1-10-2019

Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs and the Qatar Chamber hosted a high-level forum entitled ‘Business and Migration: Strengthening dialogue between the private sector and governments’ in cooperation with the International Organization of Employers (IOE), and the International Labor Organization (ILO) Project Office for the State of Qatar.

The one-day conference is part of the Global Forum on Migration and Development’s mechanism of action. The forum highlighted the role of the business sector in labour reform and migration management.

In his opening speech, HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro has said that the State of Qatar has embarked on an ambitious programme to reform labour laws and legislation in order to improve workers’ rights and ensure economy movement.
He also stressed that many reforms have been adopted so far and many are under development, reflecting the country’s commitment to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The minister added that in order to ensure the success of these reforms, it is essential that the government and the private sector work hand in hand, and this approach will ensure that reforms are moving in the right direction to create a good labour market, with changes implemented effectively by companies.

He expressed his gratitude over the inauguration of this high-level conference, which is based on the theme of “Strengthening dialogue between the private sector and governments” and is organised in co-operation with the partners of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the International Labour Organisation and the International Organisation of Employers, under the auspices of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD).

The minister noted that the GFMD had been established in 2015 with the aim to strengthen research, discussion and dialogue mechanisms with governments on the management of labour migration.

The minister also expressed pride in hosting the event in Doha for the first time, and hoped that discussions of the one-day forum would provide useful messages to be shared during the Global Forum on Migration and Development meeting to be held in Ecuador in November this year.

The minister concluded by expressing his hope that the participants in the forum will discuss recent experiences and good practices in the field of labour migration management developed in the State of Qatar, as well as learning from experiences around the world to understand how they can support national efforts under this framework.
Since there are no one-size-fits-all solutions in labour migration policies, “we must collectively think about the best way to achieve our common goals,” he added.

Second Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Rashid Hamad Al Athba, stressed that the growth witnessed by Qatar in all economic and commercial fields requires an increasing number of expatriate workers who participate in projects implemented by the State and work in various sectors of the State.

He stressed that Qatar has made a tremendous leap in terms of labour rights and the safeguarding of their full rights, adding it has implemented several ambitious labour market reform measures that are undoubtedly the first-of-its-kind in the region and has adopted a number of legislation and reforms that reflect its commitment to providing a safe and secure working environment.

For his part, Employer Representative, Former Board Member of QCCI, Nasser Al Meer, said that the Qatari business community and Qatari companies have welcomed the reforms adopted by Qatar in the field of employment, and dealt with them positively, because these reforms are beneficial to their business in the first place and the reputation of the State of Qatar in general.

He noted the great interest of Qatar Chamber in these procedures, pointing to the commitment of companies to apply the requirements of occupational safety and health within the workplace and in workers’ dorms and to implement the requirements of the Qatari Labor Law towards providing a healthy and professional work environment.

2-10-2019

Officials from the Duqm Port and special economic zone are inviting the Qatari business community to explore the various investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman, this was announced during a trade and investment workshop hosted by Qatar Chamber, which highlighted the infrastructure of the region, the various project components, such as Duqm Port, dry dock, airport, Duqm Refinery, and oil storage station. It also focused on the investment climate in the region and the incentives, benefits, and facilities obtained by investors.

The workshop was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman, Mohamed bin Twar al-Kuwari; commercial director at Duqm, Erwin Mortelmans, and director of business support, Hesham al-Ebrahim.

Al-Kuwari said “Qatar and Oman enjoy excellent relations,” noting that the port of Duqm is located in a special and strategic location in the region. He said it is situated along the Strait of Hormuz in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and is an ideal destination for a number of neighbouring markets.

“There are many Qatari private sector investments at the port and there is a tendency for Qatari business owners to identify the various investment opportunities in the port and at the economic zone in Duqm,” al-Kuwari said.

He also stressed the chamber’s support for the building of trade partnerships and economic alliances between businessmen of both countries. He said this encourages Qatari business owners to co-operate with their counterparts in the Sultanate of Oman and establish trade partnerships and explore opportunities, especially in the port of Duqm.

