30-9-2018

Qatar Chamber concluded the international Social Responsibility (ISR) license program, which was held for the first time in Qatar in collaboration with the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, a member of the United Nations Global Compact program.

The program aimed at providing participants with the concept of social responsibility and its implementation mechanisms as well as the development and design of community initiatives.

The program, presented by deputy chairman of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Ibrahim, aimed at providing the trainees with full knowledge of the principles of social responsibility, tools enabling companies to achieve sustainable social returns, encouraging the private sector to search for comprehensive and environmentally friendly solutions, and increasing social solidarity among different segments of society.

The program addressed the reports of social responsibility and its role in achieving the quality of business in institutions and community giving. It also explained the policies and procedures required to implement the principles of corporate social responsibility, innovation in the design of initiatives with greater social returns, and marketing tools for community initiatives.

The ISR license program was organized at a time of growing awareness of corporate responsibility at the global and local levels, with major global companies paying close attention to social solidarity and improving living standards, in addition to profits and economic gains.

24-9-2018

The Car Agents Committee of Qatar Chamber hold its second meeting in 2018 which was headed by HE Sheikh Nawaf  bin Nasser Al Thani.

QC chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani also attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in the sector, and obstacles facing car agencies in the country as well as offered suitable solutions.

It also reviewed results of previous meetings, counterfeit spare parts and commercial fraud.

The committee agreed on the restructuring of the Committee and the election of HE Sheikh Nawaf  bin Nasser Al Thani  as a chairperson and  Bader Omar Al Mana as Deputy Chairman.

2/10/2018

Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), hosted a seminar on the Qatar Visa Centres (QVC) to inform private sector stakeholders on the services provided by the QVCs abroad, such as fingerprinting and biometrics, medical examination, and signing contracts for expatriates.

Director of Visa Support Services at the Ministry of Interior Major Abdulla al-Muhannadi said the project aims to finalise the procedures of the recruitment of expatriate workers from outside the State of Qatar through accredited centres, which will be initially opened in Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

He said the project aims to facilitate the procedures of recruitment, preservation and protection of the rights of expatriates, documenting employment contracts, avoiding cases of non-eligibility of expatriates, ensuring the application of best practices, speeding up employment immediately upon arrival in Qatar, and the provision of integrated and efficient electronic services.

Al-Muhannadi said the procedures start from the registration of the applicant through the MoI website and Metrash 2 application, then submitting the application, and paying the fees to determine the date of examinations. He said the expatriates workers can go to QVCs in their country to review and sign, in addition to fingerprinting and registration of vital data and medical examinations.

He stressed that the contracts will be documented by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, before issuing the visa for the expatriate worker.

Qatar Chamber director general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi said the QVCs would facilitate the recruitment of expatriate workers for Qatari businessmen and companies, adding that all procedures will be carried out through visa centres outside the State of Qatar, ensuring the validity of the visa and speeding up employment immediately upon arrival in Qatar.

Al-Sharqi said Qatar Chamber will continue to co-ordinate with the MoI to host awareness seminars about QVCs outside Qatar to raise awareness among private sector stakeholders. Qatar has completed all preparations for the opening of the first QVC outside the state as part of the first phase of the new recruitment mechanism involving a number of stakeholders.

The first QVC will be opened in Sri Lanka on October 12, and the remaining centres will be opened in eight countries over the next few months.

The centres will operate according to an integrated electronic system for the implementation of procedures of medical examinations, fingerprint and biometrics, vital data, and the signing of work contracts for expatriates outside the state, under the supervision and follow-up of the authorities concerned in Qatar.

3/10/2018

Qatar Chamber hosted a meeting for a Malaysian trade delegation made of representatives from companies specialized in education, information technology, construction, pipe manufacturing, banking and financing of SMEs.

The meeting reviewed ways of boosting trade cooperation between both countries’ business owners, the available investment opportunities and the potential of establishing trade alliances between Qatar and Malaysia companies.

QC’s first vice chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar said that Malaysia is an essential trade partner to Qatar, pointing to the MOU signed between Qatar Chamber and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia on the sidelines of the Qatari-Malaysian Economic Forum which was held in Kuala Lumpur last year.

QC is interested to enhance relationships between Qatari and Malaysian business sectors and strengthening cooperation ties in fields of trade, investment, technology and services and other economic fields, he added, affirming that Qatari businessmen are eager to explore the investment opportunities available in the Malaysian market.

