On Wednesday, May 25, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will celebrate the World Intellectual Property Day, which aims to enhance the protection of property rights, widely disseminate them, and achieve the desired benefit from them. This year’s theme is ‘IP & Youth: Innovating for a Better Future’.

Taking place at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, the celebration includes two discussion sessions tackling the role of government and semi-governmental agencies in supporting intellectual property (IP) and youth, in addition to showcasing success stories of a number of Qatari youth, creators, and inventors, with the participation of the Qatar Scientific Club and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, as well as a number of innovators, inventors, and individuals interested in intellectual property.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry invites intellectual property agents, lawyers, the honorable public, as well as individuals interested in IP to attend the celebration organized at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel (Al Areen Hall), starting at 9 AM.

It is noteworthy that the celebration of the World Intellectual Property Day has been taking place annually since 2000 with the aim of spreading the IP culture, raising awareness of it, and increasing respect of IP rights.

The celebration activities aim to educate the public and encourage them to innovate, in terms of patents, artistic and literary works, trademarks and other areas included under IP rights.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry met with His Excellency Mr Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, on the side-linesof his participation in the World Economic Forum ‘Davos 2022’, held in Switzerland, under the theme: ‘Preparing for the Post-Covid era’, from May 22 to 26, 2022.

The meeting featured discussions on ways to develop bilateral relations across multiple fields, between the State of Qatar and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Moreover, the convening officials explored a number of issues of common interest aimed at strengthening cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, and industry, in addition to exchanging views on the topics on the Forum’s agenda.

Moreover, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the successful economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities available in Qatar that are aimed at encouraging Iraqi investors, businessmen, and business owners to invest in Qatar.

It is worth noting that the volume of trade exchange between the State of Qatar and the Iraqi Republic amounted to about $145.3 million in 2021. Additionally, Qatar is home to 304 Iraqi companies operating in many sectors and important economic activities. The two countries are bound by a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, including the Agreement on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation.

This year’s edition of the World Economic Forum Davos highlights a number of key issues and topics, including post-pandemic recovery and climate change. Over 2,500 leaders and experts from all over the world are taking part in ‘Davos 2022’, including more than 1,250 private sector leaders, along with up to 100 ‘global innovators’ and ‘technology pioneers’.

His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al-Khater, Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, headed Qatar’s delegation in the second extraordinary meeting of GCC’s undersecretaries of Industry, held in Riyadh.

Their excellencies, Undersecretaries discussed some of the topics on the agenda, that will contribute to improve Gulf countries joint actions, and promote their integrated industries. The meeting addressed adopting an integrated strategy to improve GCC’s Industries by seeking the increase of added value from manufacturing sector, and raising industrial competitiveness indicator worldwide, in addition to lifting private sector participation through SMEs.

During the meeting, update and modification the law of integrated industrial organization and its executive regulations were discussed as well, in order to fulfill GCC countries’ ambitions of building smart industries, and encourage the shift towards fourth industrial revolution based on innovation and sustainability.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced winning the Gold Stevie Award in the Innovation in Cross-Media Marketing category, at the Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards ceremony, held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, on May 21, 2022, under the sponsorship of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

 

The award was received by Mr. Tareq Hussain Al-Khalaf, Director of the Public Relations & Communication Department, and Mr Saif Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director of National Product Competitiveness Support Department. The award comes as the culmination of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s ceaseless efforts to enhance food security, develop local industries, and increase self-reliance in many key sectors, especially in light of sudden economic crises. Through this endeavour, the Ministry seeks achieving one of the main pillars of Qatar’s vision of building a competitive and diversified economy capable of meeting the needs of society at present and in the future.

 

In this context, the Ministry launched a cross-media marketing campaign at the State level, in addition to holding community activities, and promotions in commercial centres. The Ministry highlighted the quality and competitiveness of locally-made products, to address consumer preference for international brands. The campaign also aims to improve export capabilities through expanding opportunities for Qatari factory owners, thus providing them with a wide manufacturing base and increased market access.

 

The interactive campaign activities covered all important sectors including food, beverages, medical materials, textiles, paper, prints, electrical materials, furniture, wood, plastics, rubber, petroleum, building materials, metals, machinery, and manufacturing industries.

 

It is worth noting that the Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards are the world’s premier business awards. With their three categories: gold, silver and bronze, the awards are dedicated to honouring the largest organizations in innovation in the business sector across 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, including: Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Algeria, Lebanon, and Turkey.

In the presence of His Excellency Mr. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Her Excellency Mrs. Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain, inauguratedthe Qatari-Spanish Business Meeting, organisedat the headquarters of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) in Madrid.

The opening session of the business meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. Antonio Garamendi, President of CEOE, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, H.E. Mr. Jose Luis Bonet, President of the Spain Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Mr. Ignacio Galán, Co-President of the Qatari- Spain Business Committee from the Spanish side, and H.E. Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al-Thani, Co- President of the Qatari-Spain Business Committee from the Qatari side.

At the onset of his opening speech, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom of Spain for its warm reception and hospitality, shining a spotlight at the strong, solid relations between the two countries.

H.E. touched on the Qatari-Spanish economic relations, pointing out that they had witnessed significant development during the past years. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries witnessed growth of about 44% between 2020 and 2021 to reach around $1.2 billion last year.

On the investment front, the number of Spanish companies operating in Qatar has reached about 220 companies that are active in a number of economic and vital fields, H.E. further stated, highlighting that the State of Qatar had made investments in the strategic sectors that support the Spanish economy, including those of tourism, sports, and real estate.

H.E. added that the agreements signed between the two sides during the past years had also contributed to consolidating Qatari-Spanish bilateral relations. Moreover, H.E. expressed his happiness with establishing the Qatari-Spanish Business Council, aimed at providing a platform and a starting point for enhancing economic and investment cooperation.

“We are aware of the importance of partnership in ensuring strengthening interstate bilateral relations. Therefore, the State of Qatar considers the Kingdom of Spain a promising strategic partner given the significant economic factors that characterise our two nations,” H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry said.

In this context, H.E. referred to the position of the State of Qatar as a leading investment destination in the region and the world, owing to its advanced business environment based on a stimulating legislative and administrative system and a robust infrastructure designed and built according to the highest international standards. These advantages instilled the State of Qatar in a strategic position as a logistical gateway for expanding towards markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

In this regard, H.E. drew attention to the role played by Qatari ports, including Hamad Port, a key commercial port in the region. Many other major institutions play a significant role in promoting Qatar’s economic openness, and attracting major companies and investors from all over the world, H.E. added.

These gains contributed to enhancing the strength and durability of the Qatari economy, H.E. further stated, adding that according to the latest World Bank estimates, the Qatari economy was expected to grow by 4.9% in 2022.

In this context, H.E. referred to the remarkable performance of the non-oil sectors, whose contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to about 63.2% in 2021.

Moreover, H.E. pointed out the efforts made by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to develop the contribution of the manufacturing sector.

H.E. also referred to the rapid development witnessed by the telecommunications and information technology sector in Qatar at the level of technical infrastructure and fifth generation optical networks, which contributed to Qatar having a leading position in the MENA region as reflected in the Government Electronic and Mobile Services (GEMS) Maturity Index for the year 2021, according to a report issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

In a related context, H.E. expressed his appreciation of the continuous Qatari and Spanish efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for bilateral cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, H.E. referred to the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the two sides in the field of digital services, agricultural production, and joint cooperation between both countries’ business sectors.

At the conclusion of his speech, H.E. expressed his aspiration that the Business Meeting would contribute to advancing the distinguished Qatari-Spanish bilateral relations towards broader horizons of cooperation and joint action.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Her Excellency Mrs. Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain, witnessed the signing ceremony of two MoUs between Qatar Chamber and each of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.

