FROM LEFT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari (left); Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani (centre); and President of the Public Works Authority, Dr. Engineer Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, at the ‘Suppor
Doha: In the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to support local industries and enhance the competitiveness of local products at local and global markets, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry attended the opening of the virtual ‘Supporting Local Manufacturers Forum’.
Supported by the proactive government policies to help local industrial sector, the number of factories that are operating in Qatar has reached 915 in 2020, an increase of 17 percent compared to 2017.
Talking about the event, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari said, “The forum represents a chance to highlight the great investment opportunities that the state offers to national companies and corporations in all sectors.”
H E the Minister praised the role of Qatar Chamber and the Public Works Authority “Ashghal” in organising the forum, pointing to its significant role in highlighting the promising investment opportunities that the state offers to local manufacturers in all sectors, especially in construction, which has witnessed a significant expansion in recent years.
The forum offered the opportunity for the private sector and local manufacturers to actively participate in government initiatives, especially Ashghal’s projects, which include the development of schools and health institutions, in addition to highways , infrastructure, sewerage and storm water drainage networks, treatment plants, and beautification projects.
The conference was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber; Dr, Engineer Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal); Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa; CEO of Qatar Development Bank (QDB); in addition to representatives of the government agencies and local manufacturers and investors.
In his speech, Mohamed Hassan Al Malki, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the Ministry has worked with Ashghal in the preparation of the forum to determine targeted sectors, which include construction, minerals, chemicals, rubber, electrical equipment, machines, and transportation equipment.
He added that more than 100 factories will benefit from the forum. He said that Qatar’s focus on encouraging the growth of local industries and SMEs and increasing its contribution to the implementation and development of several economic projects has reflected positively on the industrial sector. The number of factories that are operating in Qatar reached 915 in 2020, a 17 percent increase compared to 2017, he added.
He also pointed out that the Ministry is currently working on organising similar events with other government agencies, and has held workshops with Qatar Airways in cooperation with QDB in order to enhance the ability of local manufacturers to fulfil the needs of the national carrier.
Al Malki added that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is keen to support local products through the establishment of the National Products Competitiveness Support Department.
He explained that the National Products Competitiveness Support Department has organised a number of meetings with the different Ministries, as well as government and semi-government agencies, in order to enhance the competitiveness of national products. Abdulbasit Al Ajji, Director of the Supporting National Product Competitiveness Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, gave a presentation on its tasks and competencies.
