The Department of Consumer Protection Monitors 90 Violations during July

In the context of the permanent efforts made by the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the markets and the economic activities in the State, in order to ensure the consumer profit, the cited department has revealed today a number of violations committed during the month of July 2011. The violations have been amounted to 90 violations, including:

As for the complaints received by the Department of Consumer Protection, and which have been amounted to 114 complaints, they have been dealt with and transmitted to the responsible competent departments.

Ministry of Business and Trade’s Initiative To Supply Markets With More Stocks of Sheep During The Holy Month of Ramadan

Within the framework of putting the development strategies of the Ministry of the Business and Trade into practice, and which aim to ensure the flow of the basic food commodities in quantities and prices that suit the size of the domestic market and support the economic and financial situation of the consumer, the Ministry of Business and Trade, in coordination with the relevant official bodies and Qatar Company for Meat & Livestock Trading (Mawashi) launched an initiative to supply markets with more stocks of sheep during the holy month of Ramadan.
This initiative comes amid the current global economic conditions that affect the Livestock Market, and out of the role of the Ministry of the Business and Trade to monitor the global changes that prevent the flow of goods, taking into consideration the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) report on the Food Prices Forecast for June 2011 which stated that a rise of 38% was monitored on the Livestock Prices Index during the period between May 2010 and May 2011.
The report summarized the reasons of this rise as follows :
1 – High grain prices, which limited the profitability of the sector
2 – Adverse weather conditions in late 2010
3 – Drop of the rate of rebuilding herds
4 – Animal Diseases
5 – High input costs
6 – strong recovery of demand
Based on the strong demand of this item during the month of Ramadan in the Middle East, the detailed initiative of the Ministry of Business and Trade was applied a week before the holy month of Ramadan (dated 23/07/2011), and twenty thousand head of Arabic sheep were put to be sold to consumers at 800 QR , and Syrian and Jordanian meat locally slaughtered were provided to butcheries operating in the country to be sold at 42 QR per kilo for the Syrian sheep, and 46 riyals per kilo for the Jordanian one.
In order to ensure the smooth access of this vital commodity to the consumer and to avoid it from being stored or re-sold, a coordination with the relevant authorities for immediate slaughter was made in slaughterhouses in Doha, Al Khor and Al Shamal.
Over twelve days (from 23 / 7 to 3 / 8) 11,037 head of sheep were sold and 1,587 head were slaughtered and provided to the butcheries with a total of 12,624 at a rate of 1,052 sheep per day. Based on the rate of the current consumption and the strong demand for the stocks of sheep, it was decided to add 10,000 head of Arab sheep, a 50% increase to bring the total to 30,000 heads.
HE Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani said this initiative seeks to maintain the purchasing power of households, pointing out that the rise in global prices of food commodities and their fluctuations were the major cause behind the decline in consumption and in family savings, a matter which hinders the continued strength of economic growth in other consumer sectors.
Director of Consumer Protection at the Ministry Sheikh Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani pointed out that there was an abundance of meat inside and outside of the initiative, adding that efforts of coordination will be continued to ensure permanent success of the initiative and to highlight the role of the ministry in preserving consumer rights stipulated by law No. (8) of 2008 on consumer protection, as well as to supply enough meat to meet the high demand on meat during the holy month of Ramadan as well as reduce the additional costs during this month.

The Ministry of Business and Trade’s Decision to Reduce Prices During Ramadan Goes Into Effect Tomorrow

The Ministry of Business and Trade announced that a total of 267 commodities, including food and non-food items will be available at reduced prices in the local market during the Holy month of Ramadan. The reduced prices are intended to go into effect starting from tomorrow Friday 15/07/2011, and will continue until the end of the fasting month.
Major food items included in the list are edible oil, floor, fish and poultry products, milk, frozen vegetables, pastries and juices. Non-food items include foil paper, tissue paper and several hygiene products.
The Ministry has also entered into an agreement with Qatar Meat and Livestock Company- Mawashi- to import 20,000 Jordanian sheep ahead of Ramadan,
The Department of Consumer Protection at the Ministry of Business and Trade assured that intensive inspections will be launched regularly before and during Ramadan to ensure that all traders abide by the price list. Consumers in their turn, have been urged to report any violations of the rule to the Department.
To review the full price list, kindly check the following link :
http://www.mbt.gov.qa/Arabic/Consumer/Documents/قائمة%20اسعار%20شهر%20رمضان%201432%20هـ.pdf
 