In the signing, the Qatari side was represented by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber. From the Spanish side, the MoUs weresigned by His Excellency Mr. José Luis Bonet, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and His Excellency Mr. Ángel Asensio, President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.

The MoUs aim to strengthen bridges of dialogue between the Qatari and Spanish business sectors and to consolidate cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, services, as well as other economic fields. 

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Qatari Businessmen Association and Iberdrola Company. From the Qatari side, the MoU was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Second Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Businessmen Association. From the Spanish side, it was signed by Mr. Ignacio Galán, Chairman and CEO of Iberdrola Company.

Moreover, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry attended the signing of an MoU between the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar and Iberdrola Company, aimed at establishing a global innovation center to support digital transformation in the State of Qatar. The said MoU was signed by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, from the Qatari side. As for the Spanish side, it was signed by Mr. Santiago Bañales, Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation in the Middle East.

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of digital services, as well as to tap into the potential of the research, development, and innovation environment in the State of Qatar.

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry also saw the signing of an MoU between Hassad Food Company and Integra Agricultura Y Tecnologia, aimed at recycling the surplus agricultural production.

From the Qatari side, the MoU was signed byH.E. Eng. Mohammed Badr Al-Sada, CEO of Hassad Food Company, while from the Spanish side, it was signed by Mr. Esteban Barrachina, CEO of Integra Agricultura Y Tecnología.

The MoU in question seeks to develop innovative local projects that contribute to achieving food security for the State of Qatar, preserving local agricultural resources, and increasing local production of fodder.

The meeting featured a dialogue session on investment opportunities in the State of Qatar, during which visual presentations were made by His Excellency Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al–Thani, CEO of the Investment Promotion AgencyQatar, Mr. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, CEO and Board Member of the Qatar Financial Centre, His Excellency Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority and Mr. Yosouf Al-Salehi, Executive Director of Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

The presentations highlighted the performance of the national economy, the investment opportunities available in Qatar, as well as Qatar’s business environment, advanced logistical infrastructure, and promising economic sectors.

Moreover, the Meeting included a dialogue session on Qatari-Spanish economic and trade relations. The said dialogue session featured the participation of a number of Spanish authorities specialised in renewable energies, engineering, sports, and media.

The Business Meeting also comprised a number of bilateral side-meetings between businessmen from both sides, during which they discussed ways to build investment partnerships in sectors that support both countries’ economies.

It is worth noting that the Qatari-Spanish Business Meeting aims to build bridges of communication, as well as enhance trade, investment, and industrial relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain. It also ambitions to create effective partnerships and attract new investments to the Qatari market.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al-Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the Fifth Conference on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED), themed ‘Entrepreneurial Digital Transformation’, oragnised by Qatar University in cooperation with the Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait.

 

At the outset of his opening speech, H.E. Mr Al-Khater stressed the importance of CEED, which highlights ‘Entrepreneurial Digital Transformation’, especially in light of the great and unprecedented development witnessed by information and communication technology (ICT), following the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The pandemic contributed to reducing the run-up to implementing long-term digital transformation plans from years to a mere few months, H.E. Mr Al-Khater stated. Countries moved towards accelerating the adoption of technological solutions to address the economic consequences of the pandemic and achieve business continuity in various vital sectors, seeking to balance and stabilise their economies.

 

As Qatar recognises the vital role that digital technology plays in supporting the growth of the national economy, the State has sought to motivate various government agencies to: adopt advanced technical solutions to shorten and facilitate procedures, abolish paper transactions, and digitise all services, H.E. Mr Al Khater said. This endeavour contributes to developing the business environment, according to a clear strategy aimed at building an advanced digital economy that achieves the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).

 

In this regard, H.E. drew attention to the keenness of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to cooperate and coordinate with various relevant government agencies and bodies with the aim of accelerating and shortening the procedures for granting approvals and licenses necessary for establishing businesses.

 

The Ministry has also made sure to provide access to these services through its smart electronic Single Window platform, which aims to assist investors during the various stages of establishing a business, starting from the planning stages, through the registration procedures, to issuing the necessary licenses through an electronic interface that connects investors to about 18 government agencies through a single platform.

 

Moreover, the Ministry launched the 1000 Opportunities initiative, which forms part of the Single Window e-platform, H.E. Mr Al-Khater said, pointing out that the said initiative allowed local investors and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to view the existing and future opportunities and projects that would meet their projects’ various needs, whether in terms of products or services, which would be provided by local private sector companies.

As part of developing e-services provided to entrepreneurs and small investors, the Ministry launched the Qatar Business Map portal on its website, H.E. Mr Al-Khater pointed out.

The Qatar Business Map portal aims at providing a database that contributes to facilitating the access of emerging and small projects to target customers, in addition to helping entrepreneurs to choose the ideal site for establishing their businesses.

H.E. explained that these programmes and initiatives aim to support Qatar’s leading position in various specialised economic reports in this field. In this regard, H.E. Mr Al-Khater referred to the 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, which states that Qatar ranked first globally in terms of Employee Entrepreneurial Activity (EEA) that serves the national economy. Moreover, Qatar ranked first in the MENA region and fourth globally in the best supportive government policies in the field of taxes and bureaucratic procedures, as well as the first in the MENA region and fifth globally in entrepreneurship education and training at the university and vocational levels.

 

H.E. Mr Al-Khater said efforts were underway to develop more programmes and initiatives, and remove all obstacles facing the various private sector components, especially entrepreneurship. Moreover, the said private sector components are being directed towards sectors that support Qatar’s national economy, H.E. Mr Al-Khater added.

 

H.E. stressed the keenness of the State of Qatar to establish tools and programmes to enhance the ability of young entrepreneurs to contribute to economic growth and develop their entrepreneurial projects to form a key part of the national economy’ pillars.

 

At the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry called on the entrepreneurship sector to present innovative and new projects and ideas in future sectors and industries, so as to support Qatar’s journey towards transitioning into a knowledge-based digital economy.

 

CEED aims to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences to advance and develop entrepreneurship research in the region. CEED also seeks to enhance research cooperation between all participants in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, and to develop sustainable policies that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

 

In this year’s edition, CEED tackles a number of topics related to digital transformation, by hosting several Qatari, Arab, and international experts and researchers. CEED also features sessions for key speakers in the field of entrepreneurship and digital transformation, as well as entrepreneurship policies. The conference also includes various discussion panels on entrepreneurial digital transformation and the entrepreneurship system in the Qatar, the Arab countries, and other countries of the world.

 

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with Her Excellency Mrs. Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain.

During the meeting, the officials discussed ways to develop bilateral relations between the two nations in various fields. Moreover, the meeting featured previewing a number of issues of common interest aimed at strengthening cooperation at the level of trade, investment, and industry.

During the meeting, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the successful economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislation, and promising opportunities available in Qatar that are aimed at encouraging Spanish investors, businessmen, and business owners to invest in Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank (QDB)’s Coding and Tracking Office (GS1 Qatar Office), organized a workshop entitled ‘Introducing Qatari Coding and Tracking Office and International Barcode’.

 

The workshop featured introducing the global standards organisation (GS1), the business solution services it provides, the global standards system (GS1 System), and the rules for assigning article numbers to products, services, and places.

 

Also, during the workshop, the Qatar’s Coding and Tracking Office (GS1 Qatar) was introduced, as well as the services it provides to Qatari companies, and the most important sectors registered in it, such as food industries, agricultural products, pharmaceutical industries, drug stores, chemical industries, clothing and textiles, electrical appliances, and furniture.

 

The workshop also touched on the global barcode, as well as its types, reading mechanisms, various use applications, barcode printing and its quality, printing methods and mechanisms, correct barcode placement, and the mechanism of using the Global Company Prefix (GCP) in creating the global barcode, in addition to addressing the mechanisms of registration and obtaining membership in GS1 Qatar Office.

