Archives: News

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Civic model year 2016 over an electrical malfunction in the parking brake program.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them.
 
The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Hotline: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Toyota Prius model year 2016 ‘over a potential defect in the lock clip of the parking brake. The ministry called all customers to go to the Service Center for an immediate inspection.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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As part of its Community Engagement Program, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has organized on Tuesday, 16th November 2016 a workshop for its employees titled ” Educational Affairs” in collaboration with The Family Consulting Center.
The aim of this workshop is to strengthen the family culture of the employees and introduce them to educational patterns, and their role in supporting their children’s capabilities and how to deal with them.
The workshop addressed a number of key topics such as the definition of the educational process and its concepts as well as the practical applications. Additionally, the workshop shed the light on the educational patterns and the impact of each pattern on the personality of the children and their social interaction and different factors affecting the educational process.
The workshop also touched on the role of the parents in enabling their children capabilities with a focus on the dialogue principal, and the identification of the success scale of the educational process.
The workshop concluded with a series of inquiries and discussion sessions in order to achieve the desired objectives of the workshop.

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In collaboration with the Public Administration Institute within the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour & Social Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce organized a training program to prepare second-grade employees for leadership and supervisory jobs where more than 50 employees undertaking leadership and supervisory jobs have participated.
The training program comes in line with the keenness of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to rehabilitate and prepare second-grade employees undertaking leadership and supervisory jobs, and enhance their skills and knowledge for future leadership roles.
The training program addressed topics on the supervisory managerial skills,  how to prepare, organize and develop action plans, and the mechanism for evaluating the performance of staff as well as the communication skills to deal with subordinates and how to motivate them, time management skills and the mechanism for organizing meetings , and the provisions of the Human Resources Act.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with AlMana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford Ecosport model year 2015-2016 over a potential defect in the rear folding seat.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Accord, Civic, MRV and Odyssey model year 2002-2008 over a potential defect in the passenger airbag inflator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Qatar Automobiles Company, dealer of Mitsubishi vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mitsubishi Lancer model year 2004-2009 over a potential defect in the passenger airbag.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with AlMana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford Ranger model year 2012-2015 over a potential defect in the rear folding seatback latch spring since it may break causing the latch mechanism to malfunction
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Well Care Trading, dealer of UK detachable power plugs for Medela pumps in Qatar, has announced the recall of UK (Type G) detachable power plug for Medela breast pumps over a potential defect in the detachable power plug as it can break apart while removing it from UK socket by applying certain level of force, potentially exposing live parts.
                  
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on product defects and repairs.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to stop using the product and contact the company in order to take the necessary action or register on:www.medela.com/ukplug  for free-of-charge-replacement
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Well Care Trading, dealer of UK detachable power plugs for Medela pumps in Qatar, has announced the recall of UK (Type G) detachable power plug for Medela breast pumps over a potential defect in the detachable power plug as it can break apart while removing it from UK socket by applying certain level of force, potentially exposing live parts.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on product defects and repairs.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to stop using the product and contact the company in order to take the necessary action or register on:www.medela.com/ukplug  for free-of-charge-replacement
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with AlMana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford Fusion model year 2011-2012 over a potential defect in the canister purge valve.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out intensive inspection campaigns during the month of October 2016 to monitor the compliance of the suppliers with the obligations stipulated by law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which comes in the framework of the ministry’s keenness to monitor markets and commercial activities in a bid to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
The inspection campaigns, conducted by inspectors from the ministry in various regions of the state, resulted in 76 violations; varied between the failing to include clearly all the information related to the displayed product, failing to clearly identify service information, including its advantages, characteristics and prices, using false and deceptive information when describing, advertising or displaying the product, failing to announce product/service prices , selling and displaying expired products, failing to comply with the prices of fruits and vegetables stated in the daily bulletin, and reducing the weight of local and Arabic bread.
It should be noted that the fines issued by the ministry to the violated outlets included closures and financial penalties starting from 5000QR up to 30000QR, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Consumer Protection Anti-Commercial Fraud department.
The following table shows the type and number of violations issued during the month of October 2016:NumberType of Violation14Failing to clearly identify service information, including its advantages, characteristics and prices12Failing to include clearly all the information related to the displayed product5Failing to announce product/service prices4Failing to comply with regulations regarding the selling of vegetables and fruits produced locally or imported from wholesalers to retailers through the auction.3Failing to announce product/service prices in Arabic2Not complying with the service guarantee that was carried out over a period of time suitable for the service type and the repayment of the charged amount back to the customer1Failing to clearly announce product/service prices1Failing to place the reductions’ license in a visible place at the forefront of the shop1Failing to comply with the list of selling prices before and after promotions1Failing to use the Arabic language in declarations and advertisements related to the product1Not complying with the rules of exchange and refund of the product4Failing to comply with the prices of fruits and vegetables stated in the daily bulletin4Selling and displaying expired products2Raising the prices of Australian Meat1
Raising the prices without an approval from the competent authority.
 4Charging a price higher than the price that was declared1Issuing promotions without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority1Issuing reductions without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority11Using false and deceptive information when describing, advertising or displaying the product1Reducing the weight of local and Arabic bread.2Poor storage of goods76Total
                                                       
In turn, the ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
     – Twitter MEC_QATAR
     – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce announced the closure of a beauty center in Tanga Street, Al Hilal area for one week over using expired products.
The closure came as part of the intensive inspection campaigns carried out by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to monitor and control the local market and commercial activities in order to crack down on price manipulation and expose violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standards and specifications.
Inspectors fined the beauty center and ordered its closure for one week in accordance with Article No. (6) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and Combating Commercial Fraud, which states that ” It is prohibited for all suppliers to sell or display or provide or promote or advertise any counterfeit or corrupted good. A commodity is considered fake or corrupted, if it does not match the prescribed standards or unusable or expired”
The administrative closure Ad will be distributed at the expense of the violating company or shop in accordance with Article No. (18) (bis) of Law No. (8) On Consumer Protection, which stipulates that (The Ad is published on the website of the Ministry and in two daily newspapers on the violating company’s expense)
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa                                                                    
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out intensive inspection campaigns at retailers in various regions of the state to monitor the compliance of the suppliers with the obligations and regulations regarding the practice of commercial activities.
The inspection campaigns, conducted by inspectors from the ministry, resulted in 81 violations; varied between the expiry of commercial licenses, the practice of non-listed activities in the license, activities that do not meet the mentioned conditions in the license, and activities that are not listed in the license, and utilizing part of the shop as housing, as well as violations related to the brand name on the billboard which does not meet the commercial name in the record. It is worth mentioning that violations were issued from such shops where they have been notified to amend their status in commercial licenses and records.
In turn, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce urged all traders and shop owners to abide by the applicable regulations and laws regarding the practice of commercial activities. Additionally, the ministry calls on all traders and shop owners to access the systems and regulations regarding the practice of commercial activities, by visiting the website of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, www.mec.gov, qa in order not to be held accountable for any legal questioning or violations.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
 
 
 – Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
     – Twitter MEC_QATAR
     – Instagram MEC_QATAR
 