The Department of Consumer Protection monitors 95 Violations during June

In the context of the permanent efforts made by the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the markets and the economic activities in the State, the cited department has revealed today a number of violations committed during the month of June 2011. The violations have been amounted to 95 violations, including:
 
·        Commercial fraud (counterfeit goods)
·        Non-commitment to the fruits and vegetables’ prices announced in the daily bulletin
·        Goods not able to be returned or replaced
·        Unrevealed prices
·        Commercial fraud (selling used wedding cards)
·        Promotions unauthorized by the Department of Consumer Protection
·        Prices not stated in Arabic
·        Goods sold with prices higher than those stated on the commodity
·        In addition to promoting wrong features and specifications for some goods and services.   
 
As for the complaints received by the Department of Consumer Protection, and which have been amounted to 86 complaints, they have been dealt with and transmitted to the responsible competent departments.

Press Conference to Reduce Commodity Prices During Ramadan

A press conference will be held today, Tuesday, 21/6/2011, during which Sheikh Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of Consumer Protection Department, will address a speech regarding the Ministry’s initiative to reduce the prices of various commodities during the Holy month of Ramadan. The press conference will be held at 11 am on the nineteenth floor (19) at the Ministry building.

The Ministry’s Initiative to Reduce Prices During Ramadan

In the keenness of the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to protect the consumers’ rights guaranteed by the Law No. (8) for the year 2008, on consumer protection, and with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, and to protect the consumers from any unjustified rises in the commodities’ prices, the ministry, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, had continuously worked, during the past years, to put forward several initiatives aiming to decrease the consumer’s burdens and remove the permanent obsessions accompanying the increase of prices with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.

In continuation of this approach, the CP Department launched a number of initiatives as a way to alleviate the burdens on the consumers during this holy month, accordingly with the approval of the Council of Ministers, during its regular meeting No. (23) for the year 2011, held on 06/08/2011, on the draft decision of the Minister of Business and Trade regarding the fixation of a maximum rate for the prices of some goods and foodstuffs for the month of Ramadan.
 

The mentioned initiatives are divided into two parts as follows:
1- Reduction of the prices of two hundred and sixty-seven commodities at less than the cost price, noting that these items will be available at all the outlets all over the State, starting from the fifteenth of July until the end of Ramadan. Adding to that, these commodities will be divided into two parts: the first one includes food products such as vegetable oils, flour, white meat (poultry), milk, juice, frozen vegetables, pasta and other products that are increasingly in demand in the month of Ramadan. The second part will include non-food products such as foil paper, tissue paper, cleaning materials, and other goods of similar use.

2 – An agreement with Qatar Company for Meat & Livestock Trading (Mawashi) on the import of (20,000) twenty thousand head of sheep of Jordanian origin, to be sold to the consumers at affordable prices, noting that the company will, in its turn, allocate centers for direct sale to the consumer in the automated abattoirs at Mawashi Company, at Al Rayyan, Al Khor and Al Shamal areas, where the livestock prices are expected not to exceed the amount of (800 QR) eight hundred QR per head, for the weights not less than (35 kg). This step will go into effect in the twenty-third of July and a week before the holy month of Ramadan, and will continue until the end of the holy month.
It must be stated that the slaughter must take place immediately at the Abattoirs of Mawashi Company, in order for this vital commodity to access the target group, and to avoid it from being re-sold in the markets again. Adding to that, the meat will be sold all over the State at fixed prices that will be announced during the coming period and before the beginning of the sale.

The Department of Consumer Protection will be continuously following the commitment to these reduced prices, through inspection tours made by judicial officers from the Department. Moreover, a poster listing the reduced prices will be distributed at all the outlets in the state, in addition to flyers that will be distributed with the local newspapers before and during the holy month of Ramadan.
 

