to boost Indian exports in sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles, gems & jewellery, and renewable energy. Both ministers also welcomed Qatar’s long-term LNG supply agreement of 7.5 million tonnes per year from 2028 as a pillar of energy cooperation.
At the India-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting, attended by Ficci, CII, Assochm and Qatar Chamber, Goyal urged businesses to explore new opportunities amid India’s strong macroeconomic stability and growing start-up ecosystem.
On the sidelines, he held meetings with Qatari corporate leaders to promote investment, technology partnerships, and joint ventures. A key highlight of the visit was the launch of India’s unified payments interface (UPI) at Lulu Mall, The Pearl Island, enabling seamless digital transactions for the Indian diaspora and local consumers.
Addressing the Indian community, Goyal praised their contribution to Qatar’s growth and India’s global standing, calling them a vital bridge in realizing India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.