Trade & Investment Qatar is a prime destination for trade and investment, offering opportunities due to its strategic location, rich natural resources, and strong infrastructure. The country is a leading exporter of LNG and is aiming to diversify its economy into sectors like finance, tourism, and technology, under initiatives like the Qatar National Vision 2030. It encourages foreign investment through incentives like tax breaks and allows up to 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. Significant investment opportunities exist in infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, energy, and IT, supported by favorable investment policies and a business-friendly environment. Overview Opportunities Learn More A Strategic Gateway connecting East and West, offering market access across three continents A global leader in LNG exports, Qatar is diversifying its economy beyond energy Qatar offers tax exemptions and allows 100% foreign ownership in many sectors Qatar drives sustainable development and economic diversification through its Qatar National Vision 2030 Overview Qatar presents compelling opportunities for trade and investment, driven by its strategic location, abundant natural resources, robust infrastructure, investment-friendly policies, and commitment to economic diversification. The trade and investment outlook is promising in the short and medium term and Qatar actively seeks foreign investment and has in recent years amended laws to facilitate higher foreign ownership rates. This, together with the country’s diverse economy and ambitious development plans attract a wide range of investors from both domestic and international markets. Strategic Position and Energy-Driven Economy Qatar's location in the Persian Gulf makes it a gateway between East and West, offering access to markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its proximity to major markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran further enhances its strategic significance. The State of Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. This is mainly driven by QatarEnergy’s expansion of their production of LNG by more than 60% over the next few years. This means that the dominant driver of Qatar’s economy is the energy sector, which has attracted tens of billions of dollars in FDI. Qatar has implemented various initiatives to attract foreign investment, including tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure development projects. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund, actively seeks strategic investment opportunities both domestically and internationally. Economic Diversification and Free Zones While the energy sector remains a cornerstone of Qatar's economy, the government has been focused on diversifying into sectors such as finance, tourism, real estate, and technology. This includes transportation, hospitality, and urban development projects. Initiatives like Qatar National Vision 2030 outline ambitious goals for economic diversification and sustainable development. Qatar has designated free zones such as the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), offering attractive incentives for companies looking to establish a presence in the region. These zones provide exemptions from certain taxes and regulations, making them attractive for foreign investors. A Transparent and Supportive Business Environment Qatar offers a relatively stable and business-friendly environment for investors, with a transparent legal system and a well-developed financial sector. The government has taken steps to enhance ease of doing business and promote entrepreneurship. Recent legislations allow up to 100% foreign ownership of businesses in most sectors and real estate in newly designated areas. In 2020, the government also enacted legislation to regulate and promote public-private partnerships. Investment Environment, Incentives and Procurement in Qatar There are significant opportunities for foreign investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, energy, information and communications technology, and services. Measured by the amount of inward FDI stock, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, finance, and insurance are the primary sectors that attract foreign investors. The government provides various incentives to attract local and foreign investments, including exemptions from customs duties and certain land-use benefits. The corporate tax rate is 10 percent for most sectors, and there is no personal income tax. One notable exception is the corporate tax of 35 percent on foreign firms in the extractive industries, including but not limited to those in natural gas extraction. To improve transparency, the government streamlined its procurement processes in 2016, creating an online portal for all government tenders. Nonetheless, personal connections reportedly play a significant role in business deals. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma/imagebank.sweden.se Main Areas of Opportunities in Qatar: The energy sector, including renewable energy and sustainability, since Qatar is focusing on sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions which creates opportunities in renewable energy projects, environmental consulting, and green technology solutions. Infrastructure and construction, Qatar has ongoing and planned large infrastructure projects, such as additional roadworks / sewage works, railroads and metro, creating opportunities for construction companies, engineering firms, and infrastructure developers. Hospitality and Tourism, Qatar's tourism sector is expanding, leading to opportunities in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, and entertainment venues. Healthcare Services / Life Science, the Qatari government places a high priority on healthcare, creating opportunities for hospitals, clinics, medical equipment suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare technology providers. Financial Services, Qatar's financial sector offers opportunities in banking, insurance, investment management, fintech startups, and financial consultancy services. Information Technology and Digital Services, there is growing demand for