Qatar is geographically small but is a commercial giant. According to the US Department of Commerce, from 2004 to 2007 US exports to Qatar have increased from $423 million a year to an astonishing $2.7 billion a year. By 2010 Qatar is forecast to become the largest natural gas exporter to the world, they currently supply one-third of the world's liqufied natural gas (LNG).

Qatar's reform minded leadership is diversifying the economic base of the country beyond oil and gas. They have transformed their hydrocarbon wealth into modern health facilities, tourism infrastructure and western style education institutions; Many renowned establishments and corporations from Texas such as Texas A&M University, The Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center recognize the value of Qatar's growing economy. All indicators point to significant future growth in multiple sectors for US exports to this market.

Join us for Houston's Annual Consular Business Conference to discuss US-Qatar business partnerships from leading US and Qatari business leaders.

Keynote Speakers:

His Excellency Hamad Rashid Al-Mohannadi, CEO, RasGas Company (click for bio)
"Qatar: an LNG Partner to the USA"

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Bin Ali Al-Thani, Qatar Foundation (click for bio)
"Qatar's National Vision: Moving Towards a Knowledge Based Economy"

Featured Speakers:

The Honorable Mayor Bill White, City of Houston
T.H. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer, Former US Ambassador to Qatar
The Honorable James T. Edmonds, Chairman, Port Of Houston Authority
David L. Phillips, Chairman, Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce
Alex Dodds, President & GM, ExxonMobil Qatar, Inc.
Darren Jones, President, Global Gas, Strategy Planning & Business Development, ConocoPhillips
Dr. Elsa A. Murano, President, Texas A&M University
Eduardo M. Diaz, Jr. MD, Vice President, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Patrick Oxford, Chairman, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Blaine Yamagata, Chairman - LNG Group, Duane Morris LLP
Tony Hughes - Senior VP Americas, Qatar Airways

Friday, October 24, 2008
8:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussions
11:40 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Luncheon Presentation
(click for program schedule)

Four Seasons Hotel
1300 Lamar St.
Houston, TX 77010

Members: $45
Non-members: $75
(click to download registration form)

Seating is limited