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration Protech Powered Sports, dealer of Polaris vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Polaris RZR 900, RZR XP 900, RZR XP 1000, RZR S 900 and RZR S 1000, model year 2013-2016  over a potential defect in the exhaust that causes overheating.
 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Company, dealer of Subaru vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Subaru Legacy, model year 2015 over a potential defect in the internal parts of the electronic parking brake motor as they might get overheated.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (Domasco), dealer of Volvo vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of VOLVO XC90, model year 2016-2017 over a flaw in the A/C drain hose fitment.
 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out sudden intensive inspection campaigns on number of retailer complexes that included shops who were guaranteed a reductions’ license to monitor the compliance of suppliers (the retailer complexes) with obligations stipulated by Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and their commitment to the application of the laws and regulations of reductions’ licenses.
The inspection campaigns comes as part of the keenness of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to monitor and control the local market and commercial activities in order to crack down on price manipulation and expose violations to protect all consumers.
The inspection campaign resulted in fining 18 jewelry shop, withdrawing their issued reductions’ license and depriving them from the remaining license time period and a fine of 5000 QR due to their non-compliance with the payroll selling prices before and during reductions  which  comes in violation of the provisions of Article 3 of the Ministerial Decree No. (5) for the year 1984 on selling via cutting down prices (reductions).
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce calls all consumers to urgently check the price of the good before and after reductions. In addition, consumers have the right to access the statement of all the existing goods in the shop which shows the price before and after reductions and the approved discount rate. Consumers shall never forget to take a detailed invoice that shows the price before and after reductions.
The Ministry called all shops who were guaranteed a reductions’ license to urgently comply with laws and regulations when issuing real reductions and avoid any false reductions or any similar practices that can harm the consumer.
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
     – Twitter MEC_QATAR
     – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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• The initiative will contribute to creating a continuous balance throughout the year between supply and demand and reduce the high local price of fish during the inappropriate climatic conditions .
• The implementation of three projects for fish farming in floating cages along three northern marine sites where each project covers an area of 90 hectares, with a production capacity of not less than two thousand tons per year for each project.
•The implementation of a project for fish farming and aquaculture along the  coastal site of El Arish area which covers an area of 111 hectares, with production capacity of not less than one thousand tons per year.
The Technical Committee for the Promotion of Private Sector Engagement within the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment announced its attention to launch an initiative that involves establishing four fish farming and aquaculture projects which comes as part of the special initiatives of the Committee to increase self-sufficiency ratio in certain sectors related to food security.
The initiative comes as part of the efforts of the state competent authorities, according to the joint coordination mechanisms that allows the Committee to work on the development of initiatives that support the diversification of the national economy and consolidate the leadership of the private sector for national projects in sectors related to food security to be able then to strengthen national capacities in the field of agricultural, animal and fish production, in the framework of sustainable environmental system that ensures the transition to high efficient production while maintaining the national capabilities of the soil, water and energy consumption and protection of irrational consumption.
The Committee aimed to launch the initiative regarding the implementation of four projects for fish farming and aquaculture by the private sector, so that the total production capacity of these projects will not be less than 7 thousand tons per year of fish and aquatic organisms, distributed as follows:The implementation of a project for aquaculture along the  coastal site of El Arish area which covers an area of 111 hectares, with production capacity of not less than one thousand tons per year so that the project reaches its maximum production capacity within 42 months.The implementation of three projects for fish farming and aquaculture through floating cage system within the deep water in the northern part of the state with a total area of 270 hectares where each project covers an area of 90 hectares,  and with a production capacity of not less than two thousand tons per year for each project so that the three projects reach their maximum production capacity within 36 months
 
The Technical Committee is seeking to stimulate private sector participation in economic development projects through these projects to increase domestic fish production to meet the continuing increase in the demand, and work to provide high quality and competitive products.
It should be noted that both fish farming and aquaculture are one of the most active production systems that contribute to the increase in domestic production and is characterized by the ability to control the climatic factors to provide optimal conditions for farming in order to achieve mass production of the desired products in the state with a high quality throughout the year, along with improving the quality of production and reducing the waste.
The project aims to reduce the gap between the supply and demand of the domestic market of high quality products of both fish and shrimp  and develop a strategic stock of them with competitive prices  by the private sector, through achieving the highest production rates in accordance with the best practices and global available technology to guarantee the achievement of economic feasibility which encourages continuous  production and development, which will positively impact the state economic growth rates in the field of fisheries.
The Committee will work to provide   a competitive business environment with fair policies for all investors and private sector companies, in the framework of a strong partnership between government and private sector, which will contribute to supporting food security projects through the advancement of its different sectors.
According to the project’s launching policies, the Committee, in coordination with the competent authorities-will be responsible for delivering all the necessary facilities for the implementation of the four projects, and facilitating the procurement of the necessary and required approvals, permits and licenses from the concerned authorities in accordance with the state law.
Such projects  also come in the framework of a series of initiatives launched by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, through the Committee, and in coordination with the competent authorities, to encourage national investment in all economic development sectors, particularly in the area of food security, and work to increase self-sufficiency ratio for a number of targeted sectors, where the Committee is currently working on, and reduce the gap between the supply and demand in the domestic market, and secure strategic stocks for a  number of products.
The projects  upon implementation represent an added value to the local production of fish products, and an important step in the path of achieving the objectives of the Committee and its competencies, through the formulation of integrated initiatives both technically and economically that are able to lead the participation of the private sector in the development of targeted sectors, and develop practical and scientific solutions to face the challenges of national food security in all dimensions and sectors, through a  full transparent framework, according to the directives of the comprehensive  development vision; “Qatar National Vision 2030”  and national development strategy.
This initiative comes as part of the keenness of the Committee to confront the national food security challenges through developing economic policies that are capable of dealing with the requirements of international and regional trade, and creating a state of stability in the food chain supply, regardless of the continuous fluctuations that impact food trading.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce tends to coordinate with the competent authorities to build a system capable of achieving all the needs and requirements in order to achieve national food security. In addition, the ministry tends to visualize perceptions regarding rational exploitation of natural limited resources and good management skills for the infrastructure and the operation of the projects, through working according to specific programs to raise the added- value sectors of food security in the gross domestic product, diversify sources of income and increase its contribution to the internal and external trade.
The ministry also seeks from launching such  initiatives to contribute to the introduction and localization of modern, integrated technologies in various production, manufacturing and marketing stages, which will stimulate the investment climate for food security in the country, and create promising investment opportunities to the private sector of Qatar, and result in an economic, social and logistical development in the field of food security, which will then increase the GDP of the various sectors of food security.
In the context of building an integrated system along the supply chain of food products, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is working in coordination with the competent authorities to provide integrated logistical services for all parties concerned with food security, as it works on establishing a number of supermarkets,  providing adequate storage space and facilitating business establishment procedures .
In the framework of the keenness of the Technical Committee to stimulate private sector participation in economic development projects, the Committee launched an opinion poll for all entrepreneurs who are interested to invest in the sector and all stakeholders, in order to stand on the visuals of the private sector regarding the types and varieties of aquatic organisms that can be farmed in these projects, and how to achieve good production rates , and the cost of the capital needed for the establishment of these farms for aquaculture and fish farming in accordance with proposed areas of modern technologies that were previously mentioned.
The introduction of the opinion poll for the proposed projects comes as part of the keenness of the Technical Committee to broaden the participation in the preparation of implementation mechanisms for such projects  through  conducting an opinion poll on the views of entrepreneurs who are interested to invest in the private sector, and all stakeholders, regarding  the appropriateness of  establishing  such projects within their allocated space and the proposed technologies that suit the climatic conditions of the country, which are crucial for food security. It is worth mentioning that their participation is of a great interest to the Committee especially when developing the final perceptions of presenting the project to the private sector.
In addition, the poll will reflect the opinion of the interested entrepreneurs regarding the ability to reach full production capacity specified for each project based on the proposed schedule for these projects, and their vision about the degree of competitiveness for such products, in terms of quality and price, for both domestic and imported products. The poll will also contain other questions that tend to view the opinion of the participants which are considered a place of great interest by the Committee especially when developing the final perceptions of presenting the project to the private sector.
It is worth noting that the Technical Committee for the Promotion of Private Sector Engagement in Economic Development Projects, is a sub-committee of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce where several representatives from different government agencies participate through its membership including: the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Municipal and Environment, Ministry of Energy and Industry, Ministry of Transport and Communications, the State Audit Bureau (as an observer), Public Works Authority, Economic Zones Company “MANATEQ”, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation “KAHRAMAA”, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Chamber. The Committee focuses on stimulating the participation of the private sector in economic development projects, through proposing projects that engage both government and private sectors, and suggesting ways to support and stimulate the private sector through necessary standards and regulations, necessary land allocation policies and policies for tenders and auctions for such projects and supervising their implementation

