The Qatari private sector has demonstrated its ability to face the siege imposed by three Gulf states on the state of Qatar since June 5, according to Qatar Chamber vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari.
In a media statement, al-Kuwari said: “More than 100 days after the unjust blockade, the Qatari market remains unaffected contrary to the expectations of the siege countries, which considered Qatar a small country in terms of geography and population.
“These countries thought that Qatar will not withstand the land, sea, and air blockade but they have forgotten that a country’s economic strength is not measured by geographical area and population, and perhaps the simplest example is Singapore, which set the largest economic success story in the world.”
Al-Kuwari said the state of Qatar had succeeded in building a strong knowledge-based economy, including a genuine partnership between the public and private sectors under the patronage of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
He said the state had utilised many options and alternatives to secure the needs of the local market such as food or raw materials for construction. Al-Kuwari said the launch of maritime routes between the Hamad Port and a number of ports in Oman, Turkey, and other countries in East Asia contributed to the strengthening of the movement of Qatari imports from different international sources.
“Since the first day of the blockade, there was no interruption in the flow of commodities. The goods coming from siege countries were covered by alternative countries without any impact on consumers,” al-Kuwari said, citing the “great response” by businessmen and “the pivotal role played by Qatar Chamber.”
“No matter how long this siege will last, it will not affect the Qatari economy. Qatari businessmen and Qatari companies now have working relations with suppliers from around the world. The flow of commodities needed by the Qatari market will continue without any obstacles,” al-Kuwari emphasised.
Al-Kuwari also lauded Qatar Chamber’s efforts in responding to the needs of the market immediately after the announcement of the economic blockade. “Qatar Chamber has moved in all directions to confront the crisis and maintain the flow of goods and products,” he said.
He noted that the chamber has expanded its network to find new import destinations and visited “sisterly and friendly countries,” including Oman, Pakistan, and Turkey, to secure partnerships between Qatari businessmen and their counterparts.
The chamber also received a number of Arab and foreign business delegations to enhance trade exchange. It also called for the need to direct private sector investments to establish projects needed by the market, especially in the field of food security.
Qatar Chamber vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari.
