Latest news with #TheRoadto2030:TransformingtheGlobalEconomy
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero returns from Qatari-funded trip to Doha economic forum
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero is on her way back from a trip where she attended the fifth annual Qatar Economic Forum held from May 20 to May 22. Charlene Mendoza, Romero's chief of staff, confirmed that the Qatari Embassy in Washington, DC sponsored the trip, which was not announced publicly before the conference. That comes after a city spokesperson, Andrew Squire, initially told the Arizona Daily Star that costs for the trip were being footed by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Star reported spokespeople for Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg Media, a host of the conference, rejected that claim. Squire later indicated his original statement was incorrect. Romero was one of 2,500 global leaders who met in Doha, Qatar's capital, for the economic development event. It featured 120 speakers focused on the theme The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy and featured plenary discussions, breakout sessions, MOU signings and agreements, and cultural events, according to a Bloomberg Media press release. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who spoke publicly about the trip, was also in Doha for the conference. In past years, the delegation has included mayors from cities in Florida, Michigan, Idaho and New Mexico. Tucson City Manager Tom Thomure announced her trip at a city council meeting on May 20 and thanked Visit Tucson, the Chamber of Southern Arizona, and the city's economic initiatives department for helping put together materials to support her work at the event. 'As Visit Tucson CEO Felipe Garcia puts it, it is a great thing that our mayor is representing our community on the global stage and showcasing the opportunities our city offers. International forums like this are where connections are made, and investments begin." Thomure said Romero would be advocating for Tucson as a logistics hub and its accessibility by rail, interstate, and air, as well as having one of the largest land ports of entry into the U.S. and being a gateway to Mexico. He said she would also highlight the city's leadership in climate adaptation and innovation, and its location as the home of the University of Arizona, one of the top research institutions in the world. Mendoza told The Arizona Republic that while the mayor's international trips are minimal, they help the city's economic development. On one such economic development trip, Romero traveled with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and others in March 2024, where they met with Volaris Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Mexico. Volaris hadn't been interested in bringing service to Tucson before. Since the meeting in Mexico, the airline has come to Tucson to meet with the airport authority and others involved in economic development about bringing service from Tucson to Mexico, Mendoza said. Connections and conversations like these, Mendoza said, can help develop Tucson's economy and create new jobs as the city scrambles to figure out how to increase revenue. Tucson is facing a decline in state-shared funding, federal grants, and the resounding loss of Proposition 414 in March, which would have raised the city's sales tax to pay for public safety and community investment. "We just lost proposition 414 in Tucson, and how Regina says, voters told us to find another way," Mendoza said. "The way that this works is either you get revenue sources through things like taxes and bonds, or you generate additional revenue sources by creating new jobs and developing the economy." Romero plans to speak about her trip upon her return, Mendoza said. Mendoza said she didn't know why Romero was chosen for the delegation, but looking at past mayors who have been invited, they are a bipartisan group, often leading cities with large research universities, major sporting events, and cities with an organized economic development strategy. 'Regina was really there to do was help people understand that Tucson is open for business,' Mendoza said, adding that Tucson's key sectors, like defense, optics, biosciences, technology, medical devices, and more, were addressed at the economic forum. Reach the reporter at The Republic's coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tucson mayor returns from Qatari-funded trip to Doha economic forum
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Economic Forum 2025 concludes with engaging dialogues and discussions
DOHA: The fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held in collaboration with Bloomberg, concluded after three days of insightful discussions and idea exchanges, featuring over 3,000 participants and 125 speakers. The forum focused on the challenges shaping the future of the global economy. The forum was graced by the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who officially inaugurated the event under the theme 'The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy'. The opening ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Benin HE Patrice Talon, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, a number of Their Excellencies ministers and officials representing various friendly and brotherly nations, ambassadors, senior officials, parliamentarians, economists, business leaders, media representatives, and delegates from regional and international organizations. Compared to the 20 memoranda of understanding signed in the previous edition, the 2025 forum saw the signing of 24 MoUs, reflecting the growing momentum and impact of the event. The forum's sessions tackled pressing economic, trade, and financial issues at both regional and global levels, including geopolitics, globalization, and trade, energy security, technological advancements, business and investment outlooks, and sports, entertainment, and tourism. These themes formed a comprehensive framework, showcasing the increasing intersections between politics, economics, technology, and culture in shaping the future of economic development. Over the past five years, the Qatar Economic Forum has established itself as a central platform bringing together decision-makers and experts to exchange perspectives on economic challenges and develop strategies for financial stability and sustainable growth. This year's edition boasted participation from heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, CEOs, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs worldwide, reinforcing its growing stature on the global stage. The forum further strengthened Qatar's role as a pivotal center for global economic dialogue, serving as a premier international platform for exchanging views on critical economic challenges and exploring pathways for growth and prosperity in an ever-evolving global environment.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar aspires to be a diversified, prosperous knowledge-based economy: Prime minister
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has said that the State of Qatar aspires to be a diversified and prosperous economy based on knowledge and innovation, emulating the technological revolution, and characterised by flexibility and adaptability. In his opening remarks at the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, held in partnership with Bloomberg, which kicked off on Tuesday under the theme 'The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy', the prime ministeradded that Qatar aspires to be a beacon of technological advancement and a global hub for investment and business, built on trust and to remain a reliable partner, whether in energy or investment, as well as in diplomacy. He continued: "From this perspective, we are working to translate this vision into a tangible reality by diversifying our foreign investments in a way that enhances strategic balance and contributes to building a sustainable, long-term economy." In this context, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the Qatar Investment Authority continues to implement its vision through long-term strategic partnerships around the world, continuing this year with significant investments from the United States to Africa and even China. He added, "These initiatives reflect our firm confidence in the