HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari has stressed that Qatar has established the principle of self-reliance and economic openness as two strategic options to face regional and global challenges.
He pointed out that this approach has contributed to strengthening of national industries and Qatar’s position as a major commercial hub in the region.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, the minister said that the great developments achieved under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is a strong message to the region and the world that Qatar will remain free and dignified in the face of those who are trying to prey on its sovereignty and its economic and political security and independence.
He added that the private sector plays a pivotal role in this regard as the building of a competitive Qatari industry depends heavily on the growth of small and medium enterprises along with major national industrial companies.
He pointed out that the State sought to motivate investors, businessmen and manufacturers to expand production and open new industrial lines to cope with local needs in various sectors, especially in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
He also highlighted the role played by the private sector in strengthening trade and investment ties with Qatar’s strategic partners around the world.
He praised the efforts of Qatari businessmen and national companies who formed the first line of defence to deter economic and trade repercussions since the early days of the unjust blockade.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry said that the efforts of Qatar to enhance its economic openness and respect all its trade commitments with all countries of the world consolidated its reputation as a reliable and credible economic and trade partner with all components of the international community.
He concluded his statements by congratulating His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on the occasion of the National Day and wishing further progress, growth and prosperity for the country.
He also said that the National Day symbolises belonging to the nation and loyalty to its wise leadership, adding that the motto of the National Day “As long as it is proven by our deeds...Qatar remains free” reflects the values and principles inherent in the history of Qatar since it was founded by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani.
This motto embodies the steadfastness and determination of Qatar since the imposition of the unjust blockade on June 5, 2017.
As for the achievements of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry last year, the Ministry stated that it was keen on focusing on the private sector due to its pivotal role in achieving the developmental plans set by the State.
The Ministry aimed to provide an appropriate business climate in the commercial and industrial sectors so that they can meet the needs of the State and build a strong production base that will achieve balanced economic growth for  Qatar.
At the same time, the Ministry had ambitious plans to develop the trade sector and raise it to distinct levels that contribute to the establishment of Qatar as a strategic trading hub linking the region with major commercial centres around the world.
As part of its efforts to break the illegal blockade imposed on Qatar, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced, this year, that it has initiated proceedings to file a new lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation’s Dispute Settlement Body against Saudi Arabia for its violations of intellectual property of Qatari citizens and entities.
As for supporting national products, enhancing their position and upgrading local companies to promote self-sufficiency in all sectors, the Cabinet approved the draft law of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on supporting the competitiveness of national products and combating practices harming them in international trade.
The draft law affirms that the provision of this law shall be applied in a manner that does not contradict the provisions of the WTO agreements.
Under the provisions of the draft, a committee called the “Committee to Support the Competitiveness of National Products and Combat Practices to them in International Trade” is to be established at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
Furthermore, the Ministry announced the completion of the seasonal market initiatives, which started with the seasonal market for camping supplies in 2017.
The Ministry also organised, during 2018, seasonal date market, which is the largest market specialised in dates of all kinds.
The market offers a unique opportunity by providing a place for traders, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to display their products to the public.
Additionally, the Ministry organised the seasonal honey market in co-operation with Souq Waqif.
The Ministry also announced the opening of the second camping seasonal market during November 2018, which was held in Al Riffa area, with the participation of nearly 100 local and foreign companies offering camping products.
Qatar has sought to open the economy, expand its international relations in trade and investment and conclude bilateral agreements with partners around the world, which in turn contributed to the increase in the volume of trade with many countries of the world.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry organised a number of important economic forums, including Qatar-China Economic Forum, Qatari-Pakistani Business Forum and the Qatar-Belgium Economic Forum in order to strengthen and expand trade and economic relations with these countries and open prospects for communication between private sector representatives to establish joint investment projects. Additionally, the Ministry organised the Qatari-Bulgarian Economic Forum, with the aim of improving communication between the private sector in the two countries and encouraging them to establish joint investment projects that serve the aspirations and interests of Qatar and Bulgaria.
As part of its efforts to strengthen co-operation between Qatar and the United States of America, the Ministry has been an important participant in the Qatar-US strategic dialogue and its associated activities. The Ministry also organised four economic forums between Qatar and US in Miami, Washington DC, Charleston in South Carolina and Raleigh in North Carolina.
Furthermore, an agreement was signed to encourage and protect the mutual investments between Qatar and Paraguay. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a co-operation agreement with the Dutch company /HERE GLOBAL/, which specialises in navigation systems data used by most international manufacturers of cars, on the sidelines of Qatar’s participation in the Hannover International Industrial Fair 2018 (Hannover Messe).
A comprehensive trade and economic partnership agreement was also signed between Qatar and Turkey. The agreement sought to enhance trade exchange, ease restrictions on investments, services’ trade and electronic Commerce and boost co-operation in customs, education, research and development, capacity building, exhibitions, forums and economic conferences. The agreement is the first of its kind signed by Qatar with a business partner.
At the regional level, Qatar and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the area of consumer protection. The memorandum of understanding aims to improve technical and legal co-operation and achieve co-ordination in all areas related to the consumer.
As part of Qatar’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with its various trading partners, the delegation of the Qatar participated in the Qatar-Pakistan Business Conference organised in Islamabad as part of an official visit to Pakistan from 4 to 5 July 2018 to discuss prospects for bilateral co-operation.
The Ministry also participated in the Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum, which aims at enhancing the levels of economic, trade and investment co-operation between the two countries.
Qatar has also sought to modernised legislations and laws regulating business environment in order to attract investments.
The State has also passed laws allowing foreign investors 100% ownership in all sectors and economic and commercial activities.