 

The office was established last year, after Qatar had obtained in 2020, by a unanimous vote, the approval of the General Assembly of GS1 to establish a barcode office for Qatari products. Qatar was granted the code 630 for locally-made products that can be exported or even traded within the country.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with H.E. Ms. Zuraida Kamaruddin, Malaysian Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the commercial, industrial, and investment relations between the State of Qatar and Malaysia, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that allow Malaysiancompanies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the closure of three warehouses in Birkat Al-Awamer for a period of 14 days each, for violating Law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors. The violation was issued for practicing a commercial activity without having the required licensing.

The measure comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor and regulate markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and to assess the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities, in a bid to uncover and crack down on violations.

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in meeting the obligations stipulated in Law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial, and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors.

The Ministry is intensifying its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer violators of laws and Ministerial decisions to the competent authorities.

The Ministry further urges all citizens and residents to report any violations pertaining to registration and commercial licensing via the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

Doha – Sunday, April 17, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Mr. Moon Sung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, currently visiting Qatar.

 

During the meeting, the officials touched on the commercial, industrial, and investment relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Korea, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

 

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that allow Korean companies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

It is worth noting that the State of Qatar and the Republic of Korea have strong economic and trade relations, as the volume of trade exchange between them amounted to nearly $11.57 billion in 2021. The Republic of Korea ranks as the State of Qatar’s fourth trading partner.

 

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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry celebrated Qatar Family Day, commemorated annually on 15 April, by illuminating its headquarters in Lusail in green.

Through its participation, the Ministry aims to enhance family cohesion and stability, highlighting its importance in the community and society at large. It also aims to share in community development as a means to enhance the values of solidarity and unity among family members.

 

The idea of Qatar’s dedicated Family Day first emerged on the side-lines of the World Family Conference hosted by the State of Qatar and organised by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in 2004, to mark the 10^th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. The official Qatar Family Day has been celebrated annually since 2011 in the country.

Doha – Monday, April 11, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Mr. Mike Purzycki, Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, USA, currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed Qatari-US relations and cooperation efforts, and ways of enhancing them especially in the commercial, investment and industrial fields.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that allow American companies to expand and invest in Qatar.

 

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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Merch and partners W.L.L, Qatar’s Kinder chocolate dealership, has announced the recall campaign of kinder surprise MAXI chocolate eggs 100g, made in Belgium, batch numbers: L004L03 & L005L03-AD, due to possible contamination with salmonella bacteria.

The Ministry said the recall campaign comes to assure immediate stop of using the product, and return it temporarily to the vendor. stressing that it will follow up on the withdraw of all the quantities subjected to contamination from all selling ports across the country.

The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the recall campaign and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary actions are carried out.

The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– Email: info@moci.gov.qa

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s mobile application available on iPhone and Android devices MOCI_QATAR

 

 

 

 

Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry organised today its annual ceremony, under the theme ‘2021’s Harvest’.

 

The event was organised to celebrate the Ministry’s achievements in 2021, to shed light on priorities and upcoming projects for 2022, as well as to recognise the Ministry’s employees across all administrative units.

 

The ceremony was attended by the Ministry’s senior officials and heads of departments, as well as a large number of employees.

 

The annual event aims to foster cooperation between the senior leadership and employees, enhancing loyalty and teamwork in the workplace, as well as highlighting the achievements of the Ministry’s various administrative units.

 

During his speech, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry stressed the importance of this annual meeting, as it highlights key achievements and future projects, and honours the Ministry’s dedicated team.

 

H.E. added that Qatar continues to confidently advance towards the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030, in line with the aims set out by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. This includes a commitment to excellence in all fields, and to establishing a development trajectory that consolidates Qatar as a regional leader in the economic, trade and investment fields.

 

In this regard, H.E. explained that the Ministry contributed to the implementation of a comprehensive economic programme that successfully consolidated the national economy, in alignment with the Qatar National Development Strategy 2018-2022 priorities. H.E. further pointed out that the Ministry is following a roadmap with integrated pillars, recognising human capital as the main asset towards the national vision.

 

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry thanked the Ministry’s units and employees for their sincere efforts and dedication to achieving progress and prosperity of Qatar.

 

The ceremony featured a video presentation of the Ministry’s most prominent achievements in 2021, and a look at its strategic orientation for 2022.

 

By honouring distinguished employees, the Ministry aims to emphasise the role of individuals in supporting its vision and to incentivise employees across all administrative units to continue in their efforts and achievements.

 

 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, has conducted a joint inspection campaign on garages in Sailiya Al Attiyah.

The inspection campaign resulted in seizing and releasing 10 violations against garages, for carrying out commercial activities without obtaining the required licensing.

These inspection campaigns are part of the Ministry’s efforts to protect consumer rights and to monitor the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations governing the commercial sector.

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in meeting obligations stipulated in law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial, and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors.

The Ministry is working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer violators of laws and Ministerial decisions to the relevant authorities to take the appropriate measures.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations pertaining to registration and commercial licensing via the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the closure of two agricultural nurseries in the Umm Al-Amad for a period of 15 days each, for violating Law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors. The violation consisted of practicing a commercial activity without having the required licensing.

This measure forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor and regulate markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and to assess the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities, in a bid to uncover and crack down on violations.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial, and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors.

The Ministry is working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer violators of laws and Ministerial decisions to the competent authorities, so they take the due measures.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations that include the registration and commercial licensing via the following channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce and Industrytook part in the second edition of the Doha Smart Cities Expo, held under the theme“Sustaining a Future of Resilience”, between March 29-30, 2022, at Msheireb Downtown.

The pavilion organised by the Ministry shed light on the most important initiatives that were launched to facilitate doing business in Qatar, including the Single Window platform and the e-services provided by the Ministry through its website and mobile application.

The Ministry also highlighted the launch of its Business Map portal on the Ministry’s website. The portal aims to provide a wide database for users, allowing them to view investment advantages across Qatar. It offers a search service for commercial establishments perregion, displaying both the available and the most common commercial activities. The portal further provides statistics on the number of commercial licenses registered in each municipality, new and signed-off commercial licenses, and the latest commercial establishments registered in Qatar.

At the Expo, the Ministry offered insights into the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy via the Qatar Industrial Portal, including its 2030 goals and growth projections for the industrial sector. The Ministry further underlined its role in developing industrial zones and regulating industrial land allocation to investors with industrial licenses.

Smart City Expo Doha 2022 is a global platform dedicated to discussing, addressing and creating innovative solutions to the challenges facing the cities of the future. It features high-profile local and international keynote speakers, more than 100 exhibitors, and 60 speakers and smart city professionals from all over the world.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry called on all public and private joint stock companies to hold the ordinary General Assembly meeting within four months after the end of their fiscal year, in accordance with Article (123) of Law No. (11) of 2015 on Promulgating the Commercial Companies Law, amended by Law No. (8) of 2021.

The Article stipulates that: “The General Assembly shall convene at the invitation of the board of directors at least once a year in the place and time prescribed by the board of directors after approval by the Department. The General Assembly shall be held within the four (4) months following the end of the company’s financial year. The board of directors may convene the General Assembly whenever necessary.”

Under the patronage of His ExcellencySheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin AbdulazizAl–Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the Build Your House (BYH) Exhibition 2022, taking place from March 28-30 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry toured the BYH Exhibit to see the various pavilions, services and products offered by the participating companies and institutions.

In a statement on this occasion, H.E.stressed that the BYH Exhibit reflects the important role played by the construction sector in supporting the construction boom in Qatar, in light of its aims to completevarious development projects under the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The BYH Exhibit represents an opportunity to learn about prominent technological developments and the bestinternational practices in the field of engineering, construction and design, H.E. said. The exhibit also forms a key platform to strike fruitful and successful partnerships with specialist companies and consultants in the field, in support of the national economy.