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with AlMana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford Mustang, model year 2005-2014 over a potential defect in the replacement of the driver air bag inflator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedees vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, model year 2015 over a potential defect in the steering column tube switch module wiring harness due to incorrect branching off on the part of the supplier.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (Domasco), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Accord, Crosstour and Pilot, model year 2008-2011 over a potential defect in the passenger airbag inflator.
 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Company, dealer of GMC vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of GMC Sierra and Yukon, model year 2014-2016 over a potential defect in the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) which controls the airbag and pretension.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one-month closure of a beauty salon located in Al Hilal area for displaying and using expired products. 
 
The closure comes within the framework of inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry in an effort to monitor the market and commercial activity in the State of Qatar, in a bid to offset price manipulation and expose violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standard specifications.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the beauty salon and compelled its closure for a one-month period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. The law compels suppliers to clearly display the nature of the item and other relevant data on the product’s package, while prohibiting the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website, as well as in two daily newspapers at the offending store’s expense, in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The Ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The Ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call Center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration Protech Powered Sports, dealer of Polaris vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Polaris UTV, RZR XP Turbo and RZR Xp4 Turbo, model year 2011-2013 over a potential defect in the exhaust that causes overheating.
 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with AlMana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall Ford Expedition, F150 & Mustang, model year 2011-2012 over a potential defect in the reprogramming of the powertrain control module.
               
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdulla Abdulghani & Bros Company, dealer of Lexus vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Lexus RX350, model year 2016 over a potential defect in the airbag inflator of the front passenger.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Company, dealer of GMC vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of GMC Envoy, model year 2006-2007 over a potential defect in the Head Lamps Driver Module (HDM) as it may not operate properly in the thermal environment.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Pilot model year 2016 over a potential defect in the function of the combination meter warning lights.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Pilot model year 2016 over a potential defect in the function of the combination meter warning lights.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out intensive inspection campaigns during the month of September 2016 to monitor the compliance of the suppliers with the obligations stipulated by law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection, which comes in the framework of the ministry’s keenness to monitor markets and commercial activities to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
The inspection campaigns, which targeted different areas of the state, resulted in 137 violations; most of them included failing to include clearly all the information related to the displayed product, failing to issue Arabic bills, failing to use the Arabic language in declarations and statements related to the product, using false and deceptive information when describing, advertising or displaying the product, failing to announce the price of the service/product, charging a price higher than the price that was declared, selling and displaying expired products, failing to announce product/service prices, etc.
Fines issued by the ministry to the violated outlets included closures and financial penalties starting from 5,000QR up to 30,000QR, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Consumer Protection Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
The following table shows the type and number of violations issued during the month of September 2016:
 NumberType of Violation31Failing to include clearly all the information related to the displayed product17Failing to issue Arabic bills17Failing to use the Arabic language in declarations and statements related to the product16Using false and deceptive information when describing, advertising or displaying the product14Charging a price higher than the price that was declared13Selling and displaying expired products7Failing to announce product/service prices1Failing to announce product/service prices in Arabic2Failing to clearly announce product/service prices4Failing to clearly identify service information, including its advantages, characteristics and prices2
Raising the prices without an approval from the competent authority.
 2Failing to issue bills1The unavailability of automobile spare parts/the delay in after-sales services/ failing to provide an alternative car1Issuing promotions without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority2Issuing reductions without obtaining the necessary approval from the competent authority1Not complying with the service guarantee that was carried out over a period of time suitable for the service type and the repayment of the charged amount back to the customer1The imposition to buy a certain amount of a commodity or buy another commodity with it1Not complying with the rules of exchange and refund of the product1Raising the prices of fruits and vegetables during the auction time without obtaining an approval from the competent authority1Not complying with the charge of car parking service2
Reducing the weight of local and Arabic bread
 137Total
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
     – Twitter MEC_QATAR
     – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with New Trade Engineering, dealer of Fiat vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Fiat Abarth 500 models of 2015 over a non-compliant seat belt.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al-Attiya Motors and Trading Co., dealer of Kia vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Kia QUORIS models of 2012-2016 over the possible intermittent flickering of headlamps.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Alfardan Sports Motors, dealer of Ferrari vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider and FF models of 2011 over a faulty passenger side airbag.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the administrative closure of 6 beauty salons, located in Al Waab, Duhail, Salwa Road, Al Kheesa and Al Mirqab Al Jadeed, from a one to a two week period for using expired hair products. 
 
The inspection campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.” The ministry has intensified its campaigns ahead and throughout the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the beauty salons and compelled their closure from one to two weeks in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. The law compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package the nature of the item and other relevant data while prohibiting the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending salons’ own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the two-week administrative closure of a furniture store, located on Salwa Road for charging consumers prices contrary to advertised.
 
The shop had been advertising through local newspapers the sale of furniture at wholesale prices whereas, in reality, it was misleading consumers through a fraudulent announcement as the advertised prices were higher than true prices registered on the store’s computer.
 
The inspection campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.” The ministry has intensified its campaigns ahead and throughout the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the store and compelled its closure for a two-week period in line with article (6) of law number (8) of 2008. The law prohibits the sale, display and promotion of counterfeit and fraudulent products. A product is considered fraudulent if it fails to meet standards or has expired.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending store’s own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and to send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes-Benz E-Class, GLK-Class and C-Class models of 2012-2013 to check the coolant pump.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has intensified its inspection campaigns during the third week of the holy month of Ramadan, targeting retail outlets and service providers across Qatar in a bid to ensure the compliance of suppliers (commercial shops) with law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection and law number (12) of 1972 on mandatory pricing and profit margins.
 
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.” The ministry has intensified its campaigns ahead and throughout the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
 
The inspection campaign, which targeted over 1400 outlets including men’s and women’s clothing and accessories stores, grocery stores, women’s and men’s salons, the inspection of promotions, and subsidized consumer goods throughout Ramadan, which resulted in 19 fines.
 
Violations included price hikes without obtaining approval, charging consumers higher than the advertised price, missing price tags and failing to abide by the price list of fruits and vegetables.
 
Violations of law number (8) of 2008 result in penalties ranging between administrative closures and fines between QR 3,000 and QR 1,000,000.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Co. W.L.L, dealer of Subaru vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Subaru Legacy models of 2015 over the possible overheating of the internal parts of the electronic parking brake motor.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
    

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al-Attiya Motors and Trading Co., dealer of KIA vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Kia Cerato models of 2010 due to a defective automatic transaxle oil cooler hose.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with the National Car Company, dealer of Hyundai vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Hyundai Tucson models of 2010 over a leak in the automatic transaxle oil cooler hose.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched an inspection campaign targeting food warehouses located in the Industrial Area in a bid to ensure the compliance of suppliers (warehouses) with law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
 
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.” The ministry has intensified inspection campaigns ahead of and during Ramadan in a bid to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect the rights of consumers.
 
