Qatar is planning to make huge investments in various sectors of the cash-strapped Italian economy, including energy, healthcare and tourism. This was announced by Enrico Letta, Prime Minister, Italy, on a visit, at a joint press conference with His Excellency Dr. Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry.
The current investment plans include building of a Museum of Islamic Art in Venice and a hospital in Olbia, in northeastern Sardinia. However, the size of investments was not disclosed.
“We held a very successful meeting with the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” said the Italian premier. “We discussed a host of important issues of mutual interests, including industrial investments in Italy.”
The Prime Minister confirmed the discussion with Qatar about the possibility of investing in state-backed oil firm Eni SpA, as the Eurozone’s third largest economy is striving to cut severing debt by selling state assets.
Dr. Mohamed also said that the meeting was very successful and that Qatar is looking forward to inject capital in the Rome-based energy company, in which Italy owns the biggest stake.
He termed the meeting as a “very important milestone” in the bilateral economic relations between the two “friendly” countries.
“The doors for mutual cooperation are wide open. The Qatari side has shown a great interest in investing in various sectors of the Italian economy,” he said.
He also said Qatar is open to tie-ups with energy and construction companies and a team from the Qatar Investment Authority will visit Italy to discuss investment opportunities with relevant partners. He called the bilateral relations as “excellent, historic and of great importance” based on solid foundations of mutual benefits.
He said that Qatar has consolidated its relationships with Italy through continued LNG supply, under the 25-year contract and it is further open to supply more gas in the future.
Dr. Mohamed also highlighted the various areas of cooperation that Qatar is looking for, including the aviation sector. “With the successful operation of Qatar Airways to the European nation, Qatar is now looking forward to get more access for cargo operations to Italy.”
Letta added that there are great investment opportunities for Italian companies in Qatar, which are well positioned to play a significant role in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022.
“I am very happy with the discussions that we had in the meeting with His Highness about the possible cooperation to host the football championship in 2022. Italian companies can play an important role in establishing logistics and infrastructure facilities.”
@The Peninsula