A double taxation agreement between Malta and Qatar will be signed this week when President George Abela and Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg make a state visit to the Gulf state. They will be accompanied by around 25 business people and professionals who will explore trade opportunities. During the visit, Dr Borg is expected to sign four other bilateral agreements, including on air services and sports.

Qatar is one of the smaller states within the Gulf Cooperation Council but is one of the world's fastest growing economies. Boasting the second largest gas reserves in the world, the state is a key strategic energy supplier to major countries. In recent years, the government has worked to diversify income resources and developing its economic infrastructure in which over $130 billion will be invested over the next few years. Oil and gas exploration projects were expanded and numerous incentives to foreign organisations were offered in this sector.