Qatar Chamber has recorded a 13.4% increase in the number of registered companies in Qatar from 12,910 in 2016 to 14,639 last year.
Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani said 34,848 companies renewed their commercial registration in 2017, while the total number of companies registered with the chamber increased by 28% to reach 76,666 in 2017 compared to the 59,926 recorded in 2016.
“Last year, 32 foreign companies entered the Qatari market for the first time, and 27 of them were registered during the siege, which was imposed on the country on June 5,” Sheikh Khalifa said.



Sheikh Khalifa: No siege impact

He said the number of companies established after the siege stood at 7,335, which affirmed that the economic embargo “had no impact on Qatar’s investment environment.”
During the past year, the Chamber organised about 200 different events, received 52 international trade delegations, conducted 14 overseas visits for Qatari businessmen, and arranged and participated in 14 trade fairs, Sheikh Khalifa said.
“Since the first day of the siege, the Chamber played a key role in combating its affects. It held meetings with concerned authorities and businessmen to ensure the flow of commodities goods, which were covered by alternative countries without any impact on consumers,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
He added: “Qatar Chamber has moved in all directions to confront the crisis and maintain the flow of goods and products. It has clocked a number of achievements and carried out a large number of activities and events during 2017. 
“It also launched important initiatives and participated in other events to develop the services it provides to its members as part of its pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness in Qatar, and enabling the private sector to play a greater role in the overall development of the country.”