In a presentation, Mortelmans said Duqm Port is the largest economic project in Oman, noting that it has several industrial, tourism, logistics, and real estate developments, as well as a multi-purpose port, airport, dry dock for ship repair, fishing port, and fish industries.

He said the port provides a number of facilities and incentives, including 100% foreign ownership and tax exemption of up to 30 years renewable for a similar period. It also provides ease in facilitating customs visa for expats. He also called on investors and representatives of Qatari companies to explore investment opportunities in the port.

Mortelmans underscored Duqm’s strategic location and proximity to Asian and African markets, as well as Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) markets, qualifying it as an economic and investment hub in the region.

3-10-2019

Small and medium-sized enterprises Exhibition 2019 opened at Mall of Qatar (MoQ), showcasing a wide range of products from 30 top Omani creatives exhibit.

The show is organised by Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export development agency, in partnership with the Sultanate’s Public Authority for SME, Riyada.

The exhibition has been designed to introduce Omani SMEs working in the craft, fashion and food sector to the Qatari market, as well as boost the Sultanate’s exports of jewellery, food, cosmetics and fragrances.

“We ran the same show last year in Doha and that proved to be highly successful, with participating firms winning a sizeable amount of business,” al-Adawi added.

Held under the patronage of Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al kuwari, First Vice-Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce, the response to participate in the four-day show from Oman’s creative industries sector has been highly favourable.

“Market research suggests there are clear opportunities for Omani craft, fashion and food businesses to break into Qatar’s sophisticated and lucrative market” said Omani ambassador Najeeb bin Yahya al-Balushi.

“GCC consumers understand the importance of provenance and are searching for authentic products, whether that is with food or in the personal care product space,” the envoy noted.

3-10-2019

Qatar Chamber’s (QC) Second Vice-Chairman Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba met a Turkish delegation comprising of 13 businessmen representing various sectors including infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, industry, education, logistics and food security.

The delegation was led by the Former Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik. QC Board of Director Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli also attended the event.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between both countries and ways of enhancing relations between the private sectors as well as exploring investment opportunities available in both sides.

Al Athba said that Qatar and Turkey enjoy strong and developed cooperation relations covering all aspects. He noted that the Qatari private sector highly welcomes enhancing its cooperation with Turkish companies, especially because Turkish companies have proven a good reputation for their high quality products in the Qatari market.

The delegation includes representatives of leading Turkish companies in infrastructure, roads and tunnels, agriculture, tourism, industry, education, logistics and food security, said Celik.

He added that these firms are keen on exploring the Qatari market and establish partnerships with the Qatari side for the advantages of both countries ‘economies. He pointed out that the delegation includes companies from Bursa, which is one of the most important Turkish cities and has huge potential in agriculture and industry sectors, noting that there are 18 integrated industrial zones in the city.

Celik praised the development and progress achieved by Qatar in all fields, describing Qatar as “a developed country that has managed to achieve many achievements and successes at all levels,”

He also pointed out that there are many areas of cooperation between Qatari and Turkish companies in sectors represented by the delegation, especially since these are strong and competitive companies that are looking for genuine investments in the Qatari market.

He added that the blockade imposed on Qatar has contributed to creating more cooperation between the two countries, especially as Turkey is one of the first countries that helped Qatar and stood by it during the crisis.

For his part, Al Obaidli said the visiting delegation includes various sectors of high interest to the Qatari side, expressing his hope to forge new partnerships between the two sides in these sectors. He stressed that the State of Qatar welcomes the investments of leading international companies, noting that the government provides many incentives to encourage more investments.

Al-Obaidli stressed that Qatar attaches great importance to food security, affirming that it has achieved self-sufficiency in various sectors such as dairy by 110 percent and poultry by 124 percent.

6-10-2019

Qatar Chamber has participated in the 45th executive committee meeting of the Federation of Gulf Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FGCCI) held in Muscat.

The Chamber’s delegation was led by the QC Director-General Saleh bin Hamad al Sharqi and included legal researcher Hamad Ali Al Marri and economic expert Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim.

The meeting’s agenda included discussing the FGCCC interim objectives and the general strategy, considering proposed amendments to the Federation’s statute, rules, procedures, financial policies and accounting regulations as well as the restructuring of the FGCCC General Secretariat.

