Chamber, Turkish delegation push for setting up of manufacturing hubs in Qatar

Officials of Qatar Chamber and Turkey’s Electrical and Electronics Exporters’ Association (TET) have called for the establishment of manufacturing facilities to make Qatar an export hub for Turkish products.
In a recent meeting in Doha, Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari noted that several laws related to labour reforms, foreign ownership, and free zones were already passed to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow.
“As Qatar envisions itself as a destination for foreign investors, the country is looking to attract more international businesses to set up shop here, which is aligned with the goals set in Qatar National Vision 2030, al-Kuwari stressed.
TET audit board member Kerem Ozdogan said the association is encouraging its more than 4,000 members to explore the investment opportunities being offered in Qatar, especially in the field of electrical and electronics.
“We are aware of the government’s initiative on creating free zones and supporting local and foreign investors in Qatar, and our members are looking for that kind of opportunity not only to target the Qatari market but also to look for other opportunities in the GCC and even Far East markets while using Doha as their export hub,” Ozdogan told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the meeting.
He added: “Depending on the manufacturing characteristics of our members, they will relate the opportunities in Qatar and decide on how to use that opportunity either as a manufacturing hub, a storage base, or logistics centre. They will decide after coming here to meet with the authorities and exchanging information with them to see the support being offered.
“Turkish investors are putting huge attention to Qatar; likewise, there are many Qatari businessmen that are interested in pouring investments in Turkey; so there is some reciprocity and equal opportunities available for both countries.”
Asked what Turkish products could be exported from Qatar, Ozdogan said electrical distribution and cable manufacturing “are most likely the more suitable segments” to be set up in Qatar.
“It could be much easier on a different scale or the expansion of operations abroad,” he continued, adding that in terms of ease of doing business in Qatar, offering one-stop-shop would attract and motivate more investors to invest here.
According to Ozdogan, total Turkish exports in 2018 stood at $150bn, 10% of which was contributed by TET member companies.
“We have four main sub segments: white goods, which comprise of refrigerators and washing machines, and similar appliances; black goods, such as LED TVs and other electronic items; home appliances, such as small handy items; and the cable industry from telecommunications to high voltage.
“Another sub segment is electrical distribution and electro-technology, as well as transformers and circuit breakers, among others. White goods are the biggest of the four main segments. Household appliances manufacturer Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate (BSH) manufactures its products in Turkey and exports them to Europe.”