The Department of Consumer Protection monitors 79 Violations during May

In the context of the permanent efforts made by the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the markets and the economic activities in the State, the cited department has revealed today a number of violations committed during the month of May 2011. The violations have been amounted to 79 violations, including:
·        Commercial fraud
·        Unrevealed prices
·        Unauthorized promotions
·        Discounts exceeding 50%
·        Prices not stated in Arabic
·        Increase in the prices of the Australian Beef
·        Non-commitment to the fruits and vegetables’ prices announced in the daily bulletin
·        In addition to hiding features and specifications of some goods and services.   
As for the complaints received by the Department of Consumer Protection, and which have been amounted to 98 complaints, they have been dealt with and transmitted to the responsible competent departments.

Lecture

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, and as a part of the first cultural season program of the Department of Consumer Protection, a lecture was held on Monday morning, 06/06/2011, by Dr. Roshdi Al Mohamadi, entitled “Competition Protection Law and its role in Supporting the Business Climate”, in the hall of HE Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani, in the ministry building.
A large crowd of public had attended the lecture during which the Doctor. exposed several important subjects, between them are the importance of the Competition Protection Law in supporting the business climate, and its role in the development of the performance of the different national enterprises.
The lecture ended by an open debate during which a number of attendants addressed questions to the Doctor. on the same topic.

Announcement

 
The Department of Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the Foodstuff Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, held a meeting with all the Foodstuff distributors licensed by the Foodstuff Department, where they reviewed some of the acts and practices made by some foodstuff distributors, in addition to the complaints made by the consumers regarding the additional charges imposed on the feed and food prices stated in the vouchers issued by the Foodstuff Department in the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The distributors were alerted to abide by the prices specified in the vouchers granted to eligible citizens, without charging them any additional burdens or amounts. They were also informed that a poster will be distributed in several languages ​​to all the foodstuff outlets to clarify the given instructions.
And the Department of Consumer Protection as it announces that it stresses to abide by the instructions so as not to be the distributor liable for, according to Article No. (10) of Law No. (8) for the year 2008, on consumer protection, which provides that “not permissible for a provider to hide any commodity or refrain from selling in order to control the market price or to impose purchase certain amounts of them, or buy other goods with them or receive a price higher than the price that has been announced, “has been taking the necessary undertakings which will be inspectors of judicial administration to pass on the distributors to make sure comply with the instructions issued in this regard.
The Consumer Protection Department emphasizes the need to comply with these instructions; otherwise, the distributors will be subject to legal accountability, pursuant to Article 10 of Law No. 8 of 2008 on the consumer protection, which stipulates, “ A supplier may not conceal or refuse to sell any commodity for the purpose of controlling the market price, nor may he impose the purchase of particular quantities thereof or of another commodity therewith, or ask for a price higher than the prescribed commodity price”. The Department inspection constables will inspect distributors to ensure the instructions issued in this regard are being followed.
 

The Minister of Business and Trade meets with the member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of Xingjian Uygur Autonomous Region’s Party Committee

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, met this morning with Mr. Changchun Xi’an, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of Xingjian Uygur Autonomous Region’s Party Committee. During the meeting, they discussed the cooperation relations between the two friendly countries, and the ways to support and develop these relations, especially in the domains of Business and Trade.

The Minister of Business and Trade insists on the importance of the immediate commencement of the “Economic Zones” and “Small and Medium Enterprises” projects

Qatar Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority held this Monday, 30/05/2011, the first Board of Directors’ meeting in the Ministry of Business and Trade. During the meeting, some important decisions related to the work of the authority were approved, and two presentations on the economic zones and small and medium enterprises projects were presented.
Moreover, HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani, Minister of Business and Trade,(Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authority)issued during the meeting his instructions to those concerned to take necessary measures to commence the work on the two projects in order to complete what has been achieved by the former steering committees, since the two projects are of great importance to the people of Qatar and their companies, and will help in overcoming the difficulties facing owners of small and medium enterprises.
The members of the Board of Directors of the importance of its objectives, and key role to promote economic diversification and trade in the state and the expected role of a sector of small and medium-sized companies is the strength and flexibility.
The members of the Board of Directors stressed on the importance of the objectives pursued by this authority and its key role in boosting economic and commercial diversification in the country, as well as its role in activating the small and medium enterprises sector.

