Qatar Chamber’s board of directors held a meeting on Wednesday to identify proactive measures that would contribute to the government’s efforts against the Covid-19 health crisis and to minimise its negative impact.
To enhance private sector participation during the crisis, the board decided that it will be “in permanent convention until the crisis ends.” The board also agreed to form an emergency committee to follow up all developments at the level of all economic sectors and to serve as a focal point between companies and government agencies.
The board agreed to call on business owners “to facilitate defaulters, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whether by exempting the rental value or postponing the dues until the crisis ends.”
Qatar Chamber will also ask the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to allow the chamber to assist in the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus. The board also stressed that the chamber and the private sector “is fully-prepared to make use of its potentials to help in accomplishing the government’s goals in facing this crisis.”
It also stressed the necessity of enhancing co-ordination between all parties concerned to ensure the smooth and continuous provision of food products and goods in the local market.
During the meeting, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who directed the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to provide financial and economic incentives worth QR75bn to the private sector.
He also praised HH the Amir for asking banks to postpone instalments, and for calling exemptions from electricity and water fees, as well as rents for the logistical areas and SMEs for a period of six months.
Sheikh Khalifa also extended his sincere thanks to His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, and other ministries and agencies “that dealt with the crisis with a great degree of professionalism and responsibility.”
The board affirmed that the chamber would continue to provide services to businessmen and members to avoid disrupting their businesses. Also, hotlines were allocated to respond to inquiries from merchants and businessmen on 44559122, sectorial committees (44559187), media (44555803), member’s affairs, certificates of origin, and certifications (44559118).
