Major players and stakeholders in the private sector have expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the government to help businesses weather the impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, according to a Qatar Chamber official.

In a video conference with HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said, “The private sector highly-appreciates the directives of the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to support the private sector and enhance its participation in economic development.”

Sheikh Khalifa said the QR75bn financial and economic incentives to support the private sector would play an important role in helping the companies and other stakeholders overcome the consequences of the pandemic.

The Qatar Chamber official also thanked HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister for his interest in the private sector, “particularly during these circumstances relating to the coronavirus crisis.”

He said, “The private sector is grateful for the efforts made by the esteemed government to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. While the precautionary measures had some negative impact on economic activity, they are the best way to protect citizens and residents from the virus.”

Sheikh Khalifa said the private sector “is suffering so much due to this pandemic that hit the whole world,” stressing the need for cooperation between all bodies and institutions to ease the economic effects of the virus.

He stressed that the private sector “stands by the state to overcome this pandemic with a strong and healthy economy,” underlining the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors during the health crisis.

Also, Sheikh Khalifa described the meeting with HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister as “transparent,” adding that the video conference discussed the economic and commercial challenges resulting from Covid-19 and its effects on the private sector.