Qatar

Doha/ Information Office/ 14 March 2017/ The Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held Tuesday a seminar on Qatari-Singaporean ties. Singapore's Ambassador to Qatar JS Sohan lectured in the seminar in the attendance of a number of Qatari diplomats and employees in the ministry.
Sohan described bilateral ties as excellent, noting that many Singaporean companies are keen on operating in Qatar. Likewise, Qatari companies have its share of the economy in Singapore. He noted that the two countries also have a high level of coordination in the UN.
The ambassador noted that the two countries established a high-level committee in 2006. He expressed his optimism regarding the continued contact between the two countries and the high-level visits the two sides exchange. Sohan then discussed economic and investment projects as testament to the strong cooperation between the two countries.
Sohan then gave a brief history on Singapore, saying the country gained independence from Malaysia in 1956 and now has a GDP per Capita of $87 thousand. He noted that the country did not have rich natural resources, which prompted the country to depend on its citizens' innovation. He added that many multi-national companies were benefiting from their investments in Singapore, but noted that the country realized that such a benefit can be mutual as well. This prompted Singapore to rely on technology for development. He noted that technology will not be enough without having the flexibility to adapt with changes worldwide.
In concluding his remarks, the ambassador said that Qatar and Singapore are testament that geographic size should not be a headwind to development but can actually spur it on.