Financial and economic dialogue between Switzerland and Qatar in Bern
Bern, 10.09.2025 — On 10 September 2025, President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin met the Qatari Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, in Bern.
At a working lunch in Bern, President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin met a delegation from Qatar, led by the Qatari Minister of Finance, His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari. The two high-ranking delegations discussed the current geopolitical situation and its impact on the economy and finance.
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tension, the importance of sound financial and fiscal policy in addressing these challenges was reiterated. The participants also discussed the potential for cooperation in multilateral contexts, especially as part of international financial institutions. In addition, the delegations talked about options for bilateral cooperation in the area of financial services, economics and research.
Switzerland maintains good bilateral economic relations with Qatar. These are based on various agreements, including a free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and a double taxation agreement. In 2024, trade with Qatar amounted to CHF 1.2 billion. Switzerland mainly exports watches, jewellery, and chemical and pharmaceutical products to Qatar.
The ministers' meeting was preceded by a financial and economic dialogue between representatives of each country's economic and finance ministries.