The inspection campaign, which targeted over 27 warehouses, resulted in 5 fines.
Violations included the sale of expired products and missing descriptive labels on products in violation of article (6) of law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
 
The law prohibits the sale, display or promotion of fraudulent or corrupt products. A product is considered fraudulent if it is expired or fails to meet standards.
 
Violations of law number 8 of 2008 result in penalties ranging between administrative closures and fines between QR 3,000 and QR 1,000,000.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

​Initiative aims to strengthen the partnership with the private sector and improve consumers’ shopping experience  The card caters to consumers’ spending habits and preferred shopping options in accordance with Islamic Sharia law without interest or feesCardholders can benefit from promotions and discounts at major shopping malls.Iktisadi card points contribute to lower spending and grant consumers several privileges around the worldAl Rayan Bank invites all shops and businesses to join its loyalty point program to offer different benefits to consumers
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with Al Rayan bank, has launched the Iktisadi card in a bid to encourage the use of loyalty cards, which benefit consumers and society at large by increasing savings on purchases.
 
This initiative is the latest out of a series of campaigns launched by the ministry on the occasion of the holy month under the theme “#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” Arabic for “#the_least_we_can _do” in a bid to strengthen its partnership with the private sector. The initiative will encourage the use of loyalty cards to the benefit of consumers and society at large.
 
The card caters to consumer spending habits and preferred shopping options and grants its holders access to discounts and promotions at major shopping malls and retail outlets.
 
The Iktisadi card, which is in accordance with Sharia law, allows consumers to accumulate loyalty points that can be collected following consumer purchases, which can then be then used for shopping, and can be exchanged for up to 1,000 Qatari riyals worth of cash per month or used to redeem Ooredoo Nojoom points and airline tickets to over 300 destinations around the world as well as miles from Qatar Airways.
 
Cardholders have access to more than 850 lounges at various airports around the world and benefit from a variety of offers by Al Rayan Bank in order to reduce expenses and enjoy exclusive benefits.
 
The Iktisadi bank card also offers a maximum degree of safety in terms of anti-fraud protection through the use of a PIN and the delivery of SMS messages to consumers to prevent fraud operations in online transactions.
 
The card also allows consumers to deposit funds easily at all bank branches and ATMs in addition to being accepted universally at more than 24 million outlets and one million ATMs.
 
Consumers can take advantage of the rewards associated with Iktisadi bank following three months of use. The card is available to all consumers whether citizens or residents and whether they are clients of Al Rayan Bank or any other bank. Al Rayan Bank invites all shops and businesses to join its loyalty points program to provide various benefits to consumers.
 
Commenting on the initiative, Tariq Abdulaziz Al Sada, Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, said: “The initiative falls within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to contribute to community development.”
 
 “The Iktisadi card aims to bolster Qatar’s business environment and improve the purchasing power of consumers – which form part of the ministry’s overall development plans, in accordance with the goals set by Qatar National Vision 2030.”
 
Tariq Abdul Aziz Al Sada noted that, “The card is part of a number of initiatives launched by the ministry to build trust and partnerships between merchants and consumers as well as to support families during the holy month by giving them access to promotional discounts across outlets in Qatar.”
 
Mr. Hamad Al Jamali, Assistant General Manager of retail services and private banking services at Al Rayan Bank, said the initiative paves the way for a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
 
“The card offers special discounts on well-known brands in Qatar, as well as access to special promotions by Al Rayan Bank such as free holidays and rewards points from Ooredoo’s Nojoom Points. It also provides access to a diverse banking support network and electronic services provided by Al Rayan,” Mr Jamali said.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has unveiled a number of initiatives to mark the holy month of Ramadan 2016, which provide community-oriented services, covering all aspects of the ministry’s activities in terms of organisation, partnership and support.
 
These initiatives include sheep subsidies and price caps on consumer products in addition to organizing a number of informative programs and forums such as the 3rd edition of the “Trade in Islam” forum as well as the “Halal Livelihood” program on the ministry’s YouTube channel, in addition to the Al Baraka corporate social responsibility program which aims to boost the productivity of bakeries.
 
Moreover, the ministry will intensify its inspection campaigns to monitor markets and business activities, and will launch a campaign to regulate gold and jewelry businesses.
 
The ministry invites the public to follow its social media accounts including Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube under the name MEC_QATAR and to subscribe to its Watsapp account on the number: 66111400.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company W.L.L. (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda Motorcycle VT750CSFGS models of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 due to a flaw in the angle sensor wiring harness.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
 Call Center: 16001Email:info@mec.gov.qaSocial media accounts:Twitter: @MEC_QatarInstagram: MEC_QatarMinistry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched unannounced inspection campaigns targeting retail outlets across the country to ensure the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
 
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the ministry’s Ramadan initiatives under the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.” The ministry has intensified its campaigns ahead of and during the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
 
The inspection campaign, which targeted 149 retail outlets, resulted in 11 fines. Violations included fraud in terms of product weight and missing descriptive labels in accordance with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
 
The law stipulates that suppliers of goods shall clearly display on product labels a clear description of goods and their ingredients as well as any warnings pertaining to product use and shall refrain from posting any misleading or false statements.
 
Violations of law number 8 of 2008 result in penalties ranging between administrative closures and fines between QR 3,000 and up to QR 1,000,000.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the launch of the “Halal Livelihood” program that will be broadcast on its YouTube channel throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The program is the latest out of a series of initiatives launched by the ministry to mark the holy month under “the theme #Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can_do.”
 
The program aims to raise awareness about halal living under the Islamic faith and to highlight the value and importance of professional and vocational work in elevating states and societies.
 
The program sheds light on the importance of seeking halal earnings as defined by Islamic law and tackles the importance of work for people. The program also gives answers on the reasons behind the existence of humans and their mission on this earth and explains the true meaning of trusting in Allah.
 
The Halal Livelihood program will be presented by Abdallah Al Bouainain on Monday and Thursday following noon prayers throughout the holy month on the ministry’s YouTube channel. The first episode will commence on Thursday the 9th of June, 2016. The ministry invites the public to follow the “Halal Livelihood” program on its YouTube channel under the name MEC_QATAR.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce had unveiled a variety of initiatives to mark the holy month of Ramadan 2016. These initiatives come within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to provide community-oriented services, designed to cover all aspects of the ministry’s activities in terms of organization, partnership and support. These initiatives include sheep subsidies and price reductions on consumer goods in addition to organizing a number of awareness forums and campaigns on trade in Islam.
 
The ministry has also launched the discounted consumer goods initiative, Al Baraka corporate social responsibility program and a campaign to bolster the productivity of bakeries as well as another campaign to regulate gold and jewelry businesses in addition to monitoring commercial activities and markets.

​Qatar’s household spending on consumer goods and food traditionally peaks during the holy month of Ramadan by 30%, compared to regular days where average household spending does not exceed 15%.  In this context, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is offering tips to citizens and residents to shop smarter and plan better for the holy month.
 
The awareness campaign is the latest out of a series of initiatives launched by the ministry during Ramadan under the theme “#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can _do.”
 
The ministry offered tips, highlighting the importance of saving money and planning purchases in advance, allocating a monthly budget for food commodities, setting a list of necessary family purchases and complying with it as well as avoiding shopping prior to iftars since hunger is shown to motivate consumers to buy unnecessary products.
 
By offering these tips, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has sought to equip families with the necessary tools to better plan their finances. The ministry encouraged families to prepare a detailed list of meals to be consumed during Ramadan and to set money aside to shop for basic commodities such as rice, oil, sugar and other products before Ramadan kicks off and markets become crowded.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce also presented several tips on how to manage the household budget, using credit cards and making the most out of shopping in small malls. The ministry has also urged citizens and residents to check newspapers and advertisements for the latest promotions and subsidized goods.
 