IT solutions, software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and e-commerce services in Qatar as the country seeks to enhance its digital infrastructure and economy. Retail and E-commerce, Qatar's affluent population and increasing consumer spending create opportunities for retail businesses, both offline and online, in sectors such as fashion, electronics, consumer goods, and luxury products. Logistics and Transportation, Qatar's strategic location as a transportation hub in the Gulf region presents opportunities for logistics companies, freight forwarding services, and transportation infrastructure projects. Learn More: Learn more about Qatar as a trade and investment destination and explore possible partnership opportunities through the below example of key stakeholders and organisations or reach out to the Embassy at ambassaden.doha@gov.se for personalised assistance and support. Invest Qatar Ministry of Finance Qatar Embassy of Stockholm Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) QATAR NATIONAL VISION 2030 The Ministry of Commerce and Industry The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council

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SWEDEN Photo: Henrik Trygg/imagebank,sweden.se Sweden is a thriving, innovative and globally connected society located in Northern Europe, blessed with a vast landscape of wilderness including forests, lakes and rivers, with mountain ranges in the north and a long sea coast with thousands of islands. It has the fifth largest surface area among European countries, approximately corresponding to the size of California, stretching 1574 kilometres from north to south. Geography and climate partly explain why a strong industry and infrastructure development has been vital to our prosperity – from steel making and forestry production to roads and railways to telecommunications and broadband, to vehicle and aircraft manufacturing to highly advanced life sciences. Our people and companies combine high-skilled production with care for both the environment and society at large. Policies enabling widespread access to technology and the internet have contributed to making Sweden the fast-moving, innovative nation it is today. Sweden’s economy and business environment is praised internationally: as the most innovative country in the EU, second most innovative country in the world and one of the best countries in Europe for business. Why Sweden? Sectors Key Facts Population : 10,673.669 (2024) Capital: Stockholm GDP per capita: 56,373.8 USD (2024) Rankings #1 In the infrastructure index #1 In the business sophistication index #1 Most innovative country in the EU, and 2nd most innovative economy globally #2 In the knowledge and technology outputs index #3 In the human capital and research index #4 Most trustworthy country in the world Did you know? …that since 1901, every year, the Nobel Prize is awarded out of Sweden to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind. Prizes are awarded in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economic sciences and peace (the latter awarded jointly by Sweden and Norway). …that the dynamite, three-point seatbelt, zipper, and pacemaker are all Swedish Inventions (dynamite as early as in the 1860s). …that Sweden is second (after our neighbour Finland) in regard to achieving the UN sustainability (SDG) goals. …second only to Silicon Valley, Stockholm has the largest number of tech unicorns (multi-billion dollar tech companies) per capita in the world. …that less than 1% of all waste material in Sweden ends up in landfills.

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Why Sweden ? Education - nearly 25% of the Swedish population between 16 and 74 years had attained a post-secondary education of three years or more in 2022 Known for its innovation, social welfare system, and high quality of life Being the birthplace of the Nobel Prize Ranked 10th out of 190 economies for ease of doing business, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business report for 2021 © Nobel Media AB 2015. Photo: Pi Frisk Sweden stands out globally for its innovation, strong economy, and sustainability commitment. It has a rich industrial history, with sectors like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare driving its economic growth. The country is renowned for its quality education system and the Triple Helix model of collaboration among academia, industry, and government, enhancing its global competitiveness. Sweden's supportive environment for startups, combined with its skilled workforce and business-friendly policies, makes it an attractive destination for international investors. FAQ Sweden Sweden Why Sweden? Innovation, Sustainability and Industrial Excellence Sweden is a Nordic country known for its innovation, social welfare system, and high quality of life. With a population of around 10 million people, Sweden boasts a strong economy driven by sectors like manufacturing, technology and healthcare. Its strong commitment to sustainability sets it apart on the world stage. Sweden's industrial history is characterised by innovation and excellence across various sectors. It began with iron and steel production together with forestry and paper, followed by engineering and manufacturing, with companies like SKF and Volvo gaining global recognition. Sweden's technology sector, led by companies like Ericsson, has also been influential, along with advancements in renewable energy and life sciences through companies like AstraZeneca. Throughout history, Sweden's commitment to quality and sustainability has remained central to its success. Being the birthplace of the Nobel Prize, Sweden continues to be home to academic excellence and offers some of the world’s most renowned universities and research institutes. A Highly Educated and Internationally Oriented Society Since access to free education is a key priority , the Swedish population has become increasingly highly educated, and nearly 25% of the Swedish population between 16 and 74 years had attained a post-secondary education of three years or more in 2022. Sweden's higher education system is renowned for its quality, accessibility, and innovation . Emphasising