Wholesalers and importers of electronic items and home appliances are optimistic about their business as goods continue to arrive in Qatar from different parts of the world, thanks to the continuous services provided by shipping liners.
"Hamad Port has started showing its capacity to customers across the world," said an entrepreneur who feels the newly built port on the southern side of Doha should be able to provide even better services in the coming days. 
He feels the current situation gives the port a "great opportunity" to demonstrate its capacity and, in turn, help generate more business.
The traders are also confident that the ongoing blockade will have "minimal impact" on their business.
Replying to a query, a spokesperson of a business group said contrary to what is being claimed by sections of the regional media, businesses in Qatar have little to worry about. 
"None of those people seem to be aware of the growing infrastructure facilities at the new port in Doha," he said, adding that hardly any demurrage-related issues have been reported by businesses.
Demurrage is a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship in respect of failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.
Representatives of some major importers of electronic gadgets and home appliances say the arrival of more liners from places such as the Far East will help those in the business as a large chunk of these products is manufactured in countries in that region.
"Such services are certainly welcome," says a senior official of a firm that occupies a key position in the country's electronic goods market. One just needs to be careful about the operational costs and prevent it from going up, he adds.
A number of vessels have arrived at Hamad Port carrying different types of goods, including foodstuff, over the past few days and more are expected. These ships have come from the Far East, Oman and Turkey.
Meanwhile, retail outlets selling electronic items expect higher sales when families start returning to the country from their summer vacation, according to sources.
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