The BYH Exhibit provides a conduit for individuals and companies engaged in theconstruction sector. Last year’s edition witnessed the signing of deals worth aboutQAR 420 million.  The 2022 edition features the participation of over 150 exhibitors in five main sectors, including consulting services, contracting, supply, public services, and smart solutions.

 

Doha – Sunday, March 27, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with a number of ministers and officials participating in the 20th edition of the Doha Forum, held on March 26-27 under the slogan ‘Transformation into a New Era’.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry held individual meetings with His Excellency Mr. Ivan Korčok, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Eng. Luis Alberto Castiglioni, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Paraguay, His Excellency Mr. Vincent Keaveny, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and His Excellency Mr. Kairat Kelimbetov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meetings, the officials discussed aspects of joint cooperation, especially in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They also exchanged views on the topics on the Forum’s agenda.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry moreover highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that

allow investors, businessmen, and company owners to expand and invest in Qatar.

-Ends-

Doha – Thursday, March 24, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with a US delegation, headed by former US Representative, Jane Harman, on the occasion of its visit to Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed Qatari-US relations and cooperation efforts, and ways of enhancing them, especially in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, in addition to exchanging views on a number of issues, including trade relations between the State of Qatar and other countries.

 

The Minister of Commerce and Industry welcomed the visiting American delegation, highlighting the importance of regular meetings to strengthen historic Qatari-US relations, and to enhance coordination and mutual cooperation in areas of common interest.

 

During the meeting, His Excellency underscored the strength of the Qatari and American bond, as this year marks the 50^th anniversary since diplomatic relations between the two countries have been established.

The State of Qatar continues to view the United States of America as its first investment destination in several industries, including information and communications technology, real estate, construction, engineering and financial services, His Excellency pointed out.

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry noted that financial, agricultural, health, and sports technology, as well as clean technology, e-commerce, and smart cities contributed to supporting and stimulating economic diversification, sustainability, and digital transformation in the State of Qatar.

 

Doha – Wednesday, March 23, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Bashir Abdalla, Minister of Minerals of the Sudanese Republic, and his accompanying delegation currently visiting the country.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Obaidli, CEO of Qatar Mining.

 

During the meeting, the officials touched on the commercial, industrial, and investment relations between the State of Qatar and the Sudanese Republic, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

 

During the meeting, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that allow Sudanese companies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al- Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, participated in a reception, organised by the Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar, on the occasion of the launch of Qatar’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

 

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Satoshi Maeda, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, members of the preparation committee for Qatar’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, as well as a number of CEOs of Japanese companies in Doha.

 

During his speech, H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, noted that Qatar was pleased to participate and contribute to the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, alongside other friendly countries, as well as regional and international organisations. Qatar’s involvement stems from the long-term relations between the country and the friendly nation of Japan, which is currently witnessing growth and development in all fields, H.E. pointed out.

 

On the economic level, there is steady growth of trade and investment in industrial and development projects between the two countries, as the cooperation between Qatar and Japan has expanded from the energy sector to include construction, health, sports, security, education, as well as research and development, H.E. stated.

 

H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry affirmed that the State of Qatar’s participation in the global event comes from its belief in the importance of the exhibition’s theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, which aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

 

Expo 2025 Osaka will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and will cover three sub-themes: saving lives, empowering lives, and connecting lives. The expo will address how to build sustainable social and economic systems of the future that draw on robotics, modern tech, and artificial intelligence.

 

The expo activities and events fall in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable society.

 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is taking part in the seventh edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, DIMDEX 2022, held under the theme ‘Connecting the World’s Maritime Defence and Security Community’. The event is taking place between 21–23 March at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

The Ministry is participating in the flagship event with a pavilion, showcasing variousincentives within the Qatari business environment, as well as key initiatives and legislations passed by the State to stimulate local and foreign investment, including the law regulating public-private partnerships and the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity.

As part of its display, the Ministry is also offering a preview of the Qatar Manufacturing Strategy (2018-2022), its goals for 2030, andvarious growth projections for the manufacturing sector. The display highlights the Ministry’s role in the development of local industrial zones and the regulation of industrial land allocation to investors with industrial licenses.

The pavilion further aims to highlight keyinitiatives launched to make Qatar’s business environment more accessible, including the Single Window services and e-services provided by the Ministry through its website and mobile application.

DIMDEX is a dynamic platform attended by key decision makers and industry leaders in the maritime defence and security industry. It provides the opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their latest, state-of-the-art technologies and products to industry leaders to secure crucial deals and partnerships. 

In its current edition, DIMDEX brings togetherover 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries to display their new technologies. Additionally, the Exhibition features the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, which will discuss the latest developments in the field of maritime security and defence in a series of high-level panel discussions. The Exhibition will alsowitness the signing several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with His Excellency Mr. Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Climate of the Federal Republic of Germany, and his accompanying delegation, who currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relation between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They alsodiscussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that allow foreign companies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the 8^th Doha Islamic Finance Conference, entitled ‘Digital FinTech and Decentralization’,  organized by Bait Al-Mashura Financial Consulting Company.

In his opening speech, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry expressed thanks and appreciation to H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for his constant keenness to support the financial sector, given that it constitutes a key component of the national economy’s growth.

The Islamic banking sector today represents a key pillar of the financial sector in Qatar, H.E. stressed, pointing out that Qatari Islamic banks ranked among the largest Islamic banks at the regional and international levels.

According to the International Monetary Fund’s definition of major Islamic financial markets, Qatar has been among the top ten countries in the world in the Islamic Finance Index, over the past ten years, H.E. stated, noting in this regard that the assets of Islamic finance in Qatar had amounted to about 528 billion QAR, of which the assets of Islamic banks accounted for about 86%.

 

H.E. praised the successful Barwa bank – International Bank of Qatar merger that created Dukhan bank, in addition to commending the recent merger between Masraf Al Rayan and Khaleeji Commercial Bank, noting that these operations resulted in the creation of new banking entities that are considered one of the largest Islamic banks in the world.

 

The pace of digital transformation in countries around the world has seen an unprecedented acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic, H.E. stated. Governments around the world moved to accelerate the adoption of technological tools to curb the pandemic’s repercussions, and maintain business in various vital sectors in a way that supports the balance and stability of their financial and economic systems.

 

In this regard, H.E. stressed the importance of the conference as it comprised a significant opportunity to shed light on the approach adopted by Qatar, to quickly adapt to changes and adopt various advanced technological solutions based on artificial intelligence and cloud computing, especially financial technology, according to the top technical standards and regulatory controls.

 

The Qatari market offers great opportunities for FinTech international companies, especially in light of the projected expenditures allocated for information and communications technology in Qatar, which could reach 9 billion USD by 2024, H.E. added.

 

The Islamic FinTech market in Qatar was estimated at 850 million USD in 2020, H.E. stated, further pointing out that it was expected to grow to 2 billion USD in 2025.

 

The said growth comes within the framework of the State’s approach to create an innovation environment, through putting in place the National FinTech Strategy, in addition to the Qatar Financial Center (QFC) programs, especially the ‘Tech Talk’ series, and the QFC Tech Circle, in addition to launching the Qatar FinTech Hub in 2020. The Qatar FinTech Hub ranked as the second largest investor in the FinTech sector in the MENA region in the first quarter of 2021, hence consolidating Qatar’s position as a financial innovation hub, regionally and globally.

