Qatar signed up Portland PR for a communications/political push targeted at Congress and federal agencies to improve ties with the US.
The Gulf State, a major customer of America's defense sector, recently closed an $11B deal for Apache helicopters and anti-tank/Patriot missiles.
The country has been criticized for its financial backing of groups deemed by the US to be terror organizations. Those benefactors include Islamic-affiliated rebel groups in Syria and Hamas in Gaza.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates recalled their ambassadors from Qatar to protest its support of terror organizations.
Portland's $150K campaign also includes media outreach, event management, research, policymaker/influencer meetings and event management. It began Sept. 15 and runs through yearend.
Toby Orr serves as Portland's project lead on the business, reporting to Saif Ahmed Althani, Qatar's head of communications in its government communications department.
Missy Edwards Strategies represents Shein Technology Group, the Los Angeles arm of the embattled Singapore-based “instant fashion” retailer.
Carlsbad, a north San Diego County city of 115K people, is looking for a firm to provide government relations and Sacramento lobbying services.
Gordon Sondland, who was US ambassador to the European Union under Donald Trump, has registered as a representative of Ukraine’s cabinet and ministers.
The Daschle Group is representing Santa Monica-based Stand with Hong Kong Action, an advocacy group that fights to end Chinese repression in Hong Kong.
McKinsey & Co. has reached out to Republican shop Harbinger Strategies to educate policymakers about the activities of the embattled management consultancy.
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