Canada-Qatar relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Qatar have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974. In Qatar, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to the State of Qatar in Doha, where Canada also maintains the Visa Application Centre. In Canada, Qatar is represented by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ottawa. Qatar opened its embassy in Canada in 2011 while Canada’s embassy in Qatar opened in 2012.
The small Gulf state is a source of significant potential Foreign Direct Investment, and an important security partner and diplomatic actor in the region. As the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, the energy sector remains Qatar’s main economic driver, but the government is rapidly transforming toward a modern and diversified economy that is both hydrocarbon and knowledge based. Major infrastructure works are also underway in preparation for Qatar to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways was a key partner in Canada’s repatriation efforts provided a critical air bridge for thousands of Canadians.
Trade relations
In 2020, Qatar was Canada’s 3rd largest merchandise trade partner in the Gulf Region, and 11th most important partner in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the bilateral merchandise trade total of about $196.2 million.
Canada’s merchandise exports to Qatar in 2020 were valued at $113.5 million, and included mineral ores, aircraft and parts, machinery, cereals, and scientific instruments. Canada’s 2020 merchandise imports from Qatar, valued at $82.7 million, included mineral fuels and oils, aluminum, fertilizers, chemical products, and mineral ores.
More than 9,000 Canadian expatriates live and prosper in Qatar, working within Canadian and Qatari companies and institutions. This dynamic expatriate community is very active in Qatar and helps to advance our mutual interests. Qatar Airways offers four direct flights per week between Montréal and Doha. Since December 2020, Air Canada operates 3 direct flights per week between Toronto and Doha.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Qatar work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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