He pointed out that there are a multitude of Malaysian companies operating in Qatar in various sectors including infrastructure, engineering, construction, oil and gas services, decoration, exhibitions, conferences and technology.

Malaysia External Trade Development Cooperation (MATRADE) Mohamed Zainuddin Abdel Jali said that the Malaysian delegation is keen to conclude partnerships with Qatari companies to implement joint projects that serve both countries’ economies and boost their trade exchange.

7/10/2018

The upcoming International Product Exhibition and Conference (IPEC) will play a vital role in promoting trade between Qatar and its partner countries, according to government entities and industry insiders.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) said the exhibition would shed light on laws and regulations governing investments as well as the incentives that Qatar offers to investors.
A first-of-its-kind in Qatar, the exhibition will host a Qatari pavilion that will bring together representatives of several ministries and government bodies as well as a number of local companies under the umbrella of Qatar Chamber and Qatar Development Bank.

The ministry’s participation in the exhibition reflects Qatar’s keenness to strengthen economic cooperation and bolster bilateral trade with its key partners around the world while contributing to efforts to bolster the role of the Qatari private sector in building effective partnerships with counterparts around the world, the statement said.
During the exhibition, the ministry will also outline key economic sectors that offer promising investment opportunities as well as legislative incentives aimed at regulating the investment sector.

The ministry will also highlight the investor-friendly business environment and the solid economic growth rates as well as the state’s efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation among all government agencies to promote an attractive investment environment.

At the pavilion, the ministry will review the terms and requirements for the getting commercial record, commercial licenses and will familiarise people with the smart electronic services it offers through its website and mo bile app.

The exhibition, which is attended by several representatives from Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, presents a key opportunity to strengthen Qatar’s relations with its leading partners from around the world, the statement said.

Meanwhile, a number of top businessmen and representatives of Qatar’s private sector highlighted the importance IPEC in enhancing trade ties between Qatar and countries across the world.

The event will highlight the most important investment opportunities and explore ways to overcome the challenges of expanding investments in the region.

They said that the exhibition will open up new horizons for diverse businesses in Qatar and allow investors direct access to projects in the country.

In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Qatar Chamber Board Member Mohammed Mehdi al Ahbabi said the exhibition will find more possibilities of investment and commercial partnership with participating countries.
To be participated by 14 countries, Ahbabi said, it will be one of the largest exhibitions in the world.

“They will not only take part in and display their products, but will also provide opportunities to Qatari businessmen to partner with them,” Ahbabi said.

“No doubt, all economic conferences and exhibitions in Qatar have outcomes, and we have good expectations on the outcomes of this exhibition as well. It will also have a positive impact on Qatar’s reputation in the international markets and will provide plenty of opportunities for the private sector,” he said.

Projecting Qatar as an ideal place for investment, he said,”Qatar has solid infrastructure of airports, marine ports, free zones and latest legislations are in place to ensure that foreign investments are protected in the country,” Ahbabi said.

Excuding confidence about the future of investment in the country, he said Qatar has always been committed to its international agreements and contracts.

“Qatar is now giving priority to become an exporting country and is focusing on industry and agriculture. We now have a strategy to approach international markets with made in Qatar products,” he said.
“For instance, the agricultural sector in Qatar is booming. If it keeps going on the same pace we will reach to a point where we will have surplus and start to export,” he said.

Qatar Chamber Board Member Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdullah al Thani, who is also a member of organising committee of the conference, said the exhibition is a celebration of Qatar’s strong relations with its prominent partners from around the world and expressed hope that it will contribute to enhancing trade ties with participating countries and open new horizons for Qatari investors to enhance their investments in these countries.

Highlighting the role the exhibition will play in promoting Qatar’s tourism sector, Sheikh Hamad said, “The exhibition will provide international participants with an opportunity to learn about the tourist places in the country and the measures taken to enhance the tourism sector and increase its contribution to the country’s GDP as well as the steps taken to attract more tourists through different activities.”

Qatar Chamber Second Vice-Chairman Rashid bin Hamad al Athba said the conference would be a proof that the ongoing blockade has failed to achieve its goals of weakening the country’s economy. He stressed that Qatar remains an attractive investment destinations for foreign capital.

Instead of being affected by the blockade, he said, Qatar has become more powerful. He added that Qatari companies participating in the exhibition will benefit from exchanging expertise with their counterparts in 11 countries participating in the event.

Qatar Chamber Board Member Mohammed bin Ahmed al Obaidly said the exhibition will provide an important opportunity to introduce companies to Qatar’s infrastructure development projects in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.