research and sustainability, Swedish universities prioritise internationalisation , welcoming students and faculty from across the world. Sweden's education system emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving , nurturing a skilled workforce adept at innovation. In Sweden, the Triple Helix model —collaboration between academia, industry, and government—has been pivotal in driving innovation and economic growth. Swedish universities work closely with industries and receive support from government agencies like Vinnova. This collaboration fuels research, technology transfer, and commercialisation efforts, enhancing Sweden's competitiveness on the global stage. A Global Hub for Innovation, Startups and Investment With a world class R&D sector, Sweden has a booming startup and scaleup scene . Providing a great environment for companies to thrive and expand their businesses and brands, Sweden offers great opportunities to introduce new ideas into the global market, and this in turn has made Sweden consistently top-ranked among the innovative countries in the EU . Having access to EU and Nordic markets, with an advanced infrastructure, Sweden also boasts of an exceptional quality of life. The strong economy and stable government makes it an attractive location for foreign investments. There are no restrictions or disadvantages for foreign investors , the rules are clear for employment and redundancy of employees and the corporate tax framework is competitive. Sweden was ranked 10th out of 190 economies for ease of doing business, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business report for 2021. Innovation Sustainability Sectors

Healthcare Sweden is a global leader in life sciences and precision medicine, investing over 3% of its GDP in R&D and fostering collaboration among top-tier universities, healthcare providers, and private companies. The country's healthcare system is renowned for its innovation and efficiency, supported by strong policies and continuous technological investment. Swedish advancements, such as the pacemaker and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, highlight its impact on global health, with major companies like Elekta and AstraZeneca mentoring numerous startups in the sector. Overview Why Sweden? Swedish Companies One of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world 10% of Sweden’s export lies in the Life Science sector One of the highest rates of patent filings in the life sciences sector i n Europe The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm is responsible for selecting the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine Overview Life science has the power to unlock the major health and societal challenges and opportunities of today, and tomorrow. Data-driven healthcare combined with scientific breakthroughs are revolutionising treatment opportunities – paving the way for improved preventive approaches and addressing complex medical and individual needs through precision medicine. A World-Leading Healthcare System Sweden's healthcare system is internationally renowned for its model of innovation and efficiency, driven by strong policy support, a commitment to universal health coverage, and an ongoing investment in technology and preventive care. These features contribute to its reputation as one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world with cutting-edge research in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, life sciences, precision medicine and healthcare. This is mainly because Sweden has several top-tier universities and research institutions. An Ecosystem of Collaboration and Excellence The presence of world-renowned universities and research institutions, such as the Karolinska Institutet, which awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, underscores Sweden's prominence in medical research. This ecosystem is complemented by a robust economy that supports innovation and development in various high-tech sectors, including precision medicine. Sweden’s approach is not just about funding; it's about creating a synergistic environment that includes government support, corporate involvement, and academic freedom, making it a prime destination for research and development in life sciences and precision medicine. Photo: Naina Helén Jåma/imagebank.sweden.se Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se Strong Investment and Global Collaboration Sweden has established itself as a global leader in life sciences and precision medicine, driven by its commitment to research and development (R&D). The country invests over 3% of its GDP in R&D, a significant portion of which is directed towards life sciences. This investment fosters an environment where academic institutions, healthcare providers, and private companies collaborate closely, contributing to advancements in medical research and healthcare technologies. A Legacy of Medical Innovation Sweden is considered one of the world's most prominent research nations and has historically been a country of life science innovations. 10% of Sweden’s exports lie in the Life Science sector. Swedish innovations such as the pacemaker, stereotactic radiosurgery and omeprazole have made an impact on the health and quality of life of millions of people. As the world switches to a new way of thinking and living, the life science sector has the potential and opportunity to accelerate research and innovation that will meet immediate and long-term healthcare needs, with a focus on data-driven solutions in preventative and precision medicine, infection control, and disease management. Groundbreaking Research and Industry Leadership Emmanuelle Charpentier's research at Umeå University has laid the foundation for one of today's greatest achievements in molecular biology and cell biology research, for which she received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. All over the world, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool is now used by thousands of scientists in biology and medicine to alter the DNA of cells with high precision. Sweden also has a significant presence of multinational pharmaceutical and biotech companies, such as Elekta and