The ministry invites the public to follow its various accounts on social media networks including Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube under the name MEC_QATAR and to subscribe to its Watsapp account on the number: 66111400

​The Ministry of Economy and Commerce launched an unannounced inspection campaign targeting butcher shops across the country to ensure the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
 
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the ministry’s latest initiatives ahead of the holy month of Ramadan under the theme “#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can _do.”
 
The ministry traditionally intensifies its inspection campaigns ahead and throughout the holy month to monitor markets and commercial activity in a bid to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
 
The inspection campaign, which targeted 134 butcher shops, resulted in 14 fines. Violations included selling expired meat, failing to announce product prices and using inaccurate product labels in violation of article (8) of law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection. Article (8) of the law stipulates that “suppliers shall display the price of any product on sale either on the product itself or in a prominent place” while article (6) of the same law prohibits the sale, display or promotion of fraudulent or corrupt products. A product is considered fraudulent if it is expired or fails to meet standards.
 
Violations of the consumer protection law number (8) of 2008 result in penalties that range from administrative closures and fines from 3,000 riyals and up to 1 million riyals.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has unveiled the second initiative as part of a series of initiatives to mark the holy month of Ramadan 2016 under the theme “#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb,” the Arabic for “#the_least_we_can _do.”
 
The ministry issued decision number (2) of 2016, which caps the prices of over 400 consumer products starting May 29 until the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
 
The initiative comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts over the past few years to ease the burden on consumers shopping for goods during the holy month. A list of more than 400 subsidized goods was attached to the decision, which is effective until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 
 
The list includes basic commodities frequently consumed during the holy month of Ramadan such as flour, sugar, rice, pasta, oil, milk and other food and non-food items.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce had unveiled a variety of initiatives to mark the holy month of Ramadan 2016.
 
These initiatives come within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to provide community-oriented services, designed to cover all aspects of the ministry’s activities in terms of organization, partnership and support. These initiatives include sheep subsidies and price reductions on consumer goods in addition to the organization of a number of awareness forums and campaigns on trade in Islam and “Halal livelihood” program on the ministry’s YouTube channel.
 
The ministry will also launch the discounted consumer goods initiative, Al Baraka corporate social responsibility program, the “Iktisadi” bank card campaign as well as several other campaigns to boost the productivity of bakeries and regulate the sale of gold and jewelry.

​
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) is hosting the Sport Business Opportunities Forum today, Sunday the 22nd of May, 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCS), the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF).
 
In an effort to promote transparency, the forum will feature the launch of a Registration and Pre-qualification Window (R&P Window), a program that is set to be launched in October to bring suppliers and government entities closer by providing companies with a single point of contact, thereby offering users a clear understanding of the supply chain in the sports sector while identifying investment opportunities for local and international companies.
 
The window has been designed to better match supply and demand and will transform spending into real investment opportunities for the local private sector, which will reflect positively on the growth of the non-oil sector in Qatar.
 
The user interface is characterised by simplicity and ease of use for both the private sector and requesting authorities from the sports, enabling companies to register, qualify and access sports sector committee tenders easily. It will also provide a clear understanding of available investment opportunities offered by major companies in Qatar’s sports sector.
 
The program offers users a variety of important and useful tools, for instance it can classify available investment opportunities, as well as specify the risks involved pertaining to the registered company according to its activity, through e-mail and text message, and send company offers and proposals directly to the requesting party, for tender considerations.
 
 
The system also provides management reports on spending, supplier performance as well as other types of analysis.
 
It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with its strategic partners, will prepare an annual report on investment opportunities in the sports sector in order to ensure transparency on available opportunities in addition to providing detailed information on future plans in the sports sector.
 
The report will also clarify registration and pre-qualification procedures to promote local private sector investments and provide a list of the companies that are registered in the system.

​
 A consumer may request to return or exchange an item regardless of his motives, such as: regretting spending the amount paid to the shop, dissatisfaction with the color or size of the item, finding the same item at a lower price at another shop, or purchasing the item as a gift to someone who is unsatisfied with the product.
 The amount paid by consumers is refunded according to the method of payment (Credit card – check – cash payment or ATM card)
 If a consumer finds that the product is being sold at another shop at a lower price, the owner of the first shop has to compensate the client for the price difference
 A supplier must exchange a defective item with a functional one or refund the consumer for expired food products or counterfeit car spare parts.
 Suppliers and merchants should clearly display a return and exchange policy in a prominent place at the front of the shop. The policy should be written in Arabic (as well as other languages chosen by the merchant).
 The ministry grants traders and suppliers a two-week deadline to comply with the circular upon being notified
 Traders shall refrain from posting any documents prohibiting the return or exchange of products
 
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued a circular to traders over regulations pertaining to the return and exchange policy of products.
 
The circular outlines in detail under which circumstances a consumer can exchange products or request a refund.
 
The move comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to control the market and ensure the compliance of traders with their obligations under Law No. (8) of 2008 on consumer protection and its regulations.
 
The circular defines under which circumstances the law explicitly compels shops to return or exchange products as follows:
 
First – If the consumer finds that the product is defective or fails to meet the value or purpose of its intended use.
For instance, the consumer might find that the product is nonfunctional or doesn’t serve the purpose that it was purchased for; or in case the consumer chooses a product, asks the dealer for a home delivery and later finds that the product is not in its original condition such as being broken or having scratches; or in case the dealer doesn’t grant the consumer the opportunity to try a product before purchasing it and the consumer later finds that the product is nonfunctional.
 
Second – the non-conformity of a product with standard specifications. For instance, a consumer buys an electrical device (iron, for example), that fails to conform to the standards issued by the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology.
 
Third – When the item fails to meet the purpose that it was purchased for. For instance, when a consumer purchases an electronic device on the basis that it has multiple functions (a TV, mobile phone …) and finds that some of these functions do not exist; or when the trader fails to secure a trial/ changing room although the nature of the product requires consumers to try it before purchasing it.
The circular also noted that consumers are entitled to return and exchange products without having to prove that the goods are defective or overvalued.
A consumer may request to return or exchange an item regardless of his motives such as: regretting spending the amount paid to the shop, dissatisfaction with the color of or size of the item, finding the same item at a lower price at another shop, or purchasing the item as a gift to someone who is unsatisfied with the product.
 
In all the above cases, the ministry stressed that shops need to comply with the obligation of the circular and are compelled to refund consumers according to the method of payment.
 
In case the product is purchased by credit card, the amount is refunded to the card used by the consumer to make the purchase. In case the purchase is made by check, the consumer should be refunded either in cash or by check. In case the purchase was made in cash or by ATM card, the refund should be made in cash.
 
Partial or full refunds
 
The ministry also outlined three other cases in which consumers are entitled to request a partial or full refund though these cases do not fall under the exchange and return policy as defined by the Consumer Protection law.
The first case: When the supplier advertises that it is selling a product at the lowest market price and the consumer finds that the same product is being sold at a lower price at another shop.
In this case, the shop should compensate the consumer for the price difference.
 
The second case: When the dealer commits a violation such as selling consumers expired food or counterfeit car spare parts. In this case, the consumer is entitled to exchange the defective product or request a full refund.
 
Third case: If the consumer buys a product that doesn’t comply with the terms of his agreement with the dealer. For instance, if the delivered product is not the same as the item requested or is of a different color than the color mentioned on the package. In this case, the consumer is entitled to exchange the product. If the product cannot be exchanged, the dealer has to refund the consumer.
 