He added that it will also be an opportunity for major companies from participating countries to cooperate with their Qatari counterparts by entering into commercial and economic partnerships and alliances that serve both sides.
Qatar Chamber Board Member Ali Abdullatif al Misnad said that the conference will discuss the promotion of economic cooperation among the participating countries, especially with regard to sustainable economic development.

Qatar Chamber Board Member Khalid bin Jabor bin Twar al Kuwari said that the conference will enhance communication between Qatari companies and the ones participating from abroad, which in turn would contribute to increasing trade exchange between Qatar and these countries.

He added that the exhibition will help Qatari companies promote their products and enter into commercial deals and cooperation agreements with companies from different countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

08 Oct 2018

Qatar Chamber’s Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said that Qatar and Pakistan enjoy good economic and trade relations; and the mutal relations are further growing fast with the growing alliance between the leadership and peoples of both countries.

This came during a meeting held at Qatar Chamber premises yesterday, with a Pakistani business delegation led by Vice- Chairman of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Tarek Haleem.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that both countries bilateral trade volume registered a 100 percent increase from $782m in 2016 to $1.6bn in 2017.

“The number of Qatari-Pakistani joint companies operating in Qatar increased to 851 companies in different sectors. In July 2018, the Qatari –Pakistani business forum held in Pakistan provided a good opportunity for both countries’ businessmen to review enhancing cooperation relations and exploring investment climate in both sides,” he added.

He affirmed that the launch of sea route between Hamad Port and the Port of Karachi in Pakistan helped in increasing the imports and exports movement between them.

The door is open for Pakistan companies to cooperate with Qatari firms and establish joint ventures in all fields, he pointed out.

Stressing Qatar’s success in overcoming the siege, Sheikh Khalifa said that this was due to its strong economy and its external relations with friendly countries like Pakistan.

He assured Qatar Chamber’s welcoming to Pakistani companies to take part in these projects, noting that it urges both countries businessmen to establish joint ventures that benefit both countries’ economies.

For his part, head of Pakistani delegation said that Qatar and Pakistan have seen an increase in their relationship during the past few years, noting that Pakistani labourers are participating in building the Qatar of today.

Tarek Haleem pointed out that Pakistan is a key source of Qatar’s food supplies which have risen by more than 70 percent during the siege year.

Qatar has also emerged a s Pakistan’s source of LNG and petrochemicals which registered a growth of 37 percent during the siege year, he said.

October 09 2018

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has said the inaugural edition of the ‘International Product Exhibition and Conference’ (IPEC 2018) represents an essential platform for developing Qatar’s economic and trade relations with participating countries.

He said the conference would contribute to deepening co-operation ties between business sectors in Qatar and that these countries and would lead to trade alliances and partnerships between Qatari companies and their counterparts.

“It would also help in establishing joint ventures that boost economic development and trade co-operation,” he noted. Sheikh Khalifa stressed the chamber’s interest in strengthening its relations with world chambers, especially with those that showed “support and openness” with the Qatari private sector during the siege, citing countries like Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and some Asian countries.

He said the trade exchange between Qatar and the 11 countries participating in IPEC stood at QR20bn ($5.5bn), adding that the expo would be a good opportunity to bring trade exchange to higher levels.

Sheikh Khalifa said the exhibition represents an integrated platform that brings together local and foreign investors, businessmen, producers, and consumers under one umbrella.

“It provided a brilliant opportunity for Qatari businessmen to meet with a large number of global partners and importers to increase their projects and businesses for the benefit of Qatar economy,” he said.

He also underscored the conference’s importance in providing a chance for participants to discuss ways of enhancing their economic and trade ties and best practices and notions in global trade, signing MoUs and announcing future plans and projects.

The Qatar Chamber official also affirmed that Qatar “is on the right track” in developing its relations with “friendly and brotherly countries,” in line with its economic strategies and the Qatar National Vision 2030.

He underscored the key role played by the Qatari private sector during the siege: “It managed to enhance trade relations with world countries and alternatives for Qatar’s imports and exports on the heel of the siege.”

During the siege, Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar Chamber signed 15 MoUs with its counterparts and hosted many meetings with foreign trade delegations. It also organised business visits to many of its friendly countries to help Qatari companies find new import and export destinations.

Qatar Chamber visited Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and many other countries wherein Qatari businessmen concluded trade transactions and partnerships with their counterparts, he said.

