Qatar, Ukraine to forge partnerships in jewellery, amber industry, says business council exec

Qatar and Ukraine are expected to pursue partnership agreements in the jewellery and amber industry following “successful collaborative discussions” between leading companies from both countries, an official of the Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum (QUBF) has said.

According to QUBF co-founder and chairperson Dr Olga Revina, the annual Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) “had opened many opportunities” for investors from Qatar and Ukraine.

In the amber industry, Revina said QUBF was able to facilitate meetings between Ukrainian companies with Qatar-based firms, such as Abuissa Holding, Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB), and the Katara Centre for Amber inside Katara – the Cultural Village, among others.

Similarly, the booth of Ambers Group Ukraine attracted a large footfall inside Alfardan Jewellery’s pavilion during the 17th edition of the DJWE held last month at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Revina said because of the “successful B2B meetings” between companies from both countries, the QUBF is now working to organise the ‘Qatar-Ukraine Amber Road,’ a tour programme that would explore investment opportunities for Qatari investors in Ukraine.

The tour would bring Qatari amber collectors to mining fields and museums under Ambers Group Ukraine. Revina said Ambers is an umbrella for different trademarks, such as Ambra Simha, Sun Craft Centre, and the Ukrainian Amber World Association that extracts and processes amber from Volodymyrets-Skhidnyi deposit in Western Ukraine.

But Revina was quick to clarify that while discussions on the tour programme are ongoing, “the health, wellbeing, and safety of investors from both countries remain paramount until the Covid-19 pandemic is finally resolved.”

“We are continuously working to contribute in the growth of trade relations between Qatar and Ukraine. Aside from the ‘Qatar-Ukraine Amber Road’ tour programme, the QUBF, as a joint business council, is planning to conduct the ‘Qatar-Ukraine Trade & Investment Forum’ in Doha this October, in collaboration with highly-reputable institutions from both countries,” Revina told Gulf Times.

Speaking about Ukraine’s participation in the DJWE, Revina said Ambers showcased different types of jewellery, which drew large crowds visiting the Alfardan Pavilion during the expo’s six-day run.

“The Ukrainian booth, which was organised in collaboration with Alfardan Jewellery, attracted great attention by showcasing their spectrum of products and unique amber craftsmanship. To win the hearts of Qataris in this competitive market, you need to display unique products and demonstrate professional craftsmanship.

“For QUBF, it is important to introduce such innovative Ukrainian companies willing to enter the Qatari market. This would make a positive impact in promoting Ukraine and its products, as well as promote the growth of trade relations between the two countries,” Revina pointed out.