China’s recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to boost practical cooperation between China and Qatar across various sectors, according to Ambassador of China to Qatar H E Cao Xiaolin. The plan is seen as a key to unlocking a new era for the China-Qatar strategic partnership. Speaking at a press briefing in Doha, Xiaolin highlighted the significance of the plan in advancing bilateral relations.
The China-Qatar strategic partnership has experienced significant growth over the past 11 years, with mutual trust deepening between the two nations, according to the Ambassador. China has remained Qatar’s largest trading partner for five consecutive years, with two-way trade volume increasing from $10.6 billion in 2014 to $24.22 billion in 2024.
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Bilateral Cooperation
The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a goal for China’s per capita Gross Domestic Production (GDP) to reach the level of moderately developed countries by 2035. The plan is expected to promote broader international economic flows and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China’s focus on sustainable development, technological innovation, and improving people’s livelihoods aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Under the plan, China will continue to expand opening up at the institutional level and safeguard the multilateral trading system. This is expected to create new opportunities for cooperation between China and Qatar, particularly in the energy sector. Chinese companies have already made significant investments in Qatar’s energy sector, including the North Field Expansion Project and the construction of QC-Max vessels.
Economic Cooperation and Investment
China and Qatar have achieved significant outcomes in various fields, including energy, trade, and tourism. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) acquired a $490 million stake in China Asset Management Company, benefiting from China’s economic growth. Chinese enterprises have also constructed major projects in Qatar, such as the 800MW Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant and the Water Strategic Mega Reservoirs project.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Qatar has increased significantly, with 97,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 77% year-on-year increase. The first pair of giant pandas in the Middle East, “Suhail” and “Thuraya”, have become symbols of friendship between the Chinese and Qatari people. Chinese carriers have also inaugurated new routes to Doha, with the total number of weekly direct flights between the two countries now reaching 67.
Future Prospects
As China and Qatar continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, the next steps are expected to be outlined in future bilateral agreements. The alignment of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 is likely to create new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as sustainable development and technological innovation. The progress of these initiatives will be closely watched in the coming months.
According to the Ambassador, the China-Qatar strategic partnership is poised for further growth, driven by the complementary strengths of the two nations. As the 15th Five-Year Plan is implemented, it is expected to unlock new opportunities for cooperation and drive economic growth in both countries.
