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The Ministry of Public Health carried out a wide-scale inspection campaign covering a number of restaurants, cafeterias, and sites designated by companies to provide food to workers at their residential locations in the Industrial Area. The objective was to ensure compliance with health standards and requirements during food handling, and to strengthen food safety and protect consumer health in the State of Qatar.During the campaign, inspections were carried out at 479 establishments, including restaurants and cafeterias, in addition to 191 sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food in worker accommodations for about 95,000 workers in the Industrial Area. Each food establishment and site underwent at least three inspection visits to monitor the implementation of corrective measures and to raise the level of compliance.A total of 1,813 food samples were collected (1,239 samples from restaurants and cafeterias and 573 samples from worker housing sites). They were analyzed at the Ministry of Public Health’s food safety laboratories. The results showed that all samples met health requirements.The total number of visits carried out by inspectors from the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health during the four-month campaign exceeded 1,650 inspection visits to cafeterias and restaurants. The regulatory efforts resulted in a notable improvement in performance, as more than 82 percent of these establishments advanced by at least one grade in the classification system compared to their initial inspection visit.Statistics from the electronic food safety system Wathiq also showed that 44 percent of the sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food to workers at their accommodations received an Excellent rating, within an overall ratio of 85 percent of sites rated Average and above, compared to the initial inspection visit for these sites.The Ministry of Public Health continues working to complete coverage of the remaining worker accommodations, restaurants, and cafeterias, increase inspection visits, and organize training workshops for food handlers to raise awareness of health requirements and general hygiene standards.The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health continues to implement the food establishment classification program as part of the ministry’s strategy to protect public health. This is achieved through continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities and food establishment owners, which is a fundamental pillar in establishing an advanced and sustainable food system that meets the highest standards of food safety.

His Excellency the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani met Saturday with Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lt Gen Kamel Wazir. Held on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly meetings in London, the meeting discussed the two countries' bilateral co-operation relations in the fields of transport, shipping and ports.The two sides also reviewed ways to further enhance these relations, particularly with regard to maritime navigation.  

Qatar Chamber (QC) discussed on Sunday with Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), bilateral trade and economic relations between Qatar and Portugal and ways to further develop them, to strengthen ties between the business communities of both countries and enhance the role of the Qatari and Portuguese private sectors.This came in a meeting between Acting Director-General of Qatar Chamber Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Director of AIP Pina Pires and AIP Project Partner Manul Campos, held at QC's headquarters.In his remarks, Al Mansori praised the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the commercial and economic fields. He noted that bilateral trade between Qatar and Portugal reached QAR 441 million in 2024, stressing the Chamber's commitment to deepening trade relations with Portugal and expanding partnerships between Qatari companies and their Portuguese counterparts.For her part, Filomena affirmed the interest of Portuguese business owners in exploring available investment opportunities in Qatar and establishing partnerships with Qatari businesspersons and investors -whether in Qatar or Portugal- across various sectors including industry, trade, construction, agriculture, transport, and communications. She invited private sector companies in Qatar to visit Portugal and learn more about the opportunities available there.She added that the visit aims to enhance cooperation and coordination with the Qatar Chamber in organizing joint business events and meetings targeting Qatari and Portuguese companies, as well as hosting trade fairs to showcase the products and services of the private sectors in both countries, pointing out that AIP is the largest business association in Portugal, functioning also as a chamber of commerce and industry.

His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited Japan to explore advanced automation and the lights-out manufacturing model. The visit is in line with the Third National Development Strategy’s objectives to enhance Qatar's industrial process efficiency, build high-tech domestic productive capacities, and reduce reliance on traditional labour in priority industrial sectors.The accompanying delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). During the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal held technical meetings with SoftBank Company where he was briefed on the company’s operations in robotics system integration, digital control systems, and factory management solutions within the semiconductor sector.Discussions also addressed Japan’s high-quality standards, advanced operational models, and the potential to leverage the South Asian country's industrial expertise to support the development of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.The programme also included field visits across Tokyo and several industrial zones, where the minister toured advanced production facilities and reviewed cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including lights-out manufacturing systems.This visit reflects the ministry’s efforts to foster industrial innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of Qatar’s manufacturing sector by adopting the latest global technologies and practices across the production ecosystem.These efforts align with the ministry’s strategic objectives and Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy, contributing to the establishment of a sustainable, high-tech industrial base and advancing the nation’s transition towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.

