Al Sahafa - Making News - Qatar's Democracy and Free Trade Conference

Qatar's Democracy & Free Trade Conference

By; Fatina Salaheddine

This year's conference on "Democracy & Free Trade" in Doha, Qatar was sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations, Islamic Free Market Institute, the Qatari Chamber of Commerce and the University of Qatar. The event took place on April 5-6, 2004 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The conference had over 460 delegates of outstanding political, economic and academic backgrounds from more than 25 countries covering all regions of the world. Two members of the United States Congress were also in attendance; Mr. James Sensenbrenner (R), and Mr. Paul Ryan (R). Both Congressmen were from the state of Wisconsin.The ultimate goal of attending this conference was to visit the region, experience the culture, dispel the mis-communicated impressions of "an Arab" and their "ties to terrorism," meet with Ministers and business professionals as well as dialogue about economics and mutual trade opportunities that could benefit both the country of Qatar, and the United States of America.

Political settlement of the Middle East problem and reform in the region "are not two options from which we have to choose, but are two priorities that we have to work for diligently and honestly," said the Emir, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, in his inaugural address at the 4th Conference on Democracy and Free Trade. Speaking to over 460 Delegates packed into the hotel ballroom, the Emir noted that significant changes had occurred in the region since the 3rd meeting was held here. The region needs to listen open-mindedly to all proposals and suggestions regarding reforms – whatever their source – he added, with a bigger role on the part of Arab citizens through responsible participation in decision-making.

"Last year, the conference was held when Iraq was just going through the first days of its invasion. A year has passed on its occupation, which marked a turning point that requires its citizens to discard narrow allegiances, and seriously seek to build a democratic future that presents useful examples in reforms and advancement."

The failure to solve the Palestinian question has, the Emir said, "generated cumulative anger in the region which cannot be over-looked. However, the Emir pointed out; "honesty obliges us to stress that the roots of wrath in our region do not stem from the Palestinian question alone." The region has problems of its own that have been allowed to pile up and now need to be resolved. "Wide horizons seem open today for the Arab countries, by which they could prove that, despite past complications (such as colonization, subordination and protectorate status and the failure to resolve the Palestinian conflict with Israel), they are capable of reforming themselves and establishing their own suitable democratic models."

First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, outlined the changes that have taken place in the conference itself since its inception in 2001 and the achievements of past gatherings. "Now, it is a forum for discussion of all aspects of democracy and free trade. When Qatar took over responsibility for the second and subsequent conferences, ((from an original U.S. initiative), we placed emphasis on opening the door for dialogue between all religions and civilizations, as well as on the role of education and the rights of women. The development of free trade and advanced technologies provide support for the development of democratic principles." "We hope the Qatar conference will expand to serve all peoples; democracy and social justice are aids to prosperity. We seek a most profound and extensive understanding of what confronts us and are faced by the need to clearly identify obstacles challenging us and ways to overcome them."

Overall, the conference aimed to open a frank and honest discussion among leading policymakers and intellectuals about the future of democracy and free market capitalism in the Arab World. Conference sessions focused on issues like free trade, globalization, economic development, the role of culture in economic development, education, governmental accountability, Iraq and foreign intervention, Europe’s role in promoting democracy in the Middle East, and the Arab media’s role in shaping world opinion.

The conference was extensively covered in the local newspaper and television markets, as well as across the world, through the Al-Jazeera Network and Dubai Television. The Wall Street Journal and Fox News also covered the conference. Qatar, with its new constitution that enshrines the right to vote for every Qatari (Citizen of Qatar), is on the vanguard of promoting democracy and free markets in the Middle East. But even more on the vanguard is America's Arab communities, and conferences like this one in Doha, Qatar allows participants to share ideas with one another to eventually bring peace, security, stability and prosperity to all people in the Middle East and abroad.

In order to reinforce these democratic principles and work to develop free trade, it is essential to create a favorable atmosphere for dialogue and contacts to continue. Forums like this provide an excellent high level environment in which to exchange views, think together about different options, reflect upon experiences, and to study outlooks and prospects of democratic scenarios. This is a time of intense interest in the Middle East by the United States and the international community. Many challenges exist in the region due to its complex set of issues and circumstances. Yet, excellent opportunities also exist for cooperation and understanding between America , the Middle East , and the Arab world. Qatar is a leader in the implementation of Democracy and free trade principles in the Middle East. Over the years, the people of Qatar have enjoyed the peace and prosperity resulting from efforts to continually modernize and liberalize the country's economic and political regimes. The country of Qatar is also host to the US Central command at Camp As-Sayliyah and has been a supportive and consistent ally of the United States .

Qatar Conference Sessions

Qatar Conference Sessions - Mr. Nasser Beydoun, Fatina Salaheddine

Qatar Conference

Fatina Salaheddine with Qatar's H E Minister of Finance

Ms. Mona Makram-Obeid

Fatina Salaheddine, CEO, Al-Sahafa Ohio Newspaper
Mr. Gebran Tueni, CEO of An-Nahar Newspaper, Lebanon

H. E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani

Qatar Conference Article

The Michigan American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Qatar

By; Wendy Acho

The Michigan American Arab Chamber of Commerce orchestrated a Michigan House of Representatives tour of the Gulf States. Upon the delegation’s arrival at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Randa Fahmy Hudome, former Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy in the George W. Bush Administration, met up with us. Our Lebanese American colleague served as a key panelist presenting a paper at the Qatar Conference on Democracy and Free Trade symposium.

Sheikh Jabor Yousuf Jassim AL-Thani, Directing Officer First Deputy Premier Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs hospitably greeted us; he was also delighted to greet the Chamber’s Michigan House of Representatives delegation. I had the opportunity to dialogue with Randa and Sheikh Jabor about the Doha conference.