Maha Al Nesf, new Director of Human Resources

As per decision by HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, Ms. Maha Mohammed Al Nesf, was designated as Director of the Department of Human Resources in the Ministry of Business and Trade.

His Excellency the Minister Launches the “Single Window”

HE Sheikh Jassim bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani, Minister of Business and Trade,accompanied by HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Qatar, have toured the “Single-window” project, at the Ministry of Business and Trade, and which aimsto streamline and facilitate the procedures for commercial registration and licenses and cut down on efforts and time.
 
His Excellency the Minister listened to Mrs. Meera Bint Hamad Al-Attiyah, Director of Commercial Registration and Licenses, who explained the capacities and the advantages of the project, in addition to a presentation that exposes the new procedures for the project.

Mrs. Meera Bint Hamad Al-Attiyah told the reporters that the single window is designed to minimize the efforts and time on businessmen, and to facilitate and simplify the business establishment procedures,so that businessmen will not need to go over more than one counter for documents processing as all procedures will be concentrated in one place.

She noted that the presence of the single window is a main component of a stimulating business environment that helps to develop business in one place where businessmen can establish their company in the shortest period of time.
The services to be provided by the single window include:
1. Decades to establish companies
2. Commercial Registration
3. Trade Name
4. Commercial licenses
5. Advertising Licenses
6. Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry fees

Adding to that, a guideline on how to establish a business was posted on the Ministry’s website, showing and explaining all the requirements and forms that must be brought at the foundation of a new company, on the following link:
http://www.mbt.gov.qa/arabic/Businessmen/Pages/default.aspx
 
Al-Attiyah explained that through the single window the businessman can establish his company in two steps, if he follows the detailed steps cited in the business establishment guideline; these two steps are:

The first step:
1 – Choose the Trade Name
2 – Review and approve the Foundation Contract form
The Second Step:
1 – Foundation Contract Documentation
2 – Issuing a membership in Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
3 – Issuing the commercial register
4 – Issuing the commercial license
5 – Issuing a license for commercial advertising
It is essential also to make sure to attach a letter of capital deposition, print the articles of establishment and foundation, and obtain approvals to exercise your business.
Mrs. Al Attiyah added that in the pursuit of positive interaction between the businessmen and the staff of the single window, the ministry is providing a mechanism to evaluate the employee’s performance by businessmen, and that this evaluation will have high interest as it will affect the remuneration of the employee, in an effort to motivate the staff of the single window.
The Director of the Department of Registration and Business Licenses indicated at the end of her statement that the single window takes place in the building of the Ministry of Business and Trade located at Al-Dafna – West Bay, and that the hours of work start from seven o’clock until one and a half afternoon. She added that the single window is dedicated to the businessmen, partners and managers of companies authorized to sign, stating that the ministry always strives to make things easy for businessmen through the provision of electronic services, inviting them to deal with those services in pursuit of the exploitation of their time without the need for access to the ministry building; and these services include:
• Company name reservation
• Extract of Commercial Register
• Commercial activities’ fees calculation
In addition to the above, other services are available on the following link:http://www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services

 

The Ministry of Business and Trade organizes a workshop in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization “WIPO”

The Ministry of Business and Trade organized, between 9 to 12/5/2011, a National Workshop on the International Classification for Industrial Designs under the Locarno Agreement, and the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks under the Vienna Agreement. The workshop was organized under the direct supervision of the Department of Registration and Commercial Licenses represented by the Office of Industrial Property, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The workshop aimed to define the Locarno’s agreement on the International Classification of Industrial Designs, in addition to the Vienna Agreement on the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks. It aimed as well to introduce to the employees in the Industrial Property Department these mentioned definitions and classifications in order to raise and develop the staff skills and keep abreast of new developments and promote the culture of the intellectual property protection.

This workshop comes to raise the level of services provided by the Ministry, to reach the standards of global services.

