Trade index between Qatar and its international partners is expected to expand further as the newly-inaugurated Hamad Port opens to more global markets, a Qatar Chamber official has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the official inauguration of Hamad Port, Qatar Chamber board member Ali Abdullatif al-Misnad underpinned the capacity of the $7.4bn mega infrastructure project to provide commercial access to more than 150 countries.
“We are very confident that this project, which was completed ahead of time, is more than capable of linking Qatar with the international market, and it serves as the country’s global gateway, which will enhance the trade index between Qatar and its commercial partners,” al-Misnad told Gulf Times.
On Tuesday, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani officially opened Hamad Port at a grand ceremony held in the presence state officials led by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. Several high-profile dignitaries from the international community were also in attendance.
HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti emphasised that the port has taken 27% of the region’s trade since its initial operations began in December 2015. In two years, al-Sulaiti said, Hamad Port is expected to take “more than 35% of trade in the region.”
“We congratulate the transport minister for the accelerated construction and development of this world-class facility, which is more than ready to really receive any kind of ship.
“With all the capacities of this port, we are really happy and confident that the Hamad Port is going to be a very important cornerstone for Qatar’s economy today and in the future,” al-Misnad said.
He also said the private sector welcomes the official opening of Hamad Port. “This facility brings great pleasure to the private sector, and we at Qatar Chamber congratulate the Minister of Transport for such a great project. Indeed, this project follows the direction of His Highness the Emir and the His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and they have accomplished such as huge and prestigious milestone,” he said.
Speaking about the economic blockade, which has now entered its third month, al-Misnad said Qatar “has become stronger than ever before.”
“We have discovered our internal capabilities and capacities and we are at the winning front together with His Highness the Emir; and we know that despite the challenges before us, it is ‘business as usual’ in all sectors of the country.
“As you can see, there are ample opportunities coming up and they continue to present themselves to Qatar Chamber and to the rest of the private sector. I urge the private sector and Qatari small and medium-sized enterprises to take more initiatives to coordinate and show how strong we are during this crisis and embargo,” al-Misnad said.
Business / Business
Hamad Port to push Qatar trade index growth, says Qatar Chamber official
Al-Misnad: Hamad Port serves as Qatar’s global gateway. PICTURE: Jayan Orma. Right: A ship decks at Hamad Port in Doha. The $7.4bn mega infrastructure project is set to provide commercial access to more than 150 countries across the world.
