Patton Boggs, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) Join forces in Support of 8th World Chambers Congress in Doha, Qatar

WASHINGTON and DOHA, Qatar, April 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The international law firm of Patton Boggs LLP has teamed with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) to support the 8th World Chambers Congress, an international forum sponsored by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF), held April 22 through 25 in Doha, Qatar. 

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As long-standing legal partners to the QCCI, Patton Boggs signed a memorandum of understanding with the QCCI earlier this year to provide legal support for the event, including advice in connection with event planning and execution. The 8th World Chambers Congress is the first to be held in the Middle East and the highest attended of any previous World Chambers Congress, with 2100 registrants from 143 countries.

"We are proud to support the World Chambers Congress which for the first time is convened in the Middle East," noted Susan B. Bastress, managing partner of the firm's Doha office. "As an international law firm practicing in Qatar with a long history in the Middle East, we felt it was important to support the QCCI in making this a successful 8th World Chambers Congress."

"In selecting Doha as the location for the 8th World Chambers Congress, the ICC WCF underscores Qatar's growing role as a dynamic, driving economic force in today's global economy," noted Patton Boggs attorney Charbel Maakaron, who developed "Foreign Investment in Qatar: What You Need to Know in Eight Minutes," for presentation to the Congress as a featured speaker. "I can think of few places better suited to foreign investment, or so open to opportunity," added Mr. Maakaron.

Held every two years in a different region of the world, the Congress allows Chambers leaders to share best-practice experiences, exchange insights, develop networks, and address the latest business issues affecting their communities. The Congress addresses, at a practical level, how Chambers can serve, strengthen, and support their member companies.

This bi-annual event assembles a global community of more than 12,000 chambers of commerce, their leading business members, and influential world leaders. It provides a unique opportunity for interaction between delegates from more than 100 countries.

Patton Boggs has a distinguished history in Qatar and strong ties to the region. In 2003, Patton Boggs became the first U.S. law firm licensed to operate in Qatar when H.H. the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, invited the firm to open an office in Doha.

Patton Boggs remains the only U.S. law firm with lawyers admitted to the Qatar bar and with a license to advise clients on all aspects of Qatar law. In addition, Ms. Bastress has the distinction of being the first non-Qatari attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Qatar.

About Patton Boggs LLP

Patton Boggs is a leader in public policy, litigation and business law, and is well-known for deep bipartisan roots in the political arena. The firm's core practice areas are government relations and lobbying, administrative and regulatory, commercial and transactional, litigation and dispute resolution, intellectual property and international law.

From offices in Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Dallas, Denver and Anchorage, and internationally in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and an affiliate office in Riyadh, more than 500 lawyers and professionals provide comprehensive, practical legal counsel to clients around the globe. For more information about the firm or its attorneys, visit www.pattonboggs.com.