AstraZeneca, that act as mentors to some of the numerous innovative startups and SMEs. Global hub for Life Science Research Sweden's life science ecosystem is anchored by world-renowned universities and research institutions, such as Karolinska Institutet, Uppsala University, and Lund University, fostering groundbreaking research and innovation in biomedical sciences. The country's strong emphasis on science and technology in healthcare is evident from its consistent production of innovative medical research and technologies. This is supported by institutions and universities and various biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies based in Sweden. The following are some of the notable features of the Swedish healthcare system: Digital Health Services: Sweden is a leader in the utilisation of digital healthcare technology. This includes comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) systems, which are among the best developed in the world. The country was also the first to adopt nationwide EHR, contributing to its high ranking in healthcare innovation. Learn more: OPP - Sweden: #15 in the 2020 World Index of Healthcare Innovation Swecare - Healthcare in Sweden Patient-Centered Care and Preventive Services: Swedish healthcare also emphasises preventive care and patient-centered services. There are national programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and regular screening. The system also ensures that children and adolescents up to a certain age receive free healthcare services, which underlines its preventive and inclusive approach. Learn more: Swedish Healthcare - Overview of the Health System (healthmanagement.org) . Innovative Care Models: The Esther Model is one such innovation, developed to improve care coordination for elderly patients with complex conditions. This model is just one example of how Sweden looks to innovate in patient care by focusing on specific needs and efficient care processes. Learn more: Common Wealth Fund - Sweden’s Esther Model Global Collaborations and Health System Reforms: Sweden is involved in international partnerships, such as the WHO Primary Health Care (PHC) Demonstration Platforms, which aim to enhance PHC transformation globally. Domestically, Sweden has seen various health system reforms aimed at improving service availability, patient choice, and system efficiency. Learn more: World Health Organization - an innovative approach to enhancing PHC transformation European Health Observatory - Sweden: health system review 2023 Robust Industry Clusters Sweden has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for life science research and development, including specialised laboratories, incubators, and technology parks. We host several life science clusters, including Medicon Village in Lund, Stockholm-Uppsala Life Science, and BioVentureHub in Gothenburg, which facilitate collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare providers, promoting the commercialisation of research. The availability of skilled researchers, engineers, and healthcare professionals is a great contribution to the ecosystem's success. Swedish Life Science companies are known for their focus on innovation, particularly in areas such as precision medicine, genomics, and digital health. Emerging technologies like AI and CRISPR/Cas9 are increasingly being integrated into research and development efforts. This research is conducted with sustainability and ethical considerations as keywords. Collaborative Ecosystem Triple Helix Sweden's life science ecosystem is characterised by a high degree of collaboration between various stakeholders, including universities, hospitals, startups, and established companies, leading to a vibrant environment for innovation and development in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. This Triple Helix model is a key that together with the public-private partnerships, research consortia, and joint initiatives all foster innovation and knowledge exchange. Government Support and Investment The Swedish government provides substantial support for the life science sector through funding agencies like Vinnova and initiatives such as the National Life Science Strategy, aiming to position Sweden as a global leader in health and life sciences. In addition, the Swedish healthcare system is decentralis ed, giving significant responsibilities to regional and local governments. This system ensures universal health coverage for all residents, which contributes to high public funding and low levels of unmet health needs. The Swedish government provides substantial support for life science research and innovation through funding programs, tax incentives, and favourable regulatory policies. Agencies like Vinnova play a key role in promoting R&D activities. Learn about pioneering Swedish innovations within life sciences and more Innovation Learn More: Curious to see how Sweden’s expertise takes shape in practice? Here you’ll find links to key Swedish organizations, government agencies, academic institutions and business players. They offer insights, connections and ways to engage across sectors. If you want to explore further or get in touch with the right actors - this is where to start. A Selection of Government B odies AI Sweden - Healthcare Business Sweden - Life Science Region Skåne Innovation (Healthcare) Region Stockholm Stockholm Science city Swecare SwedenBIO Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (Socialdepartementet) Sweden's National Life Science Strategy The National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten The Swedish eHealth Agency (E-hälsomyndigheten) The Swedish Research Council Vinnova Life science Swedish University Hospitals Karolinska University Hospital Sahlgrenska University Hospital Skåne University Hospital Uppsala University Hospital Örebro University Hospital Linköping University Hospital Umeå University Hospital A Selection of Private Entities AstraZeneca Sweden Elekta Essity Getinge Group Karolinska Institutet Medicon Village Sahlgrenska Science Park Swedish Healthcare Companies Sweden has a lot of diverse companies within the healthcare sector. Discover more about them and many other companies here .