The Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council.
The MoU aims at enhancing cooperation in various fields related to research, development and innovation, and promoting the values of intellectual property.
The MoU is signed by HE Acting Undersecretary for Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi, and Secretary General of QRDI Council Omar Ali Al Ansari.
The MoU's most important items are the provision of data and the exchange of information and documents on topics of mutual interest related to research, development and innovation, the development and promotion of intellectual property values, cooperation and coordination in the harmonization of national strategies and implementation plans of interest to both sides, cooperation in developing the National Intellectual Property Strategy, and planning and implementation of studies programs, research, and surveys that support common strategic decision-making.
The MoU also aims to coordinate national efforts aimed at upgrading the classification of the Qatar in global indicators, and to enhance cooperation and coordination on legislative and organizational development and the application of required policies, in order to facilitate business and attract innovation-based investments through research and development, in addition to joint coordination and cooperation in the field of the exchanging of experiences, information, reports, studies and publications that will enhance planning and implementation coordination between the two sides.
The Memorandum of Understanding also included an agreement on the participation of QRDI Council as a member of the Technology and Innovation Support Center, to ensure that the authorities concerned with research, development and innovation benefit from the services of the center.
Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Eng. Omar Al Ansari expressed his pleasure in signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stressing that this cooperation would emphasize the need for concerted efforts with the government sector to develop a comprehensive national framework that supports the existence of an integrated system for research, development and innovation in the State of Qatar. 
Related Story