 

At the conclusion of his speech, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry stressed that the growing process of Islamic finance in Qatar, and the continuous efforts to develop it required today active and innovative steps to preserve its achievements in light of global changes. H.E. noted that the conference allowed discussing ways to achieve compatibility between Islamic banks, laws, and requirements of supervisory authorities related to decentralized digital financial technology, in addition to exploring future visions for this sector in light of the general provisions of Islamic Sharia.

 

For his part, Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti,  Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Vice-Chairman of Bait Al-Mashura, stressed that the 8^th Doha Islamic Finance Conference comprised an extension of previous conferences focused on discussing the reality of Islamic finance, its challenges, and opportunities, according to forward-looking, future visions for this important sector.

 

 

He said, “At Bait Al-Mashura, we take pride in organizing these events, which we consider part of our duties and our mission towards the Qatari community, by promoting financial culture and teaching money management skills for soundly handling money affairs within the family and society.”

 

In turn, Mr. Talal Al Khaja, Group Chief Communications Officer, expressed that Dukhan Bank was pleased to have sponsored this conference as of its first edition. Since its inception, the conference has been sponsored and supported financially by Dukhan Bank, whose continuous support for the Doha Islamic Finance Conference stems from its firm belief in the importance of spreading knowledge in rationalizing and guiding the Islamic banking experience, as well as discovering the features of its future, which is projected to be promising, Mr. Khaja said.

 

Dukhan Bank is fully aware of the important role that digital technology plays in the world of finance, Mr. Khaja further stated. Therefore, when launching its new identity, the bank was keen to make this transformation prominent within its goals and future vision. The bank has witnessed major digitization transformations, and has sought to compete locally and internationally in this field. Recently, it has achieved great international acclaim, and received the Best Use of Machine Learning award for its virtual assistant service, ‘Rashid’, becoming the first bank in the Middle East region to win this award.  Mr. Al Khaja also expressed his aspiration that the outcomes of the conference would contribute to enhancing the experience of Islamic banking in Qatar and the world.

 

For his part, H.E Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani, Director General of the General Department of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs (the Diamond sponsor of the conference), stressed that sponsoring this conference stemmed from the General Department of Endowments’ interest in informative events largely affecting the financing and Islamic endowment arena. In this regard, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani pointed out the allocation of one of the six major endowment banks to support scientific and cultural development, through various projects to enhance and disseminate scientific knowledge.

 

H.E. explained that the title of the conference, ‘Digital FinTech and Decentralization’, coupled with the conference’s focus on endowment matters, reflected the critical importance of digital transformation in the endowment field, so as to develop its mechanisms and products. This approach has gone hand-in-hand with the General Department of Endowments’ future vision, knowing that the Department is currently launching the website and a new application for endowments. These tools seek to provide a unique digital experience by making all the Department’s endowment projects and various services available to the public automatically and easily. H.E. expressed his aspirations that the conference outcomes would contribute to strengthening the endowment industry in Qatar and the world.

 

For his part, Dr. Osama Qais Al-Duraei, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Managing Director and CEO of Bait al-Mashura Finance Consultations, said that the topics of the Doha Islamic Finance Conference were carefully selected according to a forward-looking vision for the future of Islamic finance in an accelerating and transformative time at all economic levels. The Organizing Committee has been keen to attract senior experts and specialists in the topics and themes of the conference in an effort to present distinguished outputs that enhance the role of Islamic finance and its institutions, Dr. Al-Duraei stated.

 

He stressed that the message of the Doha Islamic Finance Conference sought supporting the process of Islamic finance and Islamic banking within the State of Qatar and internationally. Moreover, it aims to spread the Islamic economy culture by making the activities of this event more accessible to the public, by allowing in-person attendance pursuant to the instructions issued by the regulatory authorities, in addition to having the option to attend via digital platforms, Dr. Al-Duraei pointed out. Dr. Al-Duraei thanked the supervisory and regulatory authorities for their support and cooperation in facilitating the establishment of this event, marking the most prominent Islamic finance event in Qatar.

 

It is worth noting that the Doha Islamic Finance Conference, in its eighth edition, addressed four main themes, featuring interventions by a group of scholars and experts in the field of Islamic economics and finance. The first axis discussed the role of supervisory institutions in dealing with decentralized digital financial technology. The second axis touched on Sharia provisions in decentralized digital financial technology, while the third axis touched on the nature and mechanisms of decentralized digital financial products, and the fourth axis previewed the experiences of decentralized digital FinTech through financial institutions, as well as local and international financial technology companies.

 

The proceedings of the conference also witnessed international participation from governmental bodies, international organizations, as well as financial and academic institutions specializing in the field of economics, money, digital technology, and Islamic finance.

In addition, this year’s edition of the conference featured organizing the Community Financial Culture Week, from March 13 until March 17, 2022, with the aim of spreading financial culture, and providing the knowledge and skills pertaining to the world of digital FinTech.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry carried out extensive inspection campaigns in January and February, on several vegetables and fruits stores across Qatar, to monitor the level of suppliers’ compliance with Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection.

The inspection campaigns, which included 299 shops, resulted in seizing and issuing 108 violations including: non-compliance with the mandatory price bulletin, failure to display the mandatory price bulletin, and the absence of product information and prices. These practices come in violation of Law No. (12) of 1972 on Mandatory Pricing and Fixing Profits, and Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection.

 

These inspection campaigns come within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to protect consumer rights by ensuring that the prices applied by retail outlets comply with the daily price bulletins of vegetables and fruits issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The bulletins aim to achieve the desired balance between profits made by the suppliers on the one hand, and the requirements of consumer protection, monitoring prices, and controlling inflation rates on the other.

The Ministry affirms that it will strictly deal with all those who neglect their obligations under law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its implementing regulations.

The Ministry is working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer violators of laws and Ministerial decisions to the competent authorities to take the due measures.

The Ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued its monthly report on special licenses for February 2022, with 125 licenses granted for sale at reduced prices (discounts, festivals, final liquidations, and loyalty customers).

 

The report indicates that 486 licenses were granted in February, including for promotions, special offers, prize draw, and clear and win. 64 licenses were granted for companies on goods in malls and retail outlets; and 405 licenses for special offers, including new prices, buy one and get one free, and buy one and get the other at half the price. The report also indicates that 17 licenses were granted for prize draws in February.

 

 

 

Type of offer license	Number
Promotional offers	64
Special offers	405
Prize draws	17
Swipe and win	0
Total	486

 

H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al–Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with H.E. Mr. Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (KOBIA), currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They alsodiscussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities allow foreign companies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is taking part in the Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental Exhibition(AgriteQ), running from 10-14 March 2022 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center(DECC).

In a special pavilion, the Ministry is showcasing some of its most prominent initiatives launched to support Qatari products and their competitiveness in the local, regional, and international markets.

The Ministry will also spotlight some of the laws and legislation passed to stimulate domestic and foreign investment, including the law regulating public-private partnership, and the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity. Key initiatives aimed atsimplifying Qatar’s business environment will also be on display, including the Single Window services and the Ministry’s e-services available via its website and mobile application.

Additionally, the Ministry will highlight various efforts in achieving food security, monitoring the State’s strategic stock, monitoring markets, and supervising the development and regulation of central markets.

AgriteQ is an invaluable opportunity for cooperation and knowledge exchange between local and international institutions. The platform effectively promotes investment in agricultural projects and facilitates access to the latest technological innovations, which contribute to agricultural production and food security.

H.E. Mr. Sultan Bin Rashid Al-Khater, the Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met today with H.E. Mr. Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, and hisaccompanying delegation currently visiting Doha.

During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. They alsodiscussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

During the meeting, H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed tothe incentives, legislations, and opportunities that allow foreign companies to expand and invest in the State of Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry carried out intensive inspection campaigns in February 2022 to monitor the level of supplier compliance (retail outlets) with their obligations stipulated in the laws and Ministerial decisions on consumer protection. The inspections fall within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar, in a bid to control prices and identity violations so as to protect consumer rights.

