Doha: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which according to the World Bank constitute more than 90 percent of companies worldwide and contribute over 50 percent of the global GDP, are recognised as the drivers of economic growth, diversity, and equitable development.
In Qatar, MSMEs are also pivotal for facilitating innovation and driving employment and revenue generation. They are also more agile and responsive to change, which is essential – in a post COVID-19 period.
The logistics sector, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, also plays an important role in Qatar’s economic diversification. The country is already in the midst of a huge infrastructure boom, with Doha Metro now up and running, a network of new roads, expressways and free zones, in addition to the Hamad Port and the massive investment in Hamad International Airport and its expansion.
All of these capital projects are yielding positive results and drawing investors from all over the world. And developing industrial and logistics parks and operating a seamless business set-up process are the next logical steps in this strategy, GWC said in a statement.
It added that one of the key challenges for new businesses, apart from finding seed capital, is managing the supply chain and accompanying logistics. Without a fully-fledged logistics or industrial park, businesses are often faced with inefficient infrastructure to operate effectively and profitably. This inevitably raises the cost of running a business as the owner needs to pay numerous middlemen in order to get their product to market.
The Al Wukair Logistics Park has been set up as part of GWC’s efforts to support MSMEs and enable them to thrive. This strategically positioned 1.5km² facility caters for a whole range of industries that require light industrial workshops, storage units and open yards; offering ideal platform for established companies and new market entrants. Al Wukair is one of several facilities attracting businesses to the country, along with Qatar’s commitment to offering a simple company formation process – in which GWC is able to support.
Al Wukair Logistics Park offers a one-stop-shop for leasing a warehouse or workshop, company formation formalities, including applications for necessary permits, and logistics operations. Startups who work with GWC will benefit from years of local, regional and international experience, along with a global, integrated network.
“The Al Wukair Logistics Park will exhibit our expertise and capabilities to offer value solutions to our clients that will positively affect their bottom line while enabling them to focus on their core business,” stated GWC Group CEO Ranjeev Menon.
“The strategic location of the park between the airport and seaport, allows businesses of all sizes to operate as efficiently as possible. Al Wukair plays a critical role in supporting startups, helping to develop adjacent industries and in the process boosting entrepreneurship – all key, strategic goals of the State of Qatar,” he added.
The Qatari government has taken many steps to promote entrepreneurship. Just one example of its commitment is the establishment of incubation centres. The mandate for incubation centres remains narrow, while the role of light industrial parks is potentially much larger. Facilities such as Al Wukair provide a strong environment for entrepreneurs who can easily access necessary resources.
A well-formed infrastructure is characterised by accessibility, affordability and reliability. These powers businesses of all sizes, especially MSMEs, by enabling them to make sustainable profits, thus leading to economic development.
“Robust infrastructure makes market access easy and boosts manufacturing and trade, which subsequently leads to economic growth. With these goals in mind, GWC is proud to support the country as it gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and beyond. As the first regional supporter and official logistics provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, GWC will be there to help SMEs which are part of this milestone event to deliver their goods and services.” added Menon.
To this end, the Al Wukair Logistics Park will play a pivotal role, as the main distribution hub during the World Cup, in assisting MSMEs with their deliverables. The Logistics Park will be part of GWC’s mandate to offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from end-to-end logistics services, from point of entry to point of use and highly coordinated reverse logistics, thus giving MSMEs the chance to boost their bottom line and take advantage of new business opportunities arising due to the world’s largest event, which is as much an economic event as it is a sporting event.
GWC will be working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises launch their businesses in Qatar.
The World Cup will also provide astute entrepreneurs the opportunity to tap in new avenues in hospitality, tourism, transportation and construction, among other sectors and a platform to innovate, strategise and grow domestically as well as in global markets.
The event will play a critical role in reinforcing Qatar as a leading international logistics and transportation hub.
