Ankara:The central bank of Qatar and Euroclear, a Brussels-based provider of securities settlement and custody services, have announced a partnership to create an international settlement link. This initiative aims to widen foreign investor access to Qatar's domestic government debt market.

According to Anadolu Agency, the collaboration will enable international investors to access Qatari government bonds and sukuk, or Islamic bonds, through Euroclear's infrastructure. This will provide issuers with access to a broader and more diversified pool of capital.

The new settlement link is expected to enhance liquidity, improve market efficiency, and increase international capital flows into Qatar. It aligns with the country's Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030.

This link will encompass eligible Qatari riyal-denominated conventional government bonds and sukuk. Euroclear Bank will function as the issuer central securities depository, while Edaa, Qatar's central securities depository, will serve as the investor depository for local investors. The Qatar Central Bank will act as the issuer and paying agent.

Euroclear's Chief Executive, Valerie Urbain, stated that the collaboration would simplify market access, enhance liquidity, and strengthen Qatar's appeal to global investors.