The inspection campaigns resulted in the issuance of (107) different violations, including: failure to guarantee that the performed service during a period of time is commensurate with the nature of that service, failure to refund the amount paid by the recipient of the service, or to perform it again in an appropriate manner; failure to write all the explanatory information about the displayed commodity; failure to comply with the mandatory price bulletin of vegetables and fruits; as well as describing acommodity, advertising it, or displaying it in a manner that contains false or deceptive information.  

The violations also included making a promotion without obtaining the necessary license from the competent department; failure to display prices; non-compliance with implementing all guarantees related to the commodity; and displaying expired products.  

Penalties imposed on retail outlets included administrative closures and fines ranging between QAR 5,000 and QAR 30,000, as per the laws and decisions regulating the work of the Consumer Protection Department.

The following are the types and numbers of violations for February 2022:

No.	Violation Type	Number
1	Failure to display prices	6
2	Failure to display prices in Arabic	1
3	Failure to issue invoices in Arabic	4
4	Failure to issue complete invoices	2
5	Failure to offer an Arabic version of the information on displayed commodities	2
6	Failure to clearly define the service information, features, characteristics, and pricing	2
7	Failure to provide spare parts, delay in after-sales service, and failure to provide an alternative car	2
8	Failure to place the issued promotional offer license in a visible and prominent place on the storefront	1
9	Failure to place labels on goods included in discounts, indicating the original and reduced prices	1
10	Failure to comply with the mandatory price bulletin of vegetables and fruits	12
11	Failure to write all the explanatory information about the displayed commodity	14
12	Failure to provide spare parts for durable goods within a specified period of time	1
13	Failure to guarantee that the performed service during a period of time is commensurate with the nature of that service, to refund the amount paid by the recipient of the service, or to perform it again in an appropriate manner	26
14	Non-compliance with the form and format of the promotion advertisement approved by the competent department	1
15	Failure to apply all commodity guarantees	6
16	Making a promotional offer without obtaining the necessary license from the competent department	8
17	Offering a discount without obtaining the necessary license from the competent department	4
18	Describing the commodity, advertising it, or displaying it in a manner that contains false or deceptive information	9
19	Charging a higher price than that announced	1
20	Displaying expired products	4
Total		107

The concerned consumer protection authorities in the Ministry also received a number of complaints, which were dealt with and resolved via the necessary measures.

The Ministry affirms that it will strictly deal with all those who neglect their obligations under the Consumer Protection Law and its implementing regulations. It stresses that it plans to intensify inspection campaigns to crack down on such practices. It will refer all those who violate the laws and Ministerial decisions regulating the work of the Department to the competent authorities to take appropriate measures against them to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry urges all consumers to report any violations or infringements, and to send complaints and suggestions through the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

His Excellency Sultan bin Rashid Al–Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with a delegation from the USBusiness Council for International Understanding (BCIU), headed by Mr. James Nevels, Chairman of BCIU, during their currentvisit to Doha.

The officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields.

H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.

The BCIU was established in 1955 as a non-profit organisation that aims to provide consultancy and training to international companies. It holds many high-level events that bring together State leaders, ministers, business leaders, economic experts, and heads of international organisations, to spark action-producing dialogue in support of international trade.

His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with a US trade mission delegation currently visiting Qatar, in the presence of Ms. Megan Schildgen, Senior Commercial Officer at the US Embassy in Qatar and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission.

The delegation included representatives of 10 major US companies, specialising in various sectors, namely oil and gas, energy, information technology, health technology, education, security services, engineering, and consulting services.

Trade, industrial, and investment relations between the two countries were discussed, as well as means of developing them in light of the close ties between the two nations.

 

During the meeting, H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that Qatar has sought to accelerate initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing its economic openness and supporting its position as an ideal destination for business and investment. Qatar’sprogress in this regard includes the introduction of new legislations that stimulate foreign investors and private sector, such as the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capitalin economic activity and the investment free zones law, both of which allow foreign investors an ownership of up to 100 percent.

Additionally, Qatar has allowed non-Qatari individuals and businesses real estate ownership in several vital economic and tourist areas in the country, H.E. further pointed out, adding that theState had passed a law to regulate public-private partnership, with the aim of increasing the contribution of private sector companies in building, financing, operating, and managing State development projects. His Excellency called on American companies to capitalise onsaid legislations and encouraged them expand their investment in the Qatari market.

The meeting also featured a presentation of the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar (IPA Qatar) that showcased promising investment opportunities available to US companies, introduced potential investors to Qatar’s business platforms, and highlighted the local business environment‘s benefits and incentives for USinvestors wishing to establish their businesses in Qatar.

Qatar and the US foster close economic and trade relations that have positively impacted thetrade volume between the two countries, which reached around USD 5.4 billion in 2021.

His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with Her Excellency Asila bint Salim Al Samsamia, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, during her visit to Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials also discussed various aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage Omani companies to expand and invest in Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), has launched a new service to issue establishment registrations through the Single Window Platform. (www.sw.gov.qa).

When applying for a comprehensive incorporation service or for commercial license issuance, citizens and residents can now obtain their establishment registration through the General Directorate of Passports, the unified MoI centres, or the Single Window Platform website.

The establishment registration is issued automatically along with a new commercial license for a fee of 200 QAR, which can be paid through the Single Window website.

Upon issuance, the registration will be available electronically through the Metrash2 application. Citizens and residents can also receive the registration by visiting the Single Windowheadquarters at the Ministry, the General Directorate of Passports, or at MoI’s unified service centres.

The rollout comes as part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s efforts to continuously improve and develop its services, in an effort to upgrade and streamline the business service system in Qatar. The new service also aims to encourage the country’s investment and trade environment.

The Ministry had previously launched a package of 12 e-services, which have improved itsdealing with the public.

These smart e-services cover the setup of: comprehensive establishment, comprehensive renewal, requesting a replacement for a lost commercial license, printing a commercial register extract, factory establishment, foreign companies’ branch management, comprehensive incorporation completion, factory establishment completion, branch addition, sub-license addition, and commercial license issuance and renewal.  

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and His Excellency Mr. Kamel Rezig, Minister of Trade and Export Promotion of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria witnessed the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study investment opportunities in the steel industry. The MoU aims to study the feasibility of expanding the Algerian-Qatari Steel (AQS) Company factory in the Bellara Industrial Zone in Algeria to increase its production capacity to 4 Mt.

From the Qatari side, the MoU was signed by H.E. Mr. Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Mining, while from the Algerian side, it was signed by H.E. Dr.Mustafa Boutoura, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the State of Qatar.

On this occasion, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry pointed to the importance of the agreement, indicating that it reflected the common will of the two countries to deepen and consolidate cooperation in various fields, especially in terms of investment and partnership by maintaining joint work in the steel industry. H.E. also stressed that this step would open wider horizons for cooperation, especially in the commercial and industrial fields. H.E.added that the two countries’ keenness to improve bilateral cooperation frameworks would allow Qatari and Algerian investors to consolidate bridges of communication and establish successful investment projects that serve the interests of the two nations.

The MoU stems from the two countries’ joint aspiration to develop the iron and steel industry within the framework of an industrial and commercial partnership, in addition to meeting the Algerian market’s needs allowing export of surplus production.

The AQS is an Algerian-Qatari iron and steelproduction venture, with 49% Qatari ownershipand 51% Algerian ownership.  

The volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Algeria amounted to about $40.45 million in 2021, recording an increase of about 12% compared to 2020. Moreover, there are 169 Algerian companies operating in Qatar, including two companies that are fully Algerianowned and 167 Qatari-Algerian joint ventures. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry identified a violation against a car maintenance service centre during an inspection campaign atoutlets in Umm Salal, aimed at monitoringcompliance with Law No. (8) of 2008 onConsumer Protection.

