Qatar warns geopolitical conflict is threatening trade and investment at Doha forum
Qatar's minister of state for foreign trade affairs has warned that trade and investment cannot prosper without peace and security, speaking at the World Investment Forum in Doha. Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Sayed said geopolitical upheaval and growing economic fragmentation were reshaping the outlook for global investment. His remarks were delivered at a United Nations-led gathering focused on investment, opportunities, challenges and sustainable development.
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Al-Sayed said the global economy was undergoing changes that were redefining the landscape for investment. He argued that investment in the future is linked to investment in peace and security, and said long-term trade and investment require a safe and stable environment. He also called for greater international cooperation and economic stability, saying the message in a period of uncertainty should be one of more cooperation and less isolation.
The comments came as several conflicts continue around the world and as fears grow of further escalation in the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The supporting material says shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and liquefied natural gas, has been disrupted since the war began. It also says attacks on shipping in the strait have intensified in the past week, adding to uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, and disruption there can quickly affect oil and gas markets. The supporting material says that before the war, one-fifth of the world's traded oil and gas flowed through the waterway. It also says oil prices rose about 4 percent in the past week to a five-month high, with Brent futures crossing $113.17 a barrel, underlining the wider economic impact of the conflict.
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The World Investment Forum, organised by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, brings together heads of state, policymakers, chief executives and investors. In that setting, al-Sayed's remarks linked investment conditions directly to security risks rather than to market trends alone. The comments reflect a broader concern among policymakers that conflict and fragmentation can weaken confidence in cross-border capital flows and long-term planning.
What remains unclear is how far the latest disruption in the Strait of Hormuz will extend and whether diplomatic efforts can reduce the risk of further escalation. The supporting material does not give details on any new policy response from Qatar beyond the minister's call for cooperation and stability. Investors and policymakers will be watching both the security situation and any further movement in energy prices for signs of wider economic strain.