Qatar’s non-oil exports recorded a 34% growth during the siege. In the first half of 2018, non-oil exports stood at QR11.5bn compared to QR8.6bn in 2017. “The siege highlighted the real value of the Public-Private Partnership, which played a key role during this period,” he noted.

9/10/2018

Qatar Chamber (QC) Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said yesterday that QC is a strong booster to local companies and Qatari businessmen, stressing its role in helping them strengthen their position in the local market.

The chairman of Qatar’s largest and oldest private industry representative body inaugurated Al Amodi Centre for building and decoration materials, gypsum products, accessories, sanitary wares and tiles located on Salwa road.

Praising the new centre which is a subsidiary of Al Amondi Group, he noted that it includes lots of products that are of crucial importance to the construction market in the country.

It includes a distinguished selections of products that are of high quality and cope with the great development in construction field and the mega projects implemented in the country.

Khalid Abdulrahman Al Naemi, Managing Director of Al Amodi Group, said that the group (established in 1957) is honoured of the inauguration of Sheikh Khalifa to the centre, assuring that the chamber continuously supports Qatari businessmen and companies to boost the national economy.

The centre, which is of an area of 1683sqm, includes international brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Graniti Fiandre, Grohe, Bobrick, Everest, Nahm, Franke, Kalekim, Panaria, Daejin and Lincrusta and others.

Al Naemi said that the Group imported many of leading international brands to be used in the public and private projects being implemented in Qatar including the 2022 Fifa World Cup projects, Doha Metro, some projects for Lusail and Public Works Authority (Ashgal).

He pointed out that the centre includes 4 branches; two for sanitary products and two for decorations.

For his part, the centre director Ahmed Al Kabbash expressed his pleasure to Sheikh Khalifa’s inauguration, noting that it keeps pace with the construction boom and projects being implemented in the country. He noted that the showroom includes sophisticated selections of decorations and building materials that are manufactured of high level of elegance and technological development to meet all requirements and tastes.

OCT 10, 2018

Qatar Chamber on Tuesday discussed ways to enhance cooperation with the West Mediterranean Exporters Association in Turkey, on the sidelines of the association’s participation in the First International Products Exhibition and Conference (IPEC).

During the meeting, the Turkish side invited Qatar Chamber to participate in a specialised exhibition organised by the Association in April in Antalya, which will be focusing on the health, sports and tourism sectors.

Director-General of Qatar Chamber Saleh bin Hamad al Sharqi praised the strong relations between Qatar and Turkey, which pave the way for greater cooperation between businessmen in the two countries, while also noting the keenness of Qatar Chamber on strengthening cooperation with the West Mediterranean Exporters Association in Turkey.

Sharqi said the conferences and exhibitions provide an opportunity to hold bilateral meetings between Qatari and Turkish companies, and establish partnerships and trade alliances. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of the West Mediterranean Exporters Association Hakki Bahar expressed the interest of Turkish exporters in enhancing cooperation with their Qatari counterparts, noting that the exhibition which will be held in April is a vital opportunity to hold bilateral business meetings between the two countries in order to seek and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

He said the Antalya-based Association is increasing export-oriented production through organising seminars in production areas.

10 Oct 2018

Qatar Chamber (QC) officials met with a Moroccan trade delegation representing the Moroccan Association of Exporters (ASMEX) yesterday to discuss both countries’ trade relations and ways of enhancing them.

The meeting was headed by the QC’s Vice-Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari in the presence of the Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba and board members Ali Al Misnad and Mohamed Al Obaidli.

The Moroccan ambassador to Qatar Nabil Zniber headed the visiting delegation which comprises representatives of Moroccan companies specialised in many trade sectors.

Addressing the attendees, Al Kuwari said that Morocco is an attractive and safe destination for investments, noting it is replete with a multitude of promising investment opportunities that attract Qatari investors.

He assured that the Qatari private sector enjoys strong cooperation ties with its Moroccan counterpart.

Al Kuwari said that Qatar and Morocco relations have drastically developed over the past years in light of the sound vision of both countries leaderships who are interested to take these relation to higher levels.

He mentioned the key role played by the Qatari-Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee held in March in Rabat and seen signing many MOUs and agreements including industrial and agriculture agreements and an MOU to establish a joint trade ministerial committee.

Al Kuwari pointed to the importance of these agreements in opening new areas of cooperation between Qatari and Moroccan businessmen and develop their trade volume which reached last year QR330m.

Al Kuwari noted that there are 117 Qatari-Moroccan companies operating in the Qatari market and six companies with 100 percent Moroccan capital in sectors of fashion, construction, building, hospitality, services and decorations. The total capital of these companies reached QR20m, he said.