The centre refilled used oils in containersmarked as new oils, a practice that is in violation of Article No. (6) of Law No. (8) of 2008 onConsumer Protection: “No defective or adulterated commodity shall be sold, displayed, presented, promoted, or advertised. The commodity shall be deemed to be adulterated or defective where it does not conform to the prescribed standard specifications, is unfit for use, or has expired.”

The inspection campaign comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to protect consumer rights; monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar; control prices; and detect abuses and commodities that are falsified, counterfeit, or non-conforming to standard specifications.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its executive bylaws.

The Ministry is also working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer violators of laws and Ministerial decisions to the competent authorities to take respective measures.

The Ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following channels:

– Call Centre: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, who is currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the commercial, industrial, and investment relations between the State of Qatar and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The officials also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

 

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Lord Gerry Grimstone, British Minister of State for Investment, who is currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.

 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Charity have signed a cooperation agreement regarding the implementation of ‘The Weekly Market’ project, aimed at supporting theoutput of productive families.  

 

The agreement was signed by Mr. Hamad Mohammed Al-Abdan, Director of the Business Development and Investment Promotion Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Faisal bin Rashid Al-Fahida, Assistant CEO of the Programs and Community Development Sector at Qatar Charity.

The agreement comes as part of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships with various State institutions;supporting and motivating owners of small and medium enterprises as well as productive families; and enhancing their production capabilities. It aims to encourage them to expand and develop their projects in an effort tocontribute to supporting, strengthening, and further diversifying the national economy.

The agreement also aligns with Qatar Charity’s mission to contribute to the social, economic and cultural development of the Qatari society. Qatar Charity is committed to raising and developing community members’ capabilities; providing training and work opportunities for productivelocal families; and cooperating with all relevant institutions.

Under the agreement, the two parties agree to hold a ‘Weekly Market’, for which the Ministry will provide productive families with spaces and pavilions free of charge, giving them the opportunity to display their products and encourage sales. While Qatar Charity is the project’s strategic partner, both parties are required to support and promote the project to ensure its success.

Doha – Sunday, February 13, 2022:

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with a delegation from the British Parliament headed by Mr. Alun Cairns, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary British-Qatar Group, who is currently visiting Qatar.
During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.
H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.
-Ends-

 

Featuring the participation of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has organised several sports and entertainment events and activities on the occasion of Qatar National Sport Day at Katara Cultural Village.

 

H.E. the Minister was delighted to participate in this significant national occasion, noting that it reflects Qatar’s leading position, both regionally and globally, as a sport event destination.

 

This year’s celebrations are of great importance in light of the intensive preparations to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in November, H.E. pointed out.

 

H.E. moreover stated that dedicating a national day to sports reflects the wise leadership’s belief in the role sports hold to build a healthy society, capable of excelling. Such a society can actively contribute to the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030 with its focus on human capability as the focus and goal of comprehensive development, H.E. added.

 

The activities organised by the Ministry included sports competitions in beach volleyball and physical fitness exercises, which were supervised by specialised coaches. The Ministry additionally organised several competitions for children, including games such as climbing, bouncing, and hurdle races.

 

During the National Sport Day activities, the Ministry was keen to adhere to all precautionary requirements and measures in order to support national efforts aimed at preserving the health and safety of community members and limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

The Ministry staff expressed their happiness to participate in the sporting events, stressing that the activities contribute to a sense of unity and teamwork.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met today with His Excellency Mr. Ryad Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade,who is currently visiting Qatar to take part in the 8th session of the Qatari-MoroccanHigh Joint Cooperation Commission.

During the meeting, the officials touched on bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed to the incentives, legislations, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with His Excellency Mr. Abdul Hadi Awang, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, who is currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar has put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislation, and promising opportunities that encourage foreign investment for companies wishing to participate in Qatar’s economy.

H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, headed Qatar’s delegation participating in the Future Minerals Forum taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 11-13, 2022.

Within the framework of the summit, H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry took part in the proceedings of the ministerial-level round table, which featured discussions on the future of sustainable minerals in the region, in addition to defining the necessary agenda to move forward.

Moreover, H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater participated in the 8th Consultative Meeting of Arab Ministers for Mineral Resources organized by the Arab Industrial Development, Standardization and Mining Organization, in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The meeting addressed current and future projects to support the Arab mining sector, and tackled enhancing its added value, in addition to presenting visions and development strategies for this sector.

The Future Minerals Forum is attended by a number of Ministers, executives, and investors involved in the mining sector from around the world. The event comprises an international initiative organized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss issues facing the global mining industry, and look into ways to advance this industry and enhance relevant exploration and investment opportunities throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry conducted inspection campaigns on retail outlets and street vendors across Qatar, including the areas of Mukaynis, Al-Hilal, Al-Ghanim Al-Ateeq, Fareej Al-Hitmi, and Al-Riffa.

The inspection campaigns resulted in releasing 19 violations against several retail outlets for committing breaches of the law. These included failing to place an introductory sign on the storefront, failing to write the commercial registration number on the shop sign, failing to match the trade name with the name on the shop sign, practicing a commercial activity before obtaining the required approvals from the competent authorities, expiration of the commercial license, and not having a commercial license.

Moreover, a violation was released against a street vendor for practicing his activities without obtaining a commercial license. The violator was referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal measures.

These inspection campaigns stem from the Ministry’s keenness to protect consumer rightsand to monitor the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations governing the commercial sector.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial, and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors, as well as noncompliance with Ministerial Resolution No. (243) of 2016 on the licensing requirements and regulations to engage in street vendor activities.

The Ministry is working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer those who infringe laws and Ministerial decisions to the relevantauthorities to take the appropriate measures.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any breaches or violations pertaining toregistration and commercial licensing via following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry conducted an inspection campaign in various regions of the country on a number of commercial companies specialized in distributing and selling frozen food products.

The investigations resulted in the seizure of about 13,000 expired packages at a company, against which a violation was issued for concealing the validity dates of the expired products, replacing them with new validity dates, and distributing them to outlets. This practice comes in violation of the provisions of Article No. (6) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection. Article No. (6) stipulates that: “No defective or adulterated commodity shall be sold, displayed, presented, promoted or advertised. The commodity shall be deemed to be adulterated or defective where it does not conform to the prescribed standard specifications, is unfit for use, or has expired.”

The inspection campaign forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to protect consumer rights, monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar and control prices, as well as detect abuses and identify commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its executive regulations.

The Ministry assured that it intends to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices. Any party who violates laws andMinisterial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would respond appropriately against violators to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, conducted joint inspection campaigns on retail outlets and street vendors across Qatar, includingthe areas of Mukaynis, Fereej Al-Asmakh and Fereej Abdel Aziz.

The investigations resulted in releasing nine violations against a number of retail outlets for committing breaches of the law. These included failing to write the commercial registration number on the shop sign, neglecting to match the trade name with the name on the premises sign, repairing cars outside the retail premises and engaging in an activity that is not listed in the commercial registry.

Moreover, three violations were released against street vendors for practicing their activities without obtaining a commercial license. Perpetrators were referred to the relevantauthorities to take the necessary legal measures.

These inspection campaigns stem from the Ministry’s keenness to monitor the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations governing the commercial sector and ensuring the protection of consumer rights.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors, as well as noncompliance with Ministerial Resolution No. (243) of 2016 on the licensing requirements and regulations to engage in street vendor activities and the Ministerial circular on the car repair and maintenance shops in cities and commercial streets.

The Ministry is working to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices, and to refer those who infringe lawsand Ministerial decisions to the relevantauthorities in order to take the appropriate measures.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations pertaining to registration and commercial licensing via the followingofficial channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

 

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry conducted an inspection campaign on a factory operating a business without a commercial license, in one of the villas in South Muaither.

