Qatar Airways Cargo and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have made significant progress on a joint initiative to support local perfume manufacturers in Qatar.
In 2020, the cargo carrier and QDB introduced discounted rates for local Qatari perfume manufacturers to export to international markets. The initiative aimed to boost exports and sales of locally manufactured perfumes to international markets and provide opportunities for Qatari exporters to expand their activities through business to consumer channels.
The programme has now been broadened to provide local manufacturers with better access, through the airline’s approved network of courier companies, to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network and modern fleet to transport their products.
Qatar Airways Cargo will also continue to provide local manufacturers with required certification by offering the Dangerous Goods Training programme in compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which have been adopted by QCAA; the aim is to equip companies with specialised knowledge for shippers to comply with the requirements for correct classification, declaration, documentation, packaging, labelling and marking of dangerous goods in line with international standards.
This certification is a pre-requisite imposed on all local manufacturers to ensure they are prepared for the safe carriage of perfumes which are classified as dangerous goods shipped by air.
Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo Guillaume Halleux said: “We are happy to support local perfume exporters who can benefit from our state-of-the-art fleet and extensive network. Qatar perfume manufacturers offer high-quality and unique fragrances, and this partnership will help them expand their business into new markets.”
“The initiative to support local manufacturers has so far helped several perfume companies to grow their business, thus boosting their exports. With the latest development in the programme, we are hoping that even more businesses will benefit from this partnership between Qatar Airways Cargo and QDB.”
Hala Ali al-Misnad, manager, QDB’s Export Development, stressed the importance of this initiative, particularly in terms of streamlining the classification of perfumes and the ensuing reduction in total shipping costs.
“QDB is pleased to expand the scope of this significant initiative in partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo. As part of QDB’s commitment to supporting Qatari exporters, the initiative will offer perfume manufacturers an additional way to tap new markets and compete globally, offering them access to training courses in line with international standards and reduced shipping costs, thus raising their efficiency and export capabilities. The partnership falls in line with our current initiatives to empower SMEs and boost their export competitiveness.”
