Qatar and Saudi Arabia have pledged to enhance their economic, trade, and industrial cooperation through the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council. This commitment was solidified during a meeting of senior officials from both nations, where they reviewed the progress of joint initiatives and discussed strategies to boost bilateral trade and support private-sector businesses.
In recent years, trade between the two countries has seen significant growth, reaching about $1.98 billion in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase compared to the previous year. The first quarter of 2026 continued this upward trend, with bilateral trade growing by approximately 18 percent, surpassing their 15 percent growth target. A major contributor to this trade volume is Qatari exports to Saudi Arabia, which exceeded $1.42 billion, and the presence of over 977 Saudi companies operating in Qatar.
The discussions also emphasized facilitating import and export procedures, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and improving supply-chain integration. Both sides are keen on expanding financial cooperation and are considering measures to address trade barriers, which would make it easier for companies to operate in both markets.
Additionally, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are preparing to launch a Joint Economic and Trade Strategy. This strategy aims to establish clear priorities, initiatives, and measurable targets for the next phase of their bilateral economic cooperation, ensuring that both countries remain aligned in their economic goals.
The meeting underscored the importance of completing agreed initiatives and addressing any outstanding trade challenges, with a shared goal of promoting further economic and industrial integration. This cooperative effort reflects a strengthened partnership between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering mutual growth and development.