Qatar and the United States of America have sent an open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member States expressing deep concern at the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.The letter signed by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, stressed that the CSDDD, as it is worded today, “poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy.”Secretary Wright and Minister al-Kaabi noted that CSDDD provisions “pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU.”“It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade,” the letter added.Minister al-Kaabi and Secretary Wright called on the EU and its Member States to act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions.Following is the full text of the letter signed and issued by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris WrightAn open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member StatesDear Leaders of European Union Member States,We write to you today at a pivotal moment for the EU’s energy security and economic competitiveness. As two of its most trusted partners and the world’s leading LNG producers, we reaffirm our deep commitment to supporting the EU’s prosperity and stability.We write in this spirit, united in our views, to express our deep concern over the continued lack of action to address the universally acknowledged, serious, and legitimate concerns raised by the global business community regarding the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Particularly its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.Over the past year, our two countries have engaged in constructive dialogue with representatives from numerous EU governments regarding the contents of the CSDDD, offering specific recommendations to avoid the unintended consequences we have previously raised. While we appreciate the efforts of those Member States that have welcomed dialogue, the broader lack of substantive engagement on these critical issues is deeply concerning, especially given the far-reaching implications of the legislation.We have consistently and transparently communicated how the CSDDD, as it is worded today, poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy. It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade.It is of great concern that none of these issues have been properly addressed in the alternative texts that have been formally adopted to date by the European Council and the European Parliament, in response to the Omnibus package proposed in February 2025 by the European Commission. The Omnibus, whose stated purpose was to simplify the requirements of the CSDDD to make it workable for both EU and non-EU companies wishing to invest and continue to conduct business in the EU, falls grossly short of its aspirations.The EU and its Member States must now act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions. In particular, we urge reconsideration of:Article 2, on the Directive’s extraterritorial application;Article 22, on transition plans for climate change mitigation;Article 27, on penalties;Article 29, on civil liability of companies.Together, these provisions pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU. This comes at a critical moment when our countries and companies are striving not only to sustain but to significantly increase the reliable supply of LNG to the EU in line with European Strategic aspirations. There is little debate that natural gas and LNG will remain a critical energy source and a key part of the EU’s energy mix for many decades to come.Beyond the direct energy security risks, the CSDDD also threatens to disrupt trade and investments across nearly all the EU’s partner economies. Its implementation could jeopardize existing and future investments, employment, and compliance with recent trade agreements.These concerns are widely shared among the global business community; they extend far beyond the energy sector and are not limited to the United States and Qatar. Prominent European companies and industry associations have likewise voiced serious reservations about the Directive’s implications for the EU’s economic resilience and energy security. Indeed, the CEOs of 46 major European companies recently called for the CSDDD’s repeal, emphasizing that such action would send a “clear and symbolic signal to European and international companies that governments and the Commission are truly committed to restoring competitiveness in Europe.”The EU now faces a defining choice to uphold its commitment to providing citizens, industries, and economies with affordable, reliable energy, preventing further de-industrialization and preserving the EU’s competitiveness and global relevance. As key allies and major suppliers of LNG and other energy products to the EU, both the United States and Qatar are deeply invested in the EU’s continued success and stability.We urge EU leaders to take immediate, decisive action by reopening substantive dialogue with your global partners, including the United States and Qatar, and the wider international business community, to address these critical provisions in the CSDDD. Such engagement is essential to ensuring a balanced, pragmatic, and workable approach that safeguards the EU’s energy security, long-term competitiveness, and the prosperity of its citizens.The United States and Qatar remain steadfast in our commitment to the EU’s continued success, and we stand together as willing and constructive partners in this endeavor. As we have consistently conveyed, we are ready to assist you in ensuring that regulations such as the CSDDD do not inadvertently hinder the ambitions of the EU’s people and industries.The citizens of your Member States rightly expect their leaders to confront these challenges with seriousness, responsibility, and resolve. We remain ready to engage in constructive dialogue on these and other matters at your convenience.

China's value-added industrial output expanded 6.5% year-on-year in September, official data showed on Monday. The growth accelerated from a 5.2% rise in August, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. In the first nine months of this year, China's industrial output increased by 6.2% compared to the same period last year. The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about USD 2.82 million). A breakdown of the data showed that the manufacturing sector's value-added output increased by 7.3% year-on-year last month, while that of mining grew by 6.4%. The value-added output of the electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply sector rose by 0.6%.