 
Supplier and dealer obligations:
 
To ensure the compliance of suppliers and dealers with the circulars, the ministry has asked them to take the following measures:
 Suppliers and merchants should clearly display a return and exchange policy in a prominent place at the front of the shop. The policy should be written in Arabic (as well as other languages chosen by the merchant).
 Merchants should post the exchange and return policy on the back of the invoice handed to consumers.
 Merchants shall refrain from posting any documents prohibiting the return or exchange of products
 Merchants shall refrain from posting any banner indicating that products cannot be exchanged or returned.
 If the item is delivered to consumers through home delivery service, it should be free of charge
 Merchants shall provide a space for consumers to try products before making a purchase
 Merchants shall fully refund consumers for the price of products as well as shipping and delivery fees in case consumers are entitled to a refund while taking into account the nature of the product, the defect and the timeframe during which the consumer used the product before discovering the defect.
 
The ministry granted traders and suppliers a two-week deadline to amend their return and exchange policies and to comply with the circular. Ministry employees will then take action to ensure the compliance of shops with the circular.
 
Consumer role in protecting his right to return or exchange products
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce would like to bring to the attention of consumers their role in protecting their own rights concerning the return and exchange of products by:
 To verify the return and exchange policy when making a purchase at a shop or online dealer
 To ask for an invoice to protect their right to exchange or return the product
 To keep the product in its original condition to preserve their right to exchange or return the item
 To check the product is functional and that the size of the item is suitable before making a purchase
 To negotiate with shops any additional terms as part of the exchange and return policy and to document these terms on the invoice
 
In case the consumer finds difficulty convincing the shop to comply with the terms of the return and exchange policy, he/ she can contact competent authorities at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce through the following communication channels:
 
– Call Center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The social networking accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce:
             Twitter @MEC_QATAR
            Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones: iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

 May 21, 2016

​
• The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with its strategic partners, has identified 83 commercial and investment opportunities in the sports sector

• The market for sport venue construction exceeds 30 billion Qatari riyals over the next 5 years
 
• The construction sector, estimated at a market value of above 10 billion Qatari riyals, will offer various investment opportunities pertaining to mechanical, electrical and sanitary equipment

• The market for sports events management is estimated at nearly 14 billion Qatari riyals
 
 
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) will host the Sport Business Opportunities Forum on Sunday the 22nd of May, 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCS), the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF).
 
The forum, which showcases investment opportunities in the sports sector, brings together a number of investors, businessmen and entrepreneurs as well as representatives from local and international companies.
 
The forum aims to provide a networking platform for representatives from both the public and private sector, from various specializations to support Qatar’s efforts in promoting the development of the sports sector and enhance the contribution of local companies in major development projects in line with Qatar National Vision of 2030.
 
In this context, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with its strategic partners, has identified 83 commercial and investment opportunities in the sports sector, a market which will be worth 72 billion Qatari riyals by 2023.
 
Investment opportunities include the construction of sports venues, expected to account for the largest number of projects over the next five years with a market worth exceeding 30 billion riyals.
 
This will allow the same sector to provide numerous investment opportunities, with an estimated market value that exceeds 10 billion riyals pertaining to mechanical, electrical and sanitary equipment, pitch maintenance, services, benches, lighting, air conditioning and heating among other services.
 
In addition, the venue operations and maintenance sector offers investment opportunities that exceed 5 billion Qatari riyals.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, has highlighted that the sport development sector, a market worth 3 billion riyals, offers investment opportunities including activities such as training, education, sports medicine, the collection and analysis of sports data, and sport tourism.
 
The sports events management sector offers significant opportunities for the local private sector through the implementation of joint investment projects with international companies. The market is estimated at almost 14 billion riyals in addition to sport tourism and sport marketing projects, estimated at 2.5 billion riyals over the next seven years. The sporting goods and equipment sector is estimated to reach 14 billion riyals by 2023. The latter provides many investment opportunities to local companies.
 
 

​
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) is organizing the Sport Business Opportunities Forum on Sunday the 22nd of May, 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCS), the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF).
The organization of the forum comes in conjunction with recent developments witnessed by the sports sector in the State of Qatar. These developments include plans to host various international sporting events over the next 7 years, including the 2018 Gymnastics World Championships, the 2019 World Championships in Athletics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in addition to more than 30 local, regional and international sporting events, hosted in Qatar each year.
With the emergence of the role of the sports sector as a key driver of development in the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is keen to capture and make the best use of available investment opportunities in the sports sector.
Opportunities include the management and operation of current and future sports facilities in order to achieve economic diversification and position Qatar as a global sports hub, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has conducted an in-depth study in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar Olympic Committee and Aspire Zone Foundation on available investment opportunities in the sports sector. Accordingly, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has indicated that the expected market size of the sports sector could reach approximately 72 billion Riyals by 2023.
Furthermore, the ministry has identified 83 commercial, investment opportunities directly from the government sector to the private sector. The investment opportunities have been classified into seven sectors:
 Management and promotion of sporting eventsSport developmentEstablishment and construction of sports facilitiesMerchandise and sports equipmentSports marketingSport tourismOperation and maintenance of sports facilitates

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has also prepared action plans for 30 investment opportunities, with a market requirement worth 22 billion Riyals to 30 billion Riyals, and aims to presents these plans to participants at the Sport Business Opportunities Forum.

In this context, it is noteworthy to mention that a series of workshops will be held during the forum with the private sector to shed light on relevant and key investment opportunities that are available in Qatar’s sports sector.

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Almana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford f150 models of 2015 because the speedometer needle height is below specification in some vehicles.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one month administrative closure of a showroom, located in Salwa Street as well as a number of warehouses operated by a well-known commercial agent over the storage and sale of expired tires.
                
The closures comes within the framework of inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry in an effort to monitor markets and commercial activity in the State of Qatar; in a bid to offset price manipulation and crackdown on violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standard specifications.
 
Inspectors from the Ministry seized 4900 counterfeit tires, fined the agent and compelled the closure of the showroom and warehouses for a one month period in line with article (6) of law number (8) of 2008. The law prohibits the sale, display and promotion of counterfeit and fraudulent products. A product is considered fraudulent if it fails to meet the standards or has expired.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending store’s own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The Ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
 

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLK-Class models of 2008-2009 because a function impairment may occur in the SRS control module.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Fifty One East Service Center, has announced the recall of VGP-BPS26 battery packs for Sony Vaio laptops due to the overheating of battery packs.
Models that may have been sold together with an affected battery pack at the time of purchase are the SVE1413 and SVE1513 Series.
Models that may have been equipped with an affected battery pack during repair are:VPCCB14/3/2/ SeriesSVE14113/2/ SeriesSVE14A13/2/ SeriesSVE15123/ SeriesVPCEH12/ SeriesSVE17123/ seriesVPCEJ12/ Series 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on product defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the service center to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Almana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford Edge – Lincoln MKX 2007-2008 models to inspect the fuel tank for corrosion and conduct repairs.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is organizing the Sport Business Opportunities Forum on May 22, 2016, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar Olympic Committee and Aspire Zone Foundation.

The Forum is expected to attract a large number of participants including prominent businessmen, investors and entrepreneurs along with owners of major local and foreign companies.

The forum aims to explore investment opportunities in the sports sector and to highlight Qatar’s efforts toward strengthening public private sector partnerships and supporting the sports sector, which represents a key pillar of the state’s diversification policy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The forum also provides a platform for communication for partners from both the public and private sectors, to explore investment opportunities in various areas of the sports sector including: events management, sports development, the establishment of sports facilities and facilities management.

The Forum is consistent with Qatar’s growing role in hosting major international sporting events such as the 2019 World Championships in Athletics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Forum is open for public attendance and participation. To register for the event, visit the following website:www.sc.qa/sbof​

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one-month administrative closure of a beauty centre, located in Al Markhiya for displaying and selling expired hair products.
 