During the meeting, QC expressed its views on the issues set on the agenda and its readiness to cooperate with the General Secretariat of the Federation and all member states’ chambers in providing all forms of support and cooperation to serve the private sector and achieve the Gulf sustainable economic development.

Sharqi said QC is fully prepared to host the upcoming meeting in Doha, affirming that the chamber is interested in strengthening cooperation relations among GCC chambers in order to promote economic integration.

He said the FGCCC Executive Committee holds regular meetings to implement its main tasks, which include activating its role in the work programme of the General Secretariat and preparing topics to be presented to the GCC Council.

They also include following up decisions of the Federation Council in coordination with the Secretary General, approving the annual work programme of the Federation, recommending the estimated budget and the final accounts of the Federation Council.

8-10-2019

Qatar Chamber (QC) hosted a Qatari-Mexican business meeting to discuss aspects of cooperation between the private sector in the two countries with a focus on sectors such as food, services and information technology.

Qatar Chamber First Vice-Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar al Kuwari said the economic relations between the private sector in Qatar and Mexico are developing in a number of sectors, which was reflected in the volume of trade exchange between the two countries that witnessed a growth of 33 percent last year to reach $263 million compared to $199 million in 2017.

Kuwari pointed out that although trade between the two countries is concentrated in the energy sector, there are investments in other sectors including food, health care, sports, tourism and others, stressing the keenness and interest of the business sector in both countries to expand and develop the scope of cooperation and partnership between them.

He added that the Qatari economy and the private sector are open to all economies of the world, and that the investment climate in both country enables strong partnerships and alliances between Qatari and Mexican private companies.

Kuwari stressed the Chamber’s support for initiating joint investments between the two sides, calling on businesses from both countries to explore the available opportunities and discuss the establishment of new partnerships that benefit both sides.

Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar HE Graciela Gomez Garcia said the rapprochement between the business community in both countries and the mutual visits of business delegations contributed to the growth of trade between Qatar and Mexico.

She pointed out that the visiting Mexican delegation seeks to identify investment opportunities in the Qatari market, explore the most prominent sectors in which they can invest, and discuss the establishment of alliances and deals with Qatari businessmen, especially in light of the major projects in Qatar in which the private sector is taking part.

She added that the Qatari-Mexican Business Council, which was established last year, would contribute to strengthening cooperation and communication between business leaders from both sides, increasing the volume of trade exchange between them, reviewing investment opportunities, and facilitating the obstacles faced by investors in the two countries.

Contact Details:
Mrs. Ana Epremidze
+995 577 775 995

Mr. Beka Darakhvalidze
+995 555 298 785

Email:
Aepremidze@partnershipfund.ge
bdarakhvelidze@partnershipfund.ge

Website:
www.borjomilikani.com
www.eauction.ge

9-10-2019

Qatar Chamber’s Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) has participated in the “Sixth Annual International Arbitration Conference” in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The conference was held from October 9 to 11 under the theme the “Role of Dispute Resolution in State Economy,” QICCA delegation was headed by Board Member for International Relations Sheikh Thani bin Ali al Thani and included Assistant General Secretary Ebrahem Shahbik and QICCA Consultant Minas Khachtadurian.

During the three-days, panels composed of leading advocates, counsels, experts and arbitrators discussed distinct topics of international arbitration followed by the Q&A session in an interactive and interesting format.

The conference in Tbilisi was organised by the GIAC, and financed by a generous support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme.

Sheikh Thani said in a statement that QICCA’s participation in the conference aimed at enhancing cooperation and consultation with regional and international arbitration centres as well as reviewing the centre’s experience in the management of arbitral proceedings and its mechanisms for the appointment of arbitrators.

QICCA also reviewed the provisions of the Qatar Arbitration Law compared to the Arbitration Law of Georgia, he said.

Sheikh Thani noted that the conference discussed the experience of the ICC Arbitration Court, disclosed the volume of commercial disputes brought before arbitral tribunals during the past year and discussed mechanisms for countering maneuvers or evasions that may be exercised by one of the parties to the dispute.