For his part, the Moroccan ambassador said that the target of this visit is to strengthening cooperation ties between with the Qatari private sector, expressing his sincere gratitude to Qatar on inviting 20 Moroccan companies to participate in the International Products Exhibition & Conference (IPEC).

Ali Al Misnad said that the chamber expressed all thanks to the Moroccan companies that are participating in the IPEC, assuring that this reflected the Moroccan efforts exerted to support Qatar during the siege.

A representation featuring the Moroccan economic and investment profile and investment opportunities and sectors available in Morocco was delivered by the Moroccan Agency for Developing Investment and Exports (AMDIE).

OCT 11, 2018

Qatar Chamber (QC) will soon launch an interactive electronic platform to develop the services sector in Qatar, QC board member Ali Abdullatif Al Misnad has said.

The portal will be launched on the QC website, Misnad, who is also the chairperson of QC’s Services Committee, said during the committe’s meeting in Doha on Wednesday.

The platform, which will include all competent bodies in the services committee, will enable businessmen to communicate with the committee and offer their suggestions, proposals and ideas that might contribute to the development of services sector in the country, he added.

Misnad affirmed that this portal is an initiative by the chamber to help in enhancing the role of the services sector in the national economy.

The services committee aims to follow-up of the implementation of the strategic plans prepared by the country on the services sector, review, follow up and activate the laws and legislation and make appropriate recommendations thereon to the competent authorities.

It also aims to study the problems and obstacles reduce the sector’s contribution to the GDP and find appropriate solutions to obstacles faced by representatives of the private sector as well as attend or hold seminars, conferences and workshops.

Members of the committee as well as representatives of some competent authorities in the country attended the meeting, QC said in a statement.

During the event, the members agreed on restructuring the committee to include some executive representatives from some the concerned bodies such as Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Public Authority of Customs, Mawani and private sector members.

Commenting on the committee’s reconstruction process, Misnad said the committee comprises all bodies that are concerned with developing services sector of the country.

The committee’s mandate is to study and discuss all issues related to the services sector.

14 Oct 2018

Qatar’s non-oil exports registered strong growth during August 2018 with the combined value reaching at QR2.26bn, recording an increase of 26.1 % (year-on-year) compared to QR1.79bn for the corresponding month last year.

The monthly report of the Qatar Chamber on foreign trade for the private sector, prepared by the Department of Research, Studies and Management of the Chamber’s members from the certificates of origin, issued 2,477 certificates of origin during last August, including 2,173 general model certificates, 128 unified certificates for the GCC countries (industrial), one certificate for the GCC (livestock), 149 unified Arab certificates of origin and 26 certificates of origin for preferences.

Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of Qatar Chamber said that the record increase in non-oil exports last August and the increase of foreign markets received them affirmed that Qatari products are of high efficiency and quality.

It also affirmed the variety of these products and increased their competitiveness in world markets, he noted.

Sharqi expressed his hope to see more products covering other production sector, especially those that are related to achieving the self-sufficiency and food security to Qatar.

The report pointed to the trend of non-oil exports to 59 countries during August 2018 compared to (60) countries during July, with (11) Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and (16) European countries including Turkey and (18) Asian countries except for the Arab countries and (11) African countries except for the Arab countries and two North American countries, as well as one from South America.

According to the report, Oman topped the list of non-oil exporting countries in August 2018 with a total exports of QR800.36m, representing 35.5 % of the total value of non-oil exports during the month, followed by the Hong Kong with total exports of QR301.413m (13.3 %). In third place was Belgium with QR164.66m
(7.3 %) and Singapore QR160.26m (7.1 %).

Netherlands ranked fifth with exports amounting to QR128.10m (5.7 percent) of the total value of non-oil exports in August 2018. The Germany, Turkey, the United States and India came in different values and percentages respectively, where the first ten countries accounted for 87.9 percent of total non-oil exports in the said month.

On the other hand, the GCC countries (Sultanate of Oman and Kuwait) topped the blocs and the economic groups receiving the Qatari non-oil exports during August 2018 with total exports amounting to about QR 812.64m, then the group of European countries including Turkey and exports worth about QR 646.75m.

The Group of Asian countries excluding Arab countries came in the third place with total exports amounting to QR 638.08m, followed by the group of Arab countries, excluding the GCC countries with total value of exports amounting to about QR 83.15m, followed by North America, the African countries except the Arab countries and the South American countries with varying values.