The closure comes within the framework of inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry in an effort to monitor the market and commercial activity in the State of Qatar; in a bid to offset price manipulation and expose violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standard specifications.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the beauty centre and compelled its closure for a two-week period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. The law prohibits suppliers of goods from selling, displaying, offering or advertising corrupt or fraudulent products. Products are considered corrupt if they do not conform with standards specifications, are unusable or have expired.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending centre’s own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who in turn will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call Center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one week administrative closure of a beauty centre, located in Al Mamoura for displaying and selling expired products.
 
The closure comes within the framework of inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry in an effort to monitor the market and commercial activity in the State of Qatar; in a bid to offset price manipulation and expose violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standard specifications.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the beauty centre and compelled its closure for a one-week period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. The law prohibits suppliers of goods from selling, displaying, offering or advertising corrupt or fraudulent products. Products are considered corrupt if they do not conform to standard specifications, are unusable or have expired.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending centre’s own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.

The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
– Call Center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Toyota Avalon 2016 models to check the occupant classification system sensors.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Alfardan Automobiles, dealer of BMW vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of BMW 7 Series, models of 2016 over a potential defect in the airbag warning light.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce intensified its inspection campaigns during the month of April, 2016 in order to ensure the compliance of suppliers (retail outlets) with law number (8) of 2008 on consumer protection.
The inspection campaigns come within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activity in order to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
The nation-wide campaign, led and conducted by inspectors from the ministry, resulted in 78 fines. Violations included missing price tags; raising prices without obtaining the ministry’s approval; issuing incomplete invoices; failing to implement the prices of vegetables and fruits bulletin; failing to comply with the declared price list before and during promotions; displaying and selling expired products; charging consumers higher than advertised; failing to provide spare parts; delays in after sale services; failing to provide replacement vehicles and failing to refund customers,  return or exchange products.
The penalties resulted in administrative closures as well as fines ranging between QR 5,000 and QR 30,000 in line with the applicable consumer protection laws.

The following is a breakdown of the type and number of violations registered in April 2016:
 ViolationsNumberMissing price tags of products and services17Raising prices without obtaining the approval of competent departments8False or misleading product description and advertising8Issuing incomplete bills6Missing or incomplete product description5Non-compliance with the price list of fruits and vegetables7Launching promotions without obtaining the approval of competent departments1Charging customers higher prices than advertised5Expired products1Substandard products1
Expired cream products
 1Expired Silicon products1Not clearly displaying the price of services or products offered3Failing to use Arabic in ads and description of goods and services1
 
Non-compliance with the declared price list before and during promotions2Refraining from selling all or some of the discounted products 1Launching promotions without obtaining the prior approval of competent authorities4Failing to display a clear description of the services offered and their prices1Non-cooperation with judicial officers1Failing to refund customers, return or exchange items1Failing to supply spare parts, delays in after sale services and failing to provide a replacement vehicle1Violating the terms of special promotions1Missing bills1Total78
The ministry also processed 769 complaints and has taken the necessary measures to resolve them.
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations, and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations to the Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department through the following channels:
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Co W.L.L, dealer of GMC vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of GMC Envoy models of 2006-2007 over a potential defect in the driver’s door module when subjected to fluids.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one month administrative closure of a garage, located in the Industrial Area for displaying and selling counterfeit spare parts.
 
The closure comes within the framework of inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry in an effort to monitor the market and commercial activity in the State of Qatar; in a bid to offset price manipulation and expose violations pertaining to counterfeit goods and non-conformance with standard specifications.
 
Inspectors from the ministry fined the garage, and compelled its closure for a one month period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. The law stipulates that suppliers of goods shall clearly display on product labels a clear description of goods and their ingredients and refrain from posting any misleading or false statements.
 
The administrative closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the offending garage’s own expense in line with article (3) of law no (8) on consumer protection.
 
The ministry stated that it is determined to protect consumer rights and that it will intensify its inspection campaigns in order to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect the rights of consumers.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce urges all consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department and send complaints and suggestions through the following communication channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce organized a workshop on the ‘Art of Stress Management’ on Tuesday as part of its social responsibility efforts.
 
The workshop was attended by a large number of officers and ministry employees and featured lectures presented by mentors from the Family Consulting Center and Qatar Charity.
 
The workshop focused on familiarizing employees with stress management techniques and on equipping participants with essential tools and skills to better allocate time resources with the aim of raising performance levels, maximizing productivity and ensuring the delivery of high quality services to the public.
 
The workshop featured discussions on daily pressures faced by individuals and how to address them, in addition to offering a range of psychological tests to assess the level of stress experienced by an individual and to identify types of stress, including family, social, marital and physical stress.
 
Additional types of stress such as anxiety and decision-making difficulties were addressed during the workshop as well as the sources of stress, whether internal or external, effects, symptoms, consequences and treatment.
 
The workshop featured practical training on how to manage time resources, set life goals, and determine priorities as well as how to achieve these goals.
 
Discussions concluded with a questions and answers session on how to attain desired goals and tasks. Participants also provided solutions during practical training on stress management.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Toyota Sequoia models of 2006 and LEXUS SC 430 models of 2003-2010 over a defect in the passenger side front airbag inflator.
                  
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The new services enable businesses to delete main and branch commercial registrations, add new commercial activities and issue replacements for lost licenses.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the launch of new mobile services that enable businesses to delete main and branch commercial registrations, add new commercial activities and issue replacements for lost commercial licenses, through its mobile application. The services are available via the app on both iPhone and Android devices under the name MEC_QATAR. The services enable users to process requests online at any time without the need to visit the ministry or any of its branch offices.
The new services are part of a number of smart-phone applications provided by the ministry in order to improve business processes in the State of Qatar as well as streamline and speed-up business incorporation procedures thereby promoting Qatar’s business and investment environment.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a selection of smart electronic services, representing a quantum leap forward with respect to the means of communication between the ministry and the public; whether they are consumers, investors or simply those of whom who are interested in economic affairs.
Users are able to access a basket of unique electronic services; for instance issuing and renewing commercial licenses and records, accessing commercial company records, searching for commercial names, accessing company details as well as certificates of non-ownership; in addition to a variety of administrative services that enable entrepreneurs to manage their businesses easily and conveniently.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has recently won a number of awards for its mobile application on iPhone and Android devices including first prize in the “best smartphone application” category in the Arab Region.
 
The award was presented at the 7th edition of the Smart Government Excellence Awards that was organized in the city of Kuwait in April under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs.
 
Last February, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce received the Best Mobile-Government Service Award across the Arab world in the economy and trade category in recognition of its mobile application on iPhone and android. The award was presented during the 4th edition of the World Government Summit held in Dubai, UAE under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
 
The awards reflect the ministry’s efforts in developing Qatar’s business sector, in line with its vision to build a diversified and unique business environment that is attractive to investors. Launched mid-last year, the mobile application is one of the most important and innovate initiatives implemented by The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, according to the highest international standards.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Almana Motors Company, dealer of Ford vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Ford f150, 2015 models over a defect in the front seat belts.
 
