Irish premier stresses significance of Gulf-EU trade agreement

Visiting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said on Tuesday his country was seeking to complete the conclusion of the GCC-EU free trade agreement, stressing the significance of this deal to both sides. Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Qatari and Irish businessmen, he said the EU does not impose any taxes on Gulf petrochemical companies, pointing to current talks between Gulf and EU petrochemical businesses in this regard. He underlined the firm relations between Qatar and Ireland especially in the economic area, urging Irish businesses to capitalize on available investment opportunities in Doha. The Irish prime minister also called for developing a strategy for economic cooperation between Ireland and Qatar, especially in the fields of communications, energy, water, engineering, construction, information technology and training. On his part, Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassem Al Thani said the visit of the Irish premier is to broaden the scope of economic relations between Qatar and Ireland and to pave the way for both sides' business sectors to play a more active role in the promotion and development of bilateral relations. Trade exchange between both countries, which is still meager, should be pushed in order to reflect the depth of bilateral economic and trade relations. The Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny arrived here on Monday for a two-day official visit to Qatar.