Minister Cannon Announces New Canadian Mission in Qatar

(Minister of Foreign Affairs)

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced Canada’s intention to open a new embassy in Doha, Qatar, to further expand Canada-Qatar political and trade relations and to advance a common agenda in the broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) region.

“Qatar is a fast-growing economy with a stable fiscal framework,” said Minister Cannon. “Canada and Qatar share a commitment to development, human rights, democracy and security.”

As a member of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar is a priority market under the Government of Canada’s Global Commerce Strategy. In 2008, Canada’s merchandise exports to the GCC region topped $2.9 billion. In 2009, through to August, Canada’s merchandise exports exceeded $2.1 billion, 13.4% ahead of last year’s record pace. Read more here.