It must be mentioned as well that the workshop was under the supervision of Mr. / Jean-Paul, expert in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Department of Consumer Protection detects counterfeit shampoo in the local market

Out of interest of the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the market’s commitment to the law of consumer protection, and the decisions regulating the work of the Department of Consumer Protection, especially those aiming to prevent commercial fraud and counterfeiting goods, and as an implementation of Article No. (6) of the Law No. (8) for the year 2008 on consumer protection, which stipulates that it is strictly prohibited to sell or offer or promote or advertise any fake or corrupted good, that does not conform to the set standards and specifications, or it is unusable or has an expired validity period” ;
A number of inspectors detected during inspection campaigns a counterfeit product (Shampoo) under the name of “Head & Shampoos” as an imitation of the original mark “Head & shoulders”. It appeared through the presentation of the item in the different shops a large similarity between the counterfeit product and the original one, in terms of form and design.
The unit of Public Relations and Communication emphasizes that these inspection campaigns come out of the ministry’s efforts to insure the safety of the consumers from fraud and counterfeiting, and as an implementation of the Consumer Protection laws, as well as the different laws and rules regulating the activities of the Department of Consumer Protection.

The Minister of Business and Trade meets the French Minister of State for Foreign Trade

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, met on Sunday morning, 05/22/2011, at Doha Sheraton Hotel, with His Excellency Mr. Pierre Lellouche, the French Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
 
The meeting discussed many issues of common concern in the region, especially in the areas of business and trade.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association, and a number of prominent officials in the State, along with a delegation from the French Government and companies.

Lecture

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, and as a part of the first cultural season program of the Department of Consumer Protection, a lecture was held on Sunday evening, 04/24/2011, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Arifi, titled “Pricing of goods and services in terms of religion, ethics and legitimacy”, in the hall of HE Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani, in the ministry building.
A large crowd of public had attended the lecture during which the Sheikh exposed the most important legal and ethical rules and regulations related to trade, and explained as well the terms of expensiveness and monopoly in the view of religion, exposing the ethics that a merchant must have, and the legitimate sanctions that must be imposed on the exploiter and the monopolist.
The lecture was closed by an open debate during which a number of attendants addressed questions to the Sheikh on the same topic.

Violations monitored by the Department of Consumer Protection during April 2011

In the context of the permanent efforts made by the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the markets and the economic activities in the State, the cited department has revealed today a number of violations committed during the month of April 2011. The violations have been amounted to 37 violations, including unauthorized discounts and promotions, unrevealed prices, counterfeit goods, prices not announced in Arabic, in addition to hiding features and specifications of some goods and services.    
As for the complaints received by the Department of Consumer Protection, and which have been amounted to 78 complaints, they have been dealt with and transmitted to the responsible competent departments.

HE Minister of Business and Trade meets the Saxony Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications and Labor

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, met in his office on Wednesday afternoon, 04/05/2011, with His Excellency Mr. Seven Morik Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications and Labor in Saxony – Germany and his accompanying delegation who are currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed the ways of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially those related to the business and trade.

Ministry of Business and Trade participates in Qatar Career Fair

  
 
His Highness the Heir Apparent Sheikh / Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani has visited yesterday the Ministry of Business and Trade’s pavilion at the career fair, during his inauguration of the Qatar Career Fair 2011, and thanked the MBT employees, insisting on the importance of intensifying the efforts to achieve the desired goals of this fair in a way that serves the people of Qatar.
The participation of the ministry witnesses this year a huge attention from the side of His Excellency Sheikh / Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Business and Trade, whose top priority is to achieve the overall vision of His Highness the Emir Sheikh / Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, based on the principal of human development and the investment in knowledge.
The Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by all of its departments, has tried this year to achieve an active participation through the consecration of multiple mechanisms to receive the applications using electronic services and devices (Touch Screens) equipped with programs tied directly to the system of Human Resources in the Ministry.
Ms. / Fatima Dosari, Acting Director of Human Resources, stated that the ministry has sought this year to use modern scientific methods based on personal identification in the selection of the appropriate position for each individual.
The Director of Human Resources added that the ministry’s pavilion in the Carrier Fair offers this year to its visitors a documentary film about the ministry over the working hours, and that the participation of the ministry would not be restricted to the employment, but will also include training programs and scholarships.