 Qatar Chamber ,15  Oct 2018

ASTAD is supporting the ‘Made in Qatar 2018’ exhibition held in the Sultanate of Oman as the Main Project Management Sponsor, according to a press release issued by the Qatar Chamber yesterday.

The expo, scheduled to be held between 5 – 9 November 2018, will be organized by Qatar Chamber in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Qatar Development Bank as strategic partner, on an area of 10,000 sqm. at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center (OCEC).

The expo, which will be held for the second outside Qatar, aims to exchange experiences with Omani companies in the industrial sectors, as well as to introduce Omani to Qatari products and open up new foreign markets to small and large Qatari companies.

Qatar Chamber director of administrative and financial affairs Hussein Yousef Al Abdul Ghani and ASTAD Chief Human Capital & Shared Services Officer Nasser Al Hajri signed the sponsorship agreement at the chamber venue on Sunday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nasser Al Hajri said that the “Made in Qatar” exhibition has become an essential platform to promote and boost local products.

“We are proud to regularly support this exhibition organized by Qatar Chamber as it plays a key role in supporting the national industry,” he noted.

Al Hajri explained that the expo aims to enhance the role played by the private sector in promoting local services and products, affirming that this sponsorship stresses ASTAD’s commitment to the 2030 Qatar National Vision as it continually expands its local supplier portfolio, strengthening and contributing to the growth of Qatar’s economy.

He affirmed that the exhibition provides a brilliant opportunity for ASTAD to inform the Omani business community on the company’s projects being held in Qatar and throughout the region, assuring that this would open new areas of cooperation with Omani companies.

ASTAD is working together with businesses, organizations and governments to turn vision into reality by providing consultancy from project conception through to completion and ongoing management.

Qatar Chamber director of administrative and financial affairs Hussein Yousef Al Abdul Ghani praised ASTAD’s interest in supporting the expo every edition, which significantly reflects its keenness on developing the Qatar’s industry sector.He also praised the role played by the company in the national economy in general.

ASTAD’s sponsorship to the expo will greatly support its objectives, foremost of which is promoting local products in Oman, especially it is being held in a siege imposed on the country with the aim to undermine its sovereignty and hinder its economic boom, he pointed out.

18/10/2018

The Qatar Chamber has confirmed that the next edition of the “Made in Qatar” exhibition in the Omani capital Muscat will offer a wide range of investment opportunities in the industrial and production sectors.

The Chamber said that the exhibition will provide Qatari and Omani businessmen with promising investment opportunities in order to implement new projects and investments in both countries.

This came during a meeting held by the “Made in Qatar” Committee, which reviewed the final preparations and the program of the Qatari-Omani Economic Forum to be held along with the exhibition.

The committee announced that all preparations for the Made in Qatar exhibition, which will be held in the Sultanate of Oman from November 5 to 9, are in full swing as planned, where the most participating companies have completed the registration procedures, while coordination with the Omani side is going on smoothly.

The exhibition, organized by the Qatar Chamber in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Qatar Development Bank, will be held on an area of 10,000 square meters, with the participation of about 214 Qatari industrial companies.

The exhibition, to be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, will open channels of communication between Qatari companies and their counterparts in Oman. It aims to share experiences with Omani companies in the industrial sectors, with the aim to introduce Omani society to the Qatari product and to open up new foreign markets to Qatari companies in their various large and small industries.

Rashid Nasser Al Kaabi, Board Member of Qatar Chamber and Chairman of the exhibition, said that most of the preparation for the exhibition had entered their final stages, pointing out that the exhibition will emerge in the best picture reflecting the ability of Qatari companies and the position of the Sultanate of Oman.

Al-Kaabi noted that all the logistics preparations of the exhibition were held at the Amman Center for Exhibitions and Conferences in coordination with the Omani side, and expressed appreciation to all those who supported the establishment of the exhibition in Oman including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Oman.

On choosing the Sultanate of Oman to host the exhibition, Al-Kaabi said that the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman have strong economic relations and great cooperation between the private sector in both countries, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries has achieved successive leaps in a short period and that Oman has been the leading recipient of Qatari exports this year, and Qatari business owners are interested in identifying investment opportunities in the industrial sectors of the Sultanate, he added.

Al Kaabi added that the exhibition and its accompanying activities will serve as a platform for business owners from both countries to discuss investment opportunities available in various sectors with a view to establishing alliances and commercial deals between Qatari companies and their Omani counterpart, which benefit the economy of the two brotherly countries.

