India 'throws up' investment opportunities for Qatar investors

India on Wednesday invited investors from energy-rich Qatar to invest in sectors like railways, defence production, infrastructure, retail and development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals.

Pointing out that India and Qatar have complimentary economies, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Anil Wadhwa said the reforms being undertaken by the Government of India now throw up several areas for Qatar to invest in the country.

The Secretary highlighted the sectors which offer immense opportunities to Qatari investors to invest in India, including railways, defence production, infrastructure, retail and development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals.

"Railways has undergone modernisation and expansion.

There will be a lot of opportunities in Defence where 49 per cent FDI is now allowed. Roads, railways, refrigeration, ports, power, etc. offer immense opportunities.

All this makes India an attractive investment destination," Wadhwa said. He observed that with the country developing industrial corridors in several parts of the country, Qatar could consider investing in some of these projects.

In addition, the development of LNG terminals also provides an opportunity for investment by Qatar, Wadhwa said.

Besides, Medanta-Medicity and Humanis Group signed an agreement to explore the possibility of setting up Super Speciality hospitals in Doha, a move aimed at forging closer ties in the delivery of healthcare services.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Minister of Economy & Commerce, State of Qatar, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani at a CII event.

The Minister pointed out that Qatar would like to strengthen bilateral economic linkages with India, and invited Indian companies to invest in the peninsula. He said that the infrastructure sector in Qatar is receiving tremendous attention.

Around $195 billion worth of major projects have already been commissioned. With Qatar hosting FIFA World Cup in 2022, this process of infrastructure development is expected to accelerate.

He was of the view that Indian companies could play a major role in Qatar's development in various sectors.