Violations monitored by the Department of Consumer Protection

In the context of the permanent efforts made by the Ministry of Business and Trade, represented by the Department of Consumer Protection, to monitor the markets and the economic activities in the State, the cited department has revealed today a number of violations committed during the month of March 2011. The violations have been amounted to 29 violations, including commercial fraud, unauthorized discounts and promotions, unrevealed prices, in addition to hiding features and specifications of some goods and services.   
As for the complaints received by the Department of Consumer Protection, and which have been amounted to 142 complaints, they have been dealt with and transmitted to the responsible competent departments.

The Minister of Business and Trade meets the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdualziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, met this morning, Monday 21/03/2011, in his office at the ministry building, Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ricardo Patiño, with his accompanying delegation who pays currently a visit to the country.
The meeting was centered on the different ways to develop the economic relations between the two countries.

Fourth session of the joint Qatari-Turkish committee for commercial cooperation

Under the distinguished relations that join the State of Qatar and Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of Business and Trade has known this morning, Monday 14 March 2011, meetings of the fourth session of the joint Qatari-Turkish committee for commercial, economic and technical cooperation. The Qatari side was headed by HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdualziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, while the Minister of Finance Mr. Mehmet Simsek headed the Turkish side.
The meetings are intended to address ways to boost the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in the different fields, especially the economic, commercial, investment, technical and financial domains, for the benefit of the two countries in particular, and the regional countries in general.
Moreover, HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdualziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, insisted during a press statement the keenness of both countries to strengthen the bilateral relation in the commercial and investment domains, as an application of the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Mr. Abdullah Gul, the President of the Republic of Turkey.  
HE stated that the relations between the two countries has known a remarkable development during the last period, which was represented in signing several agreements and deals in different fields. HE added that this continuing progress requires us to find new developed mechanisms that keep pace with the development of the relations between the two countries, as well as to activate the economic, commercial and investment partnership between them. In addition, HE praised the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, and which reached about half a billion dollars in 2009. HE insisted as well on the importance of building strategic relations with Turkey in the various fields, as well as on the establishment of new investment projects, in light of the opportunities open to both sides, through the stimulation of the private sector to develop these relationships in a way that serves the bilateral interests, and maximizes the benefits from the agreements signed between both sides, towards the implementation of the plans and programs for sustainable development.         
During the meeting, the two sides signed as well the recommendations and the record of the joint Qatari-Turkish committee for commercial, economic and technical cooperation, which aim to strengthen the cooperation in various fields directed to advance the work of the different sides responsible of the development of the economic and commercial relations between the two countries, especially amid the progress and evolution that know the bilateral relations.
Furthermore, HE noted the importance of the outcome of the meetings of this committee, from positive outputs and recommendations directed towards setting effective mechanisms for the development and the expansion of the participation of the private sector in both countries, during the coming period. HE noted as well the importance of the role that private sector can play in the two countries, concerning the advancement of the bilateral cooperation, inviting to benefit from the agreements and the memorandum of understanding and cooperation signed between the two countries, in the fields of economy, trade and technique, in order to implement the plans and programs for sustainable development. HE noted as well the importance of activating the role of businessmen and Chambers of Commerce and Industry in both countries, through the exchange of visits and experiences.
It shall be mentioned also that the State of Qatar and Turkey are related by the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed in 1985, as well as the agreement of the avoidance of double taxation and the treaty for the protection and promotion of investments that were signed in 2001. We should mention also the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation with the Qatari Investment Fund, signed on 11/06/2008, which includes the different fields of cooperation, in the time that Qatar participates with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in negotiations to sign a Free trade agreement with Turkey.   
HE the Minster of Business & Trade has praised the strength and durability of the Turkish economy, which was not highly affected by the global economic and financial crisis, especially that Turkey has succeeded in the raise of its Gross Domestic Product to reach 618 billion dollars. Between the most important natural resources in Turkey: Coal, chromium, mercury, copper, boron, oil and gold. The agricultural sector produces about 9.3% of the GDP, and between the most important crops are: tobacco, cotton, beets, nuts, wheat, barley, grain, olives, and citrus. Turkey is considered to be one of the most important producers of nuts in the world. As for the industrial sector, it produces about 25.6% of the GDP, and between the most important industries: automobiles, textiles, electrical and electronic appliances, food, textiles and basic metals processing, chemicals and petrochemicals. As for the services sector, it produces 58.5% of Turkey Gross National Product. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector constitutes a fundamental basis in the economy, and during the last decade, the ICT sector has known a raise of 130%.
Turkey has become one of the fast developing energy markets in the world, in parallel with the economic development that had known in the last eight years, thing that may make from Turkey a probable future power plant in its region. 

