Qatar, ASEAN Deepen Ties As Annual Trade Approaches $15 Billion

ASEAN and Qatar are entering a new phase of cooperation, with annual bilateral trade approaching $15 billion and growing opportunities emerging across energy, aviation, agribusiness, healthcare, hospitality, telecommunications, fintech, digital innovation and investment.

The Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Doha and Ambassador of Vietnam to Qatar, HE Nguyen Huy Hiep, highlighted the expanding partnership while addressing a reception marking the 59th anniversary of the formation of ASEAN, held in Doha on Wednesday morning.

The event was attended by ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions,Abdullah Ahmad Darmani, Acting Head Of Communications & Outreach Section- Fire Station; and other guests.

Welcoming the participants on behalf of the ASEAN Committee in Doha, Ambassador Hiep said ASEAN highly valued its growing partnership with Qatar and appreciated the country’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation in the region.

He noted that 2026 was particularly significant for ASEAN following Timor-Leste’s admission as its 11th member state last year. With a population of more than 680 million and a combined GDP of around $3.9 trillion, ASEAN continues to develop as an inclusive, resilient and people-centred regional community.

The ambassador also described 2026 as an important year for ASEAN-Qatar relations, following Qatar’s becoming an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

He said the development opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, building on Qatar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2022.

According to him, cooperation has continued to expand in energy, connectivity, education, humanitarian assistance, investment and sustainable development, supported by growing high-level exchanges.

Addressing the wider regional situation, Ambassador Hiep said ASEAN remained committed to dialogue, restraint, respect for international law and peaceful diplomatic solutions. He praised Qatar’s responsible diplomatic efforts in addressing complex regional challenges.

The reception also focused on environmental protection, with this year’s theme centred on creating a green, clean and beautiful living environment. Recycled-material architectural models displayed by ASEAN embassies symbolised the shared responsibility of governments, businesses, communities and individuals in protecting the environment.

Ambassador Hiep stressed that sustainable development and climate resilience were increasingly linked with economic growth, connectivity and people’s well-being. He expressed hope for stronger ASEAN-Qatar cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, digital transformation, food and agriculture.

He said the ASEAN Committee in Doha would continue promoting people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, business links and practical cooperation.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Hiep expressed appreciation to the Qatari government and people for their continued friendship and support, and voiced hope that ASEAN-Qatar relations would continue to grow from strength to strength.