dynamism of markets, particularly emerging ones, and their future potential." On the local level, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that the Qatari economy continued its positive performance, recording real growth of 2.4 percent in 2024, bringing the GDP to QR713 billion. He added, "This growth is attributed to the remarkable progress in the non-oil sectors, which grew by 3.4 percent annually, a clear indication of steady progress toward achieving the goals of the Third National Development Strategy." He pointed out that by the end of 2024, the volume of new foreign direct investment will reach QR9.9 billion, "which confirms the growing confidence of international investors in the Qatari economy and its strength." He emphasized that the State of Qatar, to keep pace with this momentum, continues to develop its legislative and administrative framework to make Qatar's business environment more efficient and attractive to investors. In this context, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of the first package of incentives for all investors, targeting strategic sectors including advanced manufacturing, modern technology, and logistics services. He stated that this package represents a qualitative step towards enhancing growth in sectors that constitute a fundamental pillar of the future of the national economy. He noted that, in addition to industrial expansion, this year witnessed the launch of the 'Simaisma Tourism Project', one of the largest entertainment projects in the region. It is also a major driver of the real estate and tourism sectors and an effective engine for integrated development. In the field of innovation and digital transformation, he stated that the State of Qatar has established itself as an emerging technology hub, noting in this context that Doha will host the second edition of the Web Summit in February 2025, with the participation of more than 25,000 people from 124 countries. Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the summit succeeded in creating exceptional communication between emerging technology hubs in Asia and Africa on the one hand, and major international companies and sovereign funds on the other, strengthening Qatar's position as a global hub for digital intersectionality. He added, "In confirmation of this trend, the State of Qatar recently won the bid to host the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for five years, with the first edition to be held next November, a move that firmly places Qatar on the map of the global digital economy. The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that, in order to keep pace with this development and actively participate in it, the State of Qatar will launch a new project that aspires to global status, which will be unveiled this year. He emphasized in this context that these combined achievements reflect the State of Qatar's commitment to consolidating its position as a global economic and investment hub, and reinforce its seriousness in building a future based on diversity, innovation, and sustainability. He stressed that the State of Qatar seeks to consolidate its role in building a more balanced global economy that promotes partnership and places people at the heart of development. He also expressed the State of Qatar's aspiration to be a platform where ideas converge and interests intersect in an environment fostered by peace and investment. In his speech, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs called for an integrated approach that combines security, development, diplomacy, and growth, placing human dignity at the heart of the prosperity equation. He began his speech by welcoming the forum participants, noting that Qatar has today become a destination for active international and diplomatic forums, and a global hub that brings together decision-makers and thinkers to build bridges of dialogue and cooperation. He pointed out that the Qatar Economic Forum is being held this year amid major political and economic transformations, "which underscores the urgent need for dialogue platforms that bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to chart the course for future investment opportunities and formulate a collective stance on the challenges we face, most notably international stability and sustainable growth". He addressed the ongoing unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, noting that "despite Qatar's efforts, alongside its partners in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, to bring an end to this tragic war, we unfortunately repeatedly witness the failure of any prospects for a ceasefire". He added, "When the Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander was released, we thought that moment would open the door to ending this tragedy. However, the response was an even more violent wave of bombing that claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people. This irresponsible, aggressive behavior undermines every possible chance for peace." He stressed that, despite this, the State of Qatar is committed to continuing its diplomatic efforts with its partners "until we stop this war, release all hostages and detainees, alleviate the suffering of our people in Gaza, and remove the region from the ongoing, imminent danger". Regarding the Syrian issue, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that "the decision to lift US sanctions on this brotherly country is an important step in the right direction," adding, "We look forward to similar steps following it. It is a clear message to the region and the world that the priority must be to give a real and full opportunity to people emerging from conflict to build a better future". He considered that political stability and economic prosperity go hand in hand, and that neither can be achieved in isolation from the other. He said, "From this standpoint, the State of Qatar pursues an effective diplomatic policy based on fair mediation and constructive action to resolve conflicts, recognizing that peace is the foundation for any sustainable development." He continued, "We consider every diplomatic effort we make an investment in a more prosperous and secure future. When we see a young person in Gaza completing their education or a Syrian family returning home after displacement, we realize the profound impact stability has on people's lives and economies." In conclusion, he wished the participants a fruitful forum and constructive discussions. He also expressed his aspiration for a constructive and fruitful dialogue during the forum's sessions, and for new economic partnerships that would enhance the path of sustainable development in the region and the world.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Finance minister meets several ministers, officials on margins of QEF 2025
DOHA: Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari has met with Minister of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HE Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, on the margins of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held under the theme 'The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy'. Both ministers conferred on a broad range of topics related to shared interests, particularly economic ones, as well as avenues for broadening collaborative efforts between the two nations. Separately, Al Kuwari met with Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkiye HE Mehmet Simsek, on the margins of the forum. They addressed a range of topics related to the shared interests of both countries, particularly in the financial and economic fields, as well as measures aimed at broadening the scope of these joint activities. Additionally, Al Kuwari met with His Grace The Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox, from King's Trust International. The meeting reviewed areas of mutual cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen relations across a number of sectors of shared interest, particularly in the fields of economy and investment, in addition to addressing regional and international economic developments. Al Kuwari also met with Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, Judson Althoff. Both sides deliberated on strengthening the frontiers of bilateral cooperation in the areas of investment, finance, and economics, as well as a host of topics of shared interest.