Important Announcement

Gentlemen, the agents of theDepartment of Registration &. Commercial Licenses 
The Department of Commercial Registration &. Licenses decided to close the first floor related to the services of commercial registration in the Ministry of Business and Trade building, starting from today, Sunday 27/03/2011, until the end of the maintenance and re-structuring work in the first floor.
The department has noted that it will keep on working on serving the agents and providing them the following services:

Service
Location
1
Creation of main and sub- Commercial Register

Ministry of Business & Trade buildingGround floor- Commercial Licenses
2

·        Modifications of the Commercial Register andIssuance of commercial extracts
·    Registration of individual institutions and companies

 
 
 
Al Sadd Plaza

 
For more information:
·        For the extraction of an extract from the Commercial Register, kindly visit the following link (electronic service):
http://www.mbt.gov.qa/Arabic/Departments/CommercialLicenses/Pages/Recordlaunch.aspx
 
·        For calculation of the fees of commercial activities, kindly visit the following link (before going to the counter to facilitate the request):
http://www.mbt.gov.qa/Arabic/Businessmen/Pages/SmartWizard.aspx

HE the Minster of Business & Trade meets the chairman and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Qatar

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdualziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, met on Sunday morning, 13/03/2011, in the council chamber at the Ministry building, the chairman and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Qatar.
During the meeting, they discussed several issues related to the sectors of Business, Trade and Industry in the country, and examined, as well, the different ways to boost development in these dynamic sectors, and contribute in the achievement of Qatar’s future vision, represented by a strong and cohesive economy that ensures stability for future generations.
At the end of the meeting, everyone expressed to HE the minister their full commitment to all what can create new investment opportunities in the state and prepare the right climate for that, especially amidst the current circumstances, and the boom and prosperity that the country is currently witnessing in the various fields, especially the economic ones.

Business and Trade… Ministry without papers or reviewers

HE SheikhJassim Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, inaugurated last Tuesday, the website of the Ministry of Business and Trade, EMBT, considered as the first fruits of the Ministry electronic program’s projects, which aim to achieve a new vision for Business and Trade, through the establishment of an electronic integrated system that stands up without any papers or reviewers, but in the conventional manual ways. This project is considered among 25 electronic projects intended to be completed within two years, and divided into three ranges: the infrastructure projects represented by the development of the ministry’s internal network, projects of joint programs including the ministry’s internal website, the electronic archive, and e-mails, in addition to the projects of business enabling programs, considered as the single window toward the establishment of businesses and financial databases for companies.
The website was designed in a way that focuses mainly on a group of categories, which are: the businessmen who can identify the laws and services provided by the ministry; the foreign investors who can have a look on the laws of investment and the ways of getting investment opportunities in the country; the consumers through the identification of the consumer rights and duties, and the recognition of the best prices of the consumption goods which are weekly updated within the “where to shop” list, as well as the freedom of making an online complaint. The last category consists of the ministry partners’ group. Finally, the project of the internal website has been also launched, offering services for the benefit of the staff of the Ministry of Business and Trade.

Lecture on Commercial Fraud

The Department of Consumer Protection in the Ministry of Business and Trade gave yesterday, Monday 24/01/2011, a lecture entitled “commercial fraud and counterfeiting of original trademarks; factors of demolition of the countries’ economies”. The lecture was given by Mr. Omar Abdel Kader Shteiwi, chairman of Brand owners in Dubai, and attended by Mr. Saoud Sultan Al Asiri, head of the Department of Commercial Fraud Protection in the Unit of Consumer Protection, and Dr. Khairi Al Besili, the legal expert in the MBT.
The lecture was introduced by the brilliant media presenter Buthaina Abdul Jalil, in the presence of a number of departmental directors and staff, in addition to a number of consumers and those interested in this matter. The lecture received a large media coverage represented by the presence of Qatar Television, next to Al Jazeera channel and all the local newspapers.

