The 4th Qatar Economic Forum took place in Doha, Qatar from May 14 – 16, 2024. At the invitation of the Government of Qatar, H.E. Surangel Whipps, Jr. headed the Palau delegation that included Sen. Secilil Eldebechel – Senate Floor Leader and Chairman of the Judiciary & Governmental Affairs; Hon. Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl – Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, & Development (MHRCTD); Mr. Lebuu Littler – Administrator, Palau National Aviation Administration (PNAA); Ms. Kiku Brell – Special Assistant to the President and Mr. Bentley Techur – Special Assistant to the President on Communications. The goal of this delegation was to explore potentials for future partnership with Qatar in promoting Palau as a tourism destination as well as establishing airline connectivity to the Gulf Nations and Southwestern Asia.
A World Remade: Navigating the Year of Uncertainty was the theme for the Forum. Based on this theme, the forum focused on five pillars: Geopolitics, Globalization & Trade; Business Outlook & Investment; Energy Transition; Sports & Entertainment; and Technology Innovation. H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abddulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar delivered opening remarks encouraging participants to work together to tackle the crisis and challenges we face today including post COVID recovery and the impacts of war. He remarked that the forum is an important platform to discuss economic challenges and to look for solutions in the spirit of cooperation and innovation.
H.E. Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Treasury & Finance – Republic of Turkiye spoke on the importance of funding education, “the key pillar on which countries rise”. Noting that many countries face some form of debt distress, Minister Simsek reiterated that “not being able to find funding for education is a luxury we cannot afford”. Governments collect and spend money; funding education must be prioritized. There are many areas that can be taxed to support education and healthcare. In example, tobacco is taxed at about 80% in Turkey. Gasoline and diesel are also heavily taxed. These taxes alleviate the cost of healthcare, provide funding for education and healthcare, and protect the environment. This results in a fully funded and free education system from pre-school to PhD ensuring access and quality education for all.
According to Sen. Eldebechel, this delegation paved the way for a stronger partnership with the Government of Qatar and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This is evident in the successful meeting between the Palau delegation and Mr. Mohamed Faleh Al-Hajri, President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. President Al-Hajri presented several offers of assistance for Palau including scholarships to build Palau’s capacity in the aviation sector. Also discussed is the possibility for Qatar Airways to register some of its aircrafts fleet to provide air services within the region utilizing Palau as a hub. This will also increase tourism as it will provide connections from the Gulf Nations and Southeast Asia.
President Al-Hajri also extended his support to assist Palau with its arrears in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) membership dues. Palau is a voting member of this specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and safety standards of international aviation system. Further to that, Qatar also provides expert support, technical and diplomatic guidance to ensure mutual benefits for all stakeholders. To this end, the goal of the Palau delegation in seeking strengthened airline connectivity to the Gulf region is well within reach. The opportunity to build Palau’s capacity in the aviation industry is also possible. Yet another important aspect to building a stronger and more sustainable economy.