National Day strengthens steadfastness amid siege

HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani has underlined that the National Day is an occasion to renew the loyalty of the people of Qatar to their country and their wise leadership.    
The minister said that this day has taken on a new historical dimension that established the victory achieved by the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in the battle of steadfastness and challenge to the unjust siege imposed by the three neighbouring countries.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the minister explained that the year’s National Day motto, ‘Promise of Prosperity and Glory’ is the glowing words of His Highness, which give hope and certainty that the future of Qatar, despite its record achievements, prosperity and growth, will be better.
The minister added that this year’s slogan of the National Day reflects the determination of the wise leadership to move forward in its approach, for the good of the homeland and the citizen. He affirmed in this regard that His Highness has fulfilled his covenant and saved the State of Qatar from the dangers and provided his people with all the components of social and economic welfare.
He noted that thanks to His Highness’ directives, the State of Qatar, since June 5, 2017, has presented a new economic model reflecting its established position as one of the strongest regional economies and one of the most promising economies at the global level.
The minister explained that the Emir has urged to face the siege with hard work to enhance the competitiveness and independence of the national economy. He pointed out in this regard that the State has turned towards relying on its own capabilities and moving forward in the strategy outlined by the Emir to fortify the national economy.
The minister said that all necessary measures have been taken to meet the new challenges in the fields of air and sea transport as well as finding alternative sources of imports for goods and services by air freight at Hamad International Airport, in addition to the opening of direct lines connecting Hamad Port with the major commercial axes around the world.
He pointed out to the wise directives of the Emir on the completion of food and water security projects within the specified time limits, as well as developing new industries and services to meet any emergency.The minister pointed out that the State has strengthened its strategic stocks of commodities and logistics in accordance with a strategic plan.
The minister said in his statement that the state is prioritising achieving self-sufficiency in many important industries, and will rely on advancing partnerships between the public and private sector in that regard. He also added that one of those efforts will be offering big projects to local investors in the food security, sports, tourism, industrial, health, education, and logistics fields.
The minister stressed that the state has worked on supporting local products by establishing a committee for the protection of national products and combating practices that harm them in international trade.
On the state’s efforts to support investment, the minister said that the Emir had led the efforts in improving legislation to encourage investment, in line with the strategy of strengthening the national economy.
It was in that regard that an Investment free-zones law was established as well as facilitating the requirements for starting companies and obtaining licences for commercial activity. The minister added that work is currently being done on developing and updating a number of laws to encourage and incentivise the productivity of the private sector and the competitiveness of the national economy and its ability to attract foreign investment.