The Minister of Business and Trade meets with Portugal’s Minister of Economy

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, met yesterday morning, in his office at MBT, Vieira Da Silva, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Development in the Republic of Portugal. During the meeting, they discussed the relations of cooperation between the two countries, as well as the different ways of enhancing and developing these relations, especially in the domains of Business and Trade.

Public Invitation

Under the auspices of HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, the Department of Consumer Protection, and as a part of its first cultural season, invites you to attend the lecture that will be given by Mr. Omar Abdel Kader Shteiwi, Chairman of Brand Owners in the Arab Gulf States- Dubai, under the title of “commercial fraud and counterfeiting of original trademarks; factors of demolition of the countries’ economies”.
The lecture will be given at ten o’clock of Monday morning, 24/01/2011, and will take place in the hall of HE Sheikh Fahad Bin Jassim Al Thani.
 
Greetings

Public Relations and Communications.

Reduce your prices said the Minister of Business and Trade to auto dealers

HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdualziz Al Thani, the Minster of Business & Trade, has urged auto dealers to reduce their prices and deliver top quality services to consumers.

During the meeting attended by chairmen of auto agencies in Qatar, he stressed that the Ministry will take actions, when needed, and it will not sit on the sidelines doing nothing, on the contrary, it will exert all efforts to safeguard and protect consumer rights.
The meeting discussed many issues related to prices of vehicles, spare parts, and after-sales maintenance services.
 
In line with the Minister’s directions, the Consumer Protection Department of the Ministry of Business & Trade has arranged several meetings with the chairmen and sales officers of auto agents in Qatar to reduce prices, offer after-sales top quality services, and pay more attention to quality of consumer service.
 
It is worth mentioning that HE Shk. Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister & Foreign Minister, has stressed during the 4th Businessmen Advisory Meeting the need for businessmen to reduce prices, “please consider reviewing and reducing your prices, otherwise, we will not make trade agencies exclusive anymore!”

The Minister of Business & Trade participates in COMCEC Forum

HE Shk. Jassim Bin Abdulaziz Bin Jassim Al Thani, the Minister of Business & Trade, has headed Qatar delegation participating in the 26th ministerial meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference “COMCEC”. The meeting, which was held in Turkey, has been opened by HE President Abdulla Gul. President Gul has wished the COMCEC to achieve the predefined quota of 20% among Muslim world by 2015.
He stressed the important role played by the COMCEC different arms and vehicles in achieving all resolutions passed by Mecca Extraordinary Meeting with respect to the 10-year program.
 
Qatar was one of the 1st states to sign Trade preferential system among the Member States of the OIC (TPS-OIC) and all supplemental agreements of this system. Based on TPS-OIC, It is expected that trade exchange will achieve the best interests of the member states. The ministerial meeting has discussed a number of the agenda topics. These topics included economic, trade and investment issues. In addition it discussed topics related to the international organizations and co-ordination among the OIC and its affiliate organizations and bodies on one hand, and the international economic groups on the other.
 
 
As approved, the ministerial meeting agenda has included recent economic changes and their impact on Muslim states economics and on the inter-trade volume among the member states in the light of TPS-OIC system and technical support provided by WTO, as well as activities related to trade finance and co-operation between the private sector and food security in Muslim World.
 
 
The ministerial meeting agenda has also approved financial co-operation in issues related to exchanges, central banks and agricultural development, as well as Shariah-compliant criteria for foodstuff. Qatar has been nominated to represent the Arab bloc in COMCEC Co-ordination Office and it won the majority of votes. Syria and Iraq were also nominated to run for this election, but the Qatari Delegation went with the majority of votes to head the Arab Bloc in COMCEC for 2011-2013 in the follow-up committee which reviews and prepares the agenda for all ministerial meetings. It is worth mentioning that all issues and topics raised for discussion by the Arab Bloc are to be submitted through the follow-up committee that is headed by Qatar.