The reoccurring theme of the conference reiterated the state of world affairs at this critical juncture, the very precarious realities the Arab world faces and why energy experts needed to convene to discuss security. The focus was on energy policies and reducing dependencies. The symposium debated world energy security as well as the politics and economics of energy in the next generations. Randa Fahmy Hudome cited that the US imports 55% of its oil needs, and this is reasonably expected to reach 70% over the next couple of decades.

Sheikh Jabor noted that this was Qatar’s fourth Conference on Democracy and Free Trade. The US-based Islamic Institute organized the plenary sessions. Richard Abdoo, Chairman of Wisconsin Energy, Odeth Aburdence, Managing Director of CT Capital International Inc., Isobel Coleman, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, Judith Kipper, Director, Middle East Programs Council on Foreign Relations, and Elliot Schrage, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, San Francisco joined Ms. Humdone as panelists.

The US is currently contemplating the reduction of dependence on foreign oil with the introduction of new, controversial policies. The concern worldwide is the next generation of AL Qaeda terrorist networks that could serve to be "oil installations" in the Arab region and whether current security measures are feasible. Sheikh Jabor concluded our conversation by noting that Qatar will continue to host this conference, especially since Qatar’s foresighted world-class gas development initiatives and pervasive economic and political reforms are the next steps of deliverables to emerge this state as a major exporter of liquefied natural gas over the next decade. Qatar is an emerging market with infinite possibilities in growing its economy.

Mr. Jabor Al-Thani , Directing Officer First Deputy Prime Minister for the Qatar Minister of Foreign Affairs, Doha Qatar. Special guests included Randa Fahmy Hudome, President, Fahmy Hudome Energy International and former Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy in the George W. Bush administration (as a Lebanese American she has been instrumental in an advisory capacity to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham), Martin Weiss, Analyst International Trade & Finance for the Library of Congress, George Cody, Executive Director on the Task Force on Lebanon, Muna Makram-Abied, world renowned Arab activist.

The first day's meetings intensely began with the Arab-Israeli conflict along side the ill-conceived global notions that Arabs do not like Americans. Mrs. Mukram clearly laid out the collective potential for cooperative existence and cohesive political and business practices are a near-term opportunity. Yet, she instructed us to be keenly aware that American foreign policy is under attack not her citizens.

This was met with deep seeded balanced concurrence by Randa Hudome that the Arab region disagrees with American policy not its citizens, and the open dialogue was invited by these Arabs in bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation in the pursuit of economies. Mrs. Mukram passionately emphasized that Arabs envy the American culture and opportunities in businesses, higher education, health care, technology, and infrastructure. The House delegation sought the panel's advice and perspectives on matters of regional Arab peace, American vested interests in the region, and a socio-economic development strategy along side America's need for a balanced approach to world affairs. We are seeking synergies not cemeteries in the new millennium!!

Under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiya, Minister of Energy & Industry and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum the delegation was invited to see the oil refineries in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Doha.

Joseph Antoine Angelil, Commercial & Information Officer, Rass Laffan Industrial City, graciously toured the delegation of the 106 sq. kilometer development area and allocated 2.5 million sq. ft to the total project development plan to include heavy duty workshops, warehouses, fabrication & storage yards, and business developments. He emphasized repeatedly that the past revenues of the state were derived from oil export, but the discovery of the North Field north-east of Qatar; North Field is the world's largest recoverable non-associated natural gas field. Positioned competitively, its 380 trillion cubic feet of proved reserves, 500 trillion total reserves and its astonish enough an estimated 200 year reserve life will be the state's driver as it produced low-cost and secure supplies of natural gas. Their flagship project for the 21st century is to attract gas related industries based on "economies of scale," hence, competitive advantages.

The delegation continued on to tour the commercial complex's state of the technologically advanced water & electricity, air-conditioning and telecom services facilities. Ras Laffan Industrial City is wholly owned and operated by the Qatari government. It's 1999 imitative to restructure and privatize its economy to facilitate and foster growth led to the joint venture with Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited (Qatar Gas) which is 65 % government owned and multinational companies of Exxon Mobil and Itochu Corporation & Nissho (Japanese) own the remainder privatized shares. Korea Gas is now inquiring about acquiring an interest.

Qatar Gas Public Relations Manager, Mr.Abdullah Hijji, emphasized that Qatar Gas synergies growth strategy has been successful because of the stable Qatari Riyal, low energy costs, an open exchange policy of regulation and joint ventures. The dynamic Mr. Hijji assured our American delegation that overseas investors enjoy full protection against nationalization and facilities are located midway between the Asian and European Markets. With open dialogue he sincerely sought the support of the House to promote the state's solid infrastructures support system in potential future industries such as direct pipeline exports of gas to neighboring countries, refining of condensate, methanol/ethylene, polypropylene developments, as well as plastics and aluminum productions in all efforts to diversify its economy.

The session ended with a de-brief of legislators to affirm the vital role of the UAE and Middle East on a macroscopic level but also how this area affects our local service station owners in Metro Detroit.

The day ended with meaningful discussions of bipartisan Michigan legislative agendas and how all this fits into the grander scheme of our regional growth plan, coincidentally we heard the same "verbiage" from our new friends in Qatar's government and private sectors. After tying it all together, the chamber began to further enlighten the legislators on the "meaning & mission" of this Arab tour.

Achieving economies of scale and synergies has been the MANTRA of this trip, but the American Arab Chamber Executive Director, Nasser Beydoun strategically allowed the delegates to discover the "crown jewel" the Arabs call the "Aquarium of the Gulf" - Qatar & the region itself - infinite mutual possibilities with a little cooperative and cohesive multilateral spirits.