Jordan's industrial production rose by 1.76% during the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to new figures released by the Department of Statistics. The report showed that the general index of industrial production recorded an annual increase of 2.07% in August 2025, compared to August 2024. The index is now based on a new reference year, with 2018 set as the base (2018=100), replacing the previous 2010 baseline. Growth was driven primarily by a 1.81% rise in the manufacturing sector, which constitutes 88.7% of overall industrial output. Electricity production also saw a notable increase of 3.22%, accounting for 5.9% of the total index. However, output in the mining and quarrying sector fell by 1.39%, representing 5.4% of the industrial index. The report reflects ongoing efforts to modernize statistical measures and monitor sectoral performance in Jordan's evolving industrial landscape.

The major indices on Wall Street closed higher Friday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 38.82 points, or 0.59 percent, to close at 6,643.68.The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 97.74 points, or 0.44 percent, to reach 22,482.44, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 303.56 points, or 0.66 percent, to close at 46,250.88.

Qatar is drafting new legislations, including an updated public–private partnership law, a foreign investment law and a bankruptcy law, to strengthen the legal framework and also help the private sector, which otherwise has been saving QR100mn annually through various industrial incentives.This was disclosed by Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the first Public–Private Sector Dialogue Forum, which sought to tackle key challenges, develop practical solutions and initiatives, and strengthen cooperation between both sectors in support of Qatar’s economic development.Highlighting that business procedures have also been streamlined; he said investors now automatically receive a tax number upon issuance of a commercial registration, alongside approvals for labour recruitment.As much as 95% of services are available online via the single-window platform, and a new multilingual portal has been launched to serve both local and international investors, he said, adding foreign investors can now participate in more than 1,400 business activities.Further reforms include the removal of requirements to match commercial activities for imports and the adoption of a unified Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC customs tariff, reducing costs, broadening sourcing options, and eliminating shipment rejections due to licensing."Industrial incentives — such as reduced leasing rates for industrial, logistics, and commercial land —are saving the private sector more than QR100mn annually," according to him.In addition, environmental permit processes have been simplified for 90% of industrial activities, lowering costs, enhancing project feasibility, and supporting entrepreneurship in value-added sectors, he said, emphasising that the private sector is a key partner in Qatar’s development journey.The forum featured a panel discussion with al-Malki; Saeed bin Abdullah al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice; and Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour.Stressing the ministry’s commitment to implementing a series of initiatives aimed at simplifying business establishment and operations while creating a more attractive investment climate; al-Malki said these initiatives include comprehensive company incorporation upon issuance of the commercial registration, which now automatically generates the company card and tax number, provides approvals for labour recruitment, and offers a commercial name reservation service.These measures have helped reduce establishment times, minimise the number of government entities to be approached, ensure compliance with trade name requirements in advance, and allow companies to track their incorporation applications, he said.Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development, delivered a presentation outlining the ministry’s main initiatives to strengthen partnership with the private sector. These include the creation of sectoral committees covering industry, trade, logistics, health, and technology, tasked with monitoring sector-specific challenges and proposing practical solutions.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Monday designated Babil Province as the Industrial Capital of Iraq, citing its strategic location as a key factor behind the decision.In his speech, Al Sudani said that Babil, the city of civilization and history, has a new name added to it: the Industrial Capital of Iraq.He explained that the province enjoys advantages that support the integration of agriculture and industry, along with a bold and capable private sector able to establish factories producing goods for export to neighboring countries.The Prime Minister added that a range of projects are being planned and implemented as part of the new industrial hub, noting Iraq's qualitative and quantitative boom in the industrial sector, including the production of rebar, sugar, cooking oil, pharmaceuticals, and cement to meet local demand.Later, Al Sudani launched the implementation of a 960-ton-per-day plastic granules factory project in Babil Province, the first of its kind in Iraq and developed by the private sector.

China's value-added industrial output expanded 5.2% year-on-year in August and growth slowed from a 5.7% rise in July. In the first eight months of this year, China's industrial output increased by 6.2 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua News Agency reported.The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million US dollars). A breakdown of the data showed that the manufacturing sector's value-added output increased by 5.7% year-on-year last month, while that of mining grew by 5.1%.The value-added output of the electricity, heat, gas, water production and supply sector rose by 2.4%.China's retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country's consumption strength, expanded 3.4% year-on-year in August, following a 3.7% rise in July, official data showed.

Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index (IPI) for July 2025 recorded an increase of 6.5 percent compared to the same month of the previous year (July 2024).According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the sub-index for mining and quarrying, the largest component of the IPI, rose by 6.5 percent year-on-year, while the manufacturing sector index grew by 7 percent.The sub-index for electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply increased by 0.9 percent, while the sub-index for water supply, sewage, waste management, and remediation activities rose by 8.5 percent compared to July 2024.The data also showed that oil-related activities grew by 7.8 percent, while non-oil activities recorded a 3.5 percent increase during the same period.