He added that the exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to introduce the Omani business community to the great development witnessed by the Qatari industry and local products, thus opening up greater scope for enhancing trade exchange between Qatari and Omani companies.

For his part, Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of Qatar Chamber said the Sultanate of Oman has been chosen in order to introduce consumers and companies in Oman to the various Qatari products and industries closely, and to help Qatari companies identify the requirements of the Omani market, which will open the way for companies to find a foothold in the Omani market, and to move to other regional and international markets in the future.

Al-Sharqi praised the Qatari businessmen’s response to the invitations sent by the Chamber to attend the economic forum accompanying the exhibition, noting that bilateral meetings between Qatari and Omani businessmen will allow discussing the establishment of alliances between the two sides companies, signing joint commercial contracts as well as making new projects in Qatar and Oman.

The exhibition will be attended by 59 companies representing various industries, 12 companies in the services sector, 21 companies in the furniture and furniture industry, 19 companies in the petrochemical industry, 59 companies In the small and medium-sized industries sector, in addition to 44 companies in the food and beverage industries, in addition to 20 families in various fields, Al-Sharqi added.

The first edition of the Made in Qatar exhibition was launched in 2009 and has so far held six rounds , including five local and one abroad.

The exhibition aims to promote Qatar’s industry and support the country’s efforts towards industrial development.

The exhibition aims to promote the industry and Qatari products locally and globally, encourage the use of Qatari products and reduce dependence on imports, encourage investors and entrepreneurs to invest in industrial projects, and support the state’s approach to public-private partnerships, besides opening up new foreign markets to Qatari companies and pushing the industry, especially in small and medium-sized industries.

Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry  extends to you its best compliments and wishing you good health and wellness.

Qatar Chamber is organizing “Qatar – US Business Forum” in collaboration with the U.S Embassy – Qatar, a meeting between U.S Businessmen and their Qatari counterparts specializing in following sectors:

• Oil & Gas
• Defense
• Banks and Financial Services
• Construction
• Pharmaceutical
• Healthcare
• IT
• Transportation
• Safety & Security

We are pleased to invite you to attend  the meeting on

Tuesday, 30^th  October 2018

10:30 am at Qatar Chamber.

This meeting aims to strengthen trade relations between the two countries,  there will be a presentation and a panel session with speakers from official from both sides.

28/10/2018

The State of Qatar took part in the meetings of the 128th session of the Council of the Union of Arab Chambers, which were held in Cairo to discuss several issues that promote the Arab cooperation in the commercial and economic fields.

HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani said that the meetings discussed important topics, including the Arab Electronic Market and the organization of a forum for the Arab private sector in preparation for the Arab Economic Summit scheduled to be held in Beirut in January.

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, who chaired the Qatari delegation to the meetings, added that the meetings also discussed the preparations for the 6th Arab Conference for Investment in Food Security, the activation of the role of executive leaders in the Union of Arab Chambers and the realization of the Union’s objectives in this regard. He noted that the Council decided to hold periodic meetings for the executive leaders to discuss the developments and activate the role of the Chambers in this regard.

HE affirmed Qatar Chamber’s support for the Arab joint action in the various economic and commercial fields, stressing the need to strengthen intra-Arab trade, which is still below the level of ambition, because of its importance in achieving the desired Arab economic integration. He added that Qatar Chamber will continue to coordinate with various Arab Chambers to achieve this goal.

The Union of Arab Chambers aims to achieve Arab economic integration within a comprehensive, effective and developed framework so that it can deal and cooperate with other economic blocs on an equal bases that ensure the interests of all parties and contributes to the achievement of global prosperity and the representation of all economic sectors on the Arab, regional and international levels.

The Union seeks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of development plans, programs and efforts in the Arab world through the provision of adequate employment opportunities and the employment of the pillars of a market economy based on the freedom of fair competition, the prevention of monopolistic practices and the guarantee of equal opportunities.

October 27 2018

Qatar’s non-oil exports jumped 36.5% to reach QR18.3bn in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the QR13.02bn recorded in the same period in 2017, according to a Qatar Chamber report.

According to the chamber’s Research & Studies Department and Member Affairs Department, which collated data from the 3,015 certificates of origin issued last month, non-oil exports in September stood at QR1.64bn, or a 4.6% increase over the QR1.57bn recorded in September 2017.

The Chamber report said the 3,015 certificates included 2,718 general model certificates, 130 unified certificates for the GCC countries (industrial), 148 unified Arab certificates of origin, 18 certificates of origin for preferences, and one unified certificate to Singapore.