The recall campaign includes vehicles with the following chassis numbers:
 1FTEW1EF0FFA466521FTEW1EF2FFA466361FTEW1EF2FFA466531FTEW1EF2FFA466671FTEW1EF3FFA466591FTEW1EF4FFA466371FTEW1EF7FFA466641FTEW1EF4FFA466401FTEW1EF4FFA466541FTEW1EF5FFA466631FTEW1EF6FFA466411FTEW1EF6FFA466551FTEW1EF8FFA466391FTEW1EF8FFA466561FTEW1EF9FFA466511FTEW1EF9FFA46665
 
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Alfardan Sports Motors, dealer of Maserati vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli models of 2014-2016 over the possible movement of the pedal cover and front floor mats.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Lexus vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of LEXUS Es 350 models of 2016 to check the brake actuator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Co W.L.L, dealer of Hummer vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Hummer H3/H3 T models of 2006-2010 over a defect in the connector module which controls the air-condition blower motor speed.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

 
Kuwait, April 27, 2016: His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, has honored Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce at the Smart Government Excellence Awards for winning first prize in the “best smartphone application” category in the Arab Region.
 
The award was presented at the 7th edition of the Smart Government Excellence Awards that was organized in the city of Kuwait under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in the State of Kuwait, and in cooperation with the Central Agency for Information Technology and the pan Arab Excellence Awards Academy.
 
The award highlights the Ministry’s success in providing smart and innovative services that contribute to the development of Qatar’s business sector in line with its vision to build a diversified economy and a self-sustaining private sector within the framework of a competitive business environment. The mobile phone application, which was launched in mid-2015 last year according to the highest international standards, is regarded as one of the most innovative projects launched by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and is continuously developed and improved.
 
The mobile phone application offers a unique combination of smart e-services to investors, businessmen and consumers. These vital services include: submitting requests for the issuance and renewal of commercial licenses in a limited amount of time as well as uploading all required documents through the application. The service reduces the time and effort required by investors and contributes to the promotion of efficiency and productivity given that the Ministry schedules a date for site inspection less than 24 hours upon submitting the online application.
 
The mobile phone application also allows users to request or renew commercial registrations by filling out the required data online and processing the payment through the application to obtain a printable copy of the commercial registration through e-mail.
 
The mobile phone application also allows investors in Qatar and abroad to start-up companies, search for a commercial name or activity, submit complaints, and complete procedures for obtaining supply services.
 
Users can also access various international reports and economic indicators and stay up to date with the ministry’s latest news recall and closure campaigns as well as the latest economic developments on a local, regional and global level.
 
The Smart Government Excellence Awards is a competition designed to assess and highlight the efforts of Arab governments and official institutions that have established a presence online and on social media platforms to provide services to citizens and residents.
 
The competition also aims to encourage Arab governments to launch new websites, social networking accounts and smart applications across the Arab world as well as to draw on the global digital revolution to promote sustainable development in the Arab countries and enhancing joint Arab action.
 
Last February, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce received the Best Mobile-Government Service Award across the Arab world in the economy and trade category in recognition of its mobile app on iPhone and android. The award was presented during the 4th edition of the World Government Summit held in Dubai, UAE under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Boraq Automobiles Co. W.L.L, dealer of Porsche vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Porsche Cayenne models of 2011-2016 to check the circlip on the bearing bracket for pedals. A new circlip may have to be installed if needed.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce celebrated World Intellectual Property Day, an event which aims to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights and to promote its adoption on a large scale. This year’s ceremony was held under the slogan “Creativity beyond Borders.”
 
In this context, the ministry held a seminar on the 26th of April, 2016 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Qatar Scientific Club, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the General Authority of Customs and the intellectual property agent’s office, in addition to a number of innovators and those of whom are interested in the field of intellectual property rights participated in the seminar.
 
The ministry held a presentation during the seminar, to highlight the important role of intellectual property rights in boosting economic activity in the State of Qatar as well as the ministry’s role in developing and offering various services to applicants pertaining to the field of intellectual property rights.
 
The ministry also shed light on the regulatory framework governing intellectual property rights in Qatar as well as the advancement of services provided to applicants in the various areas of intellectual property such as patent applications, trademarks and copyrights.
 
During the presentation, the Ministry elaborated on the role of intellectual property rights as an essential component of global trade, and a new source of wealth and power, in addition to its contribution to the creation of new competitive markets and to increasing investments and income.
 
Representatives from Qatar Scientific Club, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the General Authority of Customs, the intellectual property agent’s office and a number of innovators and authors, in addition to those of whom are interested in the field of intellectual property rights discussed the importance of promoting intellectual property rights in the State of Qatar.
 
Participants praised the ministry for its role in facilitating procedures relating to the submission of applications for patents, trademarks and author rights as well as for exchanging views and feedback on the latest developments and proposals.
 
At the end of the seminar, a number of inventors, authors and patent recipients presented models of their inventions and compositions of their work to the audience.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce also organized a two-day exhibition that kicked off on the 26th of April at Landmark Mall to familiarize the public with the various services offered to promote intellectual property rights such as procedures relating to the submission of patent applications and trademark registration.
 
It is noteworthy to mention that World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on an annual basis, since the year 2000 with the aim of spreading awareness about the concept of intellectual property rights protection among copyright holders or those interested in innovative, artistic or literary areas of intellectual property rights, encouraging and enabling them to protect their inventions.
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Economy will hold a two-day ceremony on April 26 and 27 entitled “Creativity beyond Borders” to mark World Intellectual Property Day – which aims to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights and to promote its adoption on a large scale.
 
The celebrations will feature a seminar that will take place on April 26, 2016 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel with the participation of Qatar Scientific Club, Qatar University, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development as well as a number of innovators, experts and those of whom are interested in the field of intellectual property rights.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce will also organize a two-day exhibition on April 26 and 27 at Landmark Mall to familiarize the public with the various aspects of intellectual property rights.

The Ministry invites the public to attend the exhibition to take part in World Intellectual Property Day celebrations in order to learn and increase their knowledge about the importance of intellectual property rights.
 
World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on an annual basis since the year 2000 with the aim of spreading awareness about the concept of intellectual property rights protection among copyright holders or those interested in innovative, artistic or literary areas of intellectual property rights, encouraging and enabling them to protect their inventions.

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Doha, Qatar; April 24, 2016: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has signed a strategic partnership agreement with “LinkedIn” – the world’s largest and most effective professional network in a bid to strengthen its position as a leader in attracting qualified professionals in Qatar and to support its efforts in communicating with the ministry’s employees and to reinforce its corporate identity as an entity that is attractive to qualified professionals.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce will work in order to take advantage of specialized workshops that will be offered to the ministry’s employees and affiliates by “LinkedIn.” The ministry will also benefit from the solutions offered by the “LinkedIn” platform in attracting qualified professionals from all disciplines, and to help employees create and develop their professional profiles on the site, which will contribute to reflecting the positive work environment that is provided by the ministry and help attract and retain more qualified professionals in the future.
Mr. Tariq Abdulaziz Al-Sada, Director of Public Relations and Communication at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce said that the strategic partnership agreement will allow the ministry to gain access to the finest professional talent as well as help highlight to employees at the ministry the importance of vocational and career planning which will have a positive effect on the ministry and the State of Qatar as a whole as it will help educate and inform the public about the ministry’s biggest initiatives as well as the various services offered.
In turn, Mr. Rajai El Khadem, Head of Public Sector in LinkedIn MENA said: “We are proud at “LinkedIn” to collaborate with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce through this partnership agreement that will help deliver the ministry’s message to a larger segment of the public. We hope to support the ministry’s development plans at a professional level and allow the ministry’s employees the opportunity to join “LinkedIn” and to communicate among each other via the world’s largest professional communication network, which represents an added value to the services they provide, in addition to opening up new prospects for individuals to share their experiences with their counterparts around the world and to communicate with countless professionals, particularly within the region, in their mother tongue through the Arabic version of the “LinkedIn” site.
It is worth mentioning that members of the “LinkedIn” network from the Middle East and North Africa have surpassed 17 million members. The network brings together industry leaders and some of the most influential personalities from the Arab world, as part of LinkedIn’s most influential people list.