The conference hosted several discussions about the New York Convention of 1958 on the “Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitration,” and the regional importance of independent arbitration and the views of business communities on dispute resolution.

On the sidelines of the event, QICCA delegation met with Georgia Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani who opened the conference.

10-10-2019

Qatar Chamber’s First Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari held a meeting with the Vice-President of Mexican Business Council, Jorge Lopez, and Mexican Ambassador to Qatar, Graciela Gomez Garcia.

The meeting reviewed ways of enhancing cooperation between private sectors from both the countries and helping Mexican companies find Qatari partners in setting up projects in Qatar, especially in the oil and gas sector.

13-10-2019

The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) has registered 22 arbitration cases and was able to adjudicate and reach final and binding arbitration awards in 18 cases last year, which indicates that the centre has succeeded in spreading the culture of arbitration in the Qatari business community, Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani, QICCA board member for International Relations has said.

He was speaking during a legal symposium organised by QICCA. The event entitled “Emergency Arbitrator and Urgent or Emergency Protection Measures” was attended by a group of masteral students from the Qatar University’s Faculty of Law.

During the event, Sheikh Thani said that the centre was established in 2006 by a decision of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, pointing out that there was a jury in the Chamber formerly chaired by prominent Qatari businessmen Saleh bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi and a number of members, most notably Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani.

He noted that since the establishment of the centre, it has undergone great development stages and contributed significantly to spreading the culture of arbitration among the Qatari business community, especially as it is resolving disputes between the parties according to the mechanisms of speed and achievement.

Sheikh Thani added that last year the centre witnessed an arbitration case related to contracts which was concluded in accordance with the rules of Islamic finance worth QR2.5bn and was adjudicated and challenged in the Court of Cassation, but it upheld the ruling issued by the centre.

For his part, QICCA Consultant Dr Minas Khatchadorian, reviewed the proposed new rules of the centre regarding the powers of the Emergency Arbitrator to issue urgent or emergency protection orders or measures.

He pointed out that the emergency arbitrator shall decide on the emergency request as soon as possible, and in all cases within 15 days after his appointment, unless all parties agree in writing to extend that period or if the centre agrees to the extension on the written request of the emergency arbitrator.

16-10-2019

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar will organise the ‘ICC Qatar Incoterms 2020 Training’ slated on November 6 at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, “to provide certainty and clarity” to businesses trading across borders. The new Incoterms will take effect on January 1, 2020.

Every 10 years, the ICC evaluates and revises the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) as a means of creating greater uniformity and effectiveness across the shipping industry. The latest version, Incoterms 2010, will stay in effect until January 2020.

The Incoterms 2020 training, which will be supported by Qatar Chamber, will be led by Robert Ronai, in collaboration with the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF). It is expected to be a highly-informative session that will benefit all relevant businesses and professionals attending the training in Qatar.

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani underscored ICC Qatar’s keenness in providing the Qatari business community with the latest ICC Incoterms to keep pace with developments in international trade.
“Learning these updated terms and rules would help parties know their contractual obligations and avoid the risk of any legal complications, especially as they take account of the recent practices in international trade,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

The training will be beneficial for individuals dealing with business transactions in buying and selling, freight forwarders, and consultants, amongst others. The comprehensive Incoterms 2020 Training will enable attendees to obtain six PDUs from the LIBF.

Ronai’s background in exporting and importing spans over 50 years, initially in international banking and then in the world of international commerce. Ronai holds a Diploma in Export Management (1977) from the Australian Institute of Export (NSW) and is a Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) by The London Institute of Banking and Finance.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Export and International Chamber of Commerce Australia. Ronai said, “Anyone involved in international trade – whether importers, exporters, transport operators, lawyers, accountants, or bankers need to have a good understanding of the new Incoterms 2020 rules.”

17-10-2019

Qatar and Italy trade volume touched €2.8 billion in 2018, registering a jump of 16 percent compared to €2.4 billion in 2017, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al Thani has said.

Sheikh Khalifa stated this during his participation in the Arab-Italian Business Forum in Milan.