Qatar Chamber director general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi said the Chamber highly supports locally-manufactured products and is exerting great efforts to find new international export outlets.

He pointed to the facilities and incentives offered by the country to boost investments in all productive sectors with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency and increasing Qatar’s exports.

The facilities, he said, helped increase non-oil exports rapidly.

The report said 60 countries received non-oil exports from Qatar this September compared to the 59 listed in the previous month. The list includes 13 Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries; 15 European countries, including Turkey; 16 Asian countries except Arab countries; 14 African countries except Arab countries; and two North American countries.

Oman topped the list of importing countries in September this year with a total of QR689mn, or 42.1% of the total value of non-oil exports from Qatar. It was followed by Hong Kong with QR235 million, or 14.4%, Singapore (QR151mn, or 9.2%), and India (QR90mn, 5.5%).

Lebanon imported QR67mn worth of non-oil products from Qatar, or 4.1% of the total, followed by China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, and Germany. All 10 countries accounted for 87.8% of Qatar’s total non-oil exports last month.

The report said GCC countries (Oman and Kuwait) topped the blocs and economic groups receiving Qatari non-oil exports in September 2018 worth around QR700mn; followed by the group of Asian countries, excluding Arab countries imported non-oil products from Qatar worth QR666mn.

The group of Arab countries, excluding GCC countries, imported products from Qatar worth QR147.3mn, followed by the group of European countries, including Turkey (QR90.2mn), African countries except the Arab countries, and South American countries.

October 30 2018

Private sector leader Qatar Chamber held a high-level meeting yesterday in Doha with Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who called on Qatari companies to invest in her country.

In a meeting at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Bhandari said Nepal has a “secure” investment climate, and stressed that her country has a range of international companies operating there.

She said “all sectors” are open to Qatari businessmen, especially tourism, industry, infrastructure, and agriculture. The president noted that Nepal’s agricultural sector and animal production “have many opportunities for investment.”

Bhandari said Qatar remains “an attractive destination” for Nepalese workers, citing regular daily flights of Qatar Airways to Nepal, “thus facilitating transportation.” She also lauded both governments’ efforts “to develop relations not only in employment but at all levels.”

Similarly, Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari encouraged Qatari businessmen present during the meeting to explore business opportunities available in Nepal’s hydrocarbons, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.

Al-Kuwari said there are several Nepalese companies operating in the Qatari market in various fields. He said the Chamber signed in April a memorandum of understanding with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance mutual co-operation and for the exchange of information and visits.

He called on businessmen from both countries to establish effective partnerships and investment alliances that will promote bilateral co-operation in the commercial sector.

“These relations have been characterised by trust, mutual respect, understanding, and fruitful co-operation,” al-Kuwari said, adding that Qatar-Nepal trade volume stood at QR15mn in 2017.

Citing investment incentives and mechanisms offered by both countries, al-Kuwari expressed optimism that Qatar-Nepal trade volume “would grow significantly in the coming period.”

In a presentation during the meeting, it was revealed that Qatari investors could participate in Nepal’s major projects in the fields of infrastructure, roads, bridges, tourism, industry, and agriculture.

Data provided by Qatar Chamber showed that Nepal’s primary exports to Qatar include garments, textiles, magnetic cylinders, vegetables, and others, while Nepal imports polyethylene, polypropylene, and some food products from Qatar.

The Nepalese workforce in Qatar is estimated at about 400,000, involved in mainly major infrastructure projects, Qatar Chamber added.

31-10-2018

Qatar Chamber (QC) held a meeting with a trade delegation from the Republic of Kosovo to discuss the ways to promote cooperation aspects and establish partnerships and trade alliances in fields such as agriculture, tourism and others.

Second Vice-Chairman at QC Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba said the opportunities have become suitable to promote cooperation relations between the private sectors of both countries, in light of the potential both sides offer.

HE added that QC is ready to offer the needed support to the businessmen who wish to enter the markets of both countries and to raise awareness amongst the local business community on the investment opportunities and incentives each country offers in the various investment fields.

Head of Kosovo’s trade delegation presented a brief on the investment potential and opportunity found in Kosovo, which is rich in natural resources including lead, zinc, silver, chrome, iron, nickel, coal, etc.

He highlighted that certain fields may attract Qatari investors such as agriculture as half of the country’s land is used for agriculture, such as maize, wheat, vegetables and others. He called on Qatari business owners to visit Kosovo and benefit from the facilities and incentives it provides.