The forum provided a brilliant opportunity for developing business and investment between Arab and Italian companies and businessmen, he said.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that Arab countries and Italy have enhanced their trade and investment ties over the past few years, affirming that the joint Italian Arab Chamber of Commerce has played an important and effective role in this regard.

“Italy is a distinguished destination for Qatari investments which are distributed in many economic sectors. Foremost of these investments is the Adriatic Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, which is a partnership between Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Snam.

“The terminal provides Italy with 8 billion cubic metres per year of LNG, meeting about 10 percent of Italy’s total natural gas demand,” he added.

“There are several Italian companies operating in the Qatari market in various sectors,” Sheikh Khalifa said, assuring that it is the time to increase the number of Italian companies working in Qatar, particularly in light of its economy and preparation for the 2022 World Cup, as well as incentives offered for foreign investors.

Stressing the benefits of siege imposed on Qatar since 2017, he said it was a strong motive for the private sector toward expanding its contribution to the national economy.

Regarding steps taken by the country to overcome the siege, Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar has adopted numerous flexible economic polices aiming at stimulating local and foreign investments, providing advanced infrastructure as well as offering economic and logistics zones and industrial areas that stimulate foreign companies to enter into the Qatari market.

The QC chairman affirmed Qatari businessmen’s eagerness to explore investment opportunities available in Italy and examine the possibility of establishing alliances and joint ventures with their Italian counterparts in both countries.

He expressed the hope that the forum would help intensify cooperation between Arab countries and Italy in all economic and trade areas and urged businessmen to build more alliances and partnerships.

Sheikh Khalifa witnessed the signing of two memorandum of understandings (MoUs) between Qatar Construction Group and two Italian companies, Socomec and Scam beach cleaner.

The two agreements were signed on behalf of the Qatari company by Badr Abdul Hamid Mostafawi, General Manager of the commercial section of the Qatar Construction Group.

Contact information:
Amur Mubarak Ali Al Hajri
Board Member if OCCI north Sharqiya Governorate branch
Chairman of the Small & Medium Enterprises Committee
P.O Box: 472, Postal Code: 413 Sultanate of Oman
Tel: 0096825570337
GSM: 0096892112616
Email: amer.alhajri666@gmail.com | Amer.alhajri@ome.om

24-10-2019

The Qatar Chamber (QC) held two separate meetings with delegations from Serbia and Kenya to discuss ways of enhancing joint co-operation, especially in the field of labour.

The Qatar Chamber’s first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar al-Kuwari met a Serbian delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Bojana Stanic.

The Serbian ambassador to Qatar, Jasminko Pozderac, also was present in the meeting.

The meeting touched upon enhancing co-operation relations between both sides in labour, informing the visiting delegation on the sectors in which Serbian labourers can work in.

Al-Kuwari said that Qatar and Serbia are linked with good co-operation relations in many fields, noting that qualified and trained Serbian labourers are highly welcome to work in projects being implemented by the country in sectors of tourism, services, healthcare, industry and food security, as well as in projects related to the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

He underscored the role of the Chamber in encouraging Qatari businessmen and local companies in recruiting Serbian workers to work their businesses.

He expressed his hope to see more Serbian labourers in Qatar to take part in the growth it sees in all sectors. He also praised the economic diversification policy of Qatar, noting it encourages Qatari investors to increase their investments outside the State.

On her part, Bojana Stanic called on Qatari businessmen and investors to visit her country to identify investment opportunities available in Serbia, praising the significant advance Qatar achieves in all fields, especially in the preparations for the World Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, al-Kuwari also met a parliamentary delegation from Kenya in the presence of Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar, Paddy Ahenda. The meeting discussed affairs of Kenyan labourers working in the Qatari private sector and mechanisms of streamlining procedures of recruiting Kenyan labourers to Qatar as well as opportunities available for economic co-operation between both the countries.

Al-Kuwari said that Kenyan labourers are qualified, noting that there is a growing demand from local companies, especially those who are working in construction, hospitality and security. He stressed the Chamber’s readiness to co-operate with the delegation and provide information that help in facilitating the employment of Kenyan workers in Qatar.