The campaign resulted in releasing a number of violations and seizing quantities of concentrated solutions of an unknown source that were used to manufacture perfumes, incense and scented oud, in addition to taking stickers bearing the World Cup logo on counterfeit perfumes. This practice is in violation of Articles No. (6) and (7) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, as well as of Law No. (10) of 2021 regarding the Measures for Hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

 

The campaign forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor and regulate markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and to assess the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities, in a bid to uncover and curb violations.

 

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated by law, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to deal with such practices. Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would respond appropriately to protect consumer rights.

 

The Ministry urges all merchants and shopkeepers to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing commercial activities and invites to review them on its official website www.moci.gov.qa to avoid legal accountability.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions related to registration and commercial licensing through the following authorized channels:

• Call Center: 16001
• The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s accredited social media accounts:
  • Twitter @MOCIQATAR
  • Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

 

 

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced the closure of a number of branches of a major commercial company in Muaither, Al Gharafa, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Khor, for a period of one month for each outlet, due to violating Articles No. (6), (7), and (8) of Law No. (8) of 2008 regarding Consumer Protection. The violations committed included falsifying the country of origin of vegetables, fruits and meat, selling spoiled and inedible goods and products, altering validity dates and weights, not writing production and validity dates on products as well as marketing expired meat.

 

The closures come as part of the intensive inspection campaigns conducted by the Ministry to monitor markets and commercial activities in the country, in aims at controlling prices and uncovering abuses and fraudulent, counterfeit and non-conforming goods.

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its executive regulations, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to curb violations. Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would respond appropriately to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

– Twitter @MOCIQATAR

– Instagram MOCIQATAR

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce & Industry, met with each ofH.E. Mr. Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Foreign & European Affairs, H.E. Mr. Clyde Caruana, Minister of Finance &Employment of the Republic of Malta, and the accompanying delegation during their visit to Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officialsalso discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani highlighted the economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector, including theincentives, legislation and investment opportunities made available in Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry carried out inspection campaigns on a number of retail outlets in different regions across Qatar, with the aim of monitoring the extent to which suppliers abide by Law No. (8) of 2008 regarding Consumer Protection, and Circular No. (2) of 2021 recently issued by the Ministry regarding refraining from circulating goods bearing slogans and symbols that violate Islamic values, customs and traditions.

These campaigns form part of the Ministry’s consumer protection efforts by monitoring markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and controlling prices, as well as detecting abuses and commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.

The campaigns resulted in the seizure and release of a number of violations, including the confiscation of children’s toys bearing slogans that go against Islamic values, customs and traditions. This practice violates the provisions of Article No. (2) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which states: “The basic rights of a consumer shall be guaranteed under the provisions of this Law. No person may conclude any agreement or conduct any activity that prejudices such rights, in particular the following: […] The right of respect of religious values, customs and traditions.” It also comes in violation of article (16) of the same law, which states that the supplier shall be liable for any damage resulting from the usage and consumption of the commodity.

The practice additionally violates Circular No. (2) of 2021 issued by the Ministry regarding refraining from circulating goods bearing slogans and symbols that violate Islamic values, customs and traditions.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its executive regulations, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns. Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would take the due action.

The Ministry additionally calls on all consumers to report any goods bearing logos or designs that violate customs and traditions, and to specify their locations so that the Ministry’s inspectors can take the necessary measures, through the following official communication channels:

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

 

 

Qatar’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai organized several events and activities in celebration of the Qatar National Day, featuring the participation of His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al–Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce &Industry, H.E. Mr. Yacoub Yousef Al Hosani, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Organisations Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Commissioner General Office, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mr. Nasser bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, General Commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai,, in addition to a number of Ministers and official delegations from the participating countries, as well as the public and the media.

Speaking at the prestigious event, H.E. Mr. Al–Khater, said: “Celebrating this valued national occasion represents an important opportunity to learn about the construction process and the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the State of Qatar, guided by the forward-looking and wise vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al–Thani.”  

Qatar’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai reflects its deep belief in the important role that innovation plays in building the foundations for a better future for all mankind, H.E. Mr. Al–Khater stated, noting that the country’s pavilion shed light on the national achievements that hadbeen made in this area, which had contributed to consolidating the values of creativity and innovation across all sectors.

Under the slogan ‘Qatar: The Future is Now’, the State’s pavilion reflects Qatar’s pioneering position in the field of development, in light of its vision and successful experiences in facing and overcoming various challenges and global changes, H.E. Mr. Al–Khater said. He further pointed out that the Qatar pavilion’s mottoaligned with the main theme of this global event and translated the sub-themes of the main slogan of the exhibition in the areas of sustainability and communication.

A diversified program was prepared on the occasion of Qatar National Day, including presenting musical numbers by Qatari artists on the Jubilee Platform, to reflect Qatari culture and traditions. The shows included a performance ofFidjeri art, accompanied by a popular band, as well as a selection of international songs in different languages, performed by the Siwar Choir children. A parade was also organized in the State’s pavilion at the Sustainability District.The parade featured the participation of the exhibit visitors from all around the world.

Qatar is participating in Expo 2020 Dubai through a special pavilion that features several activities and events which highlight the country’s march towards achieving its national vision QNV 2030. The pavilion also illuminatesthe mammoth and pioneering projects that have been completed to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in addition to previewing the incentives and investment opportunities provided by the State to implement its economic diversification plans, as per the National Development Strategy 2018-2022.

 

 

 

As part of celebrating Qatar National Day, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with a group of Qatari plastic artists, organized an exhibition of paintings embodying Qatar’s ancient history in the fields of commerce and industry, as well as their development stages.

On the occasion of Qatar National Day, Mr. Tareq Hussain Al-Khalaf, Director of the Public Relations & Communication Department, said: “This year, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry was keen to celebrate the State’s National Day in an innovative, distinctive way. It hence took the initiative to organize an art exhibition in cooperation with a group of Qatari plastic artists. The event embodies its close connection with the slogan of this year’s National Day, ‘Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust’.

 

“The artworks linked the uniqueness of Qatar, as a land and a people, on the one hand, and the Qatari environment’s commercial importance throughout time on the other. The artworks also reflected the Qatari environment’s contribution to enhancing the commercial and industrial movement in Qatar, by benefiting from its wealth, and employing its natural resources.”

 

Mr. Al-Khalaf assured that the National Day comprised an important domestic occasion to showcase the State’s achievements at all levels and shed light on the comprehensive renaissance that Qatar had witnessed, guided by the wise vision of its leadership. This occasion is also an opportunity to promote the values of loyalty, solidarity, unity and pride in the Qatari national identity, Mr. Al-Khalaf added.

The artworks illuminated the different historical development stages of Qatar’s commerce and industry sector, starting with the arrival of British and Portuguese sailors at the city of Al Zubarah. At that time it represented the connection point and axis of communication between the various cities of the region, up to witnessing features and prospects of the comprehensive economic renaissance that Qatar has seen in its modern history.

Additionally, the paintings portray the prosperity of the commerce sector during the time of the founder, and the renaissance that covered life and economic activities in Qatar, including the pearl trade, which supported the Nation’s position in this field, regionally and globally.

The pearl trade also contributed to the development of maritime transport mechanisms, in addition to enhancing and expanding the State port’s activities in terms of export, import and distribution. In turn, that led to the prosperity of the State’s markets and the expansion of urbanization.

The artworks will be on show in the corridors of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s headquarters at Lusail.

His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, participated in the proceedings of the 27th edition of the Partnership Summit 2021, themed ‘Partnering for Building a New World: Growth, Competitiveness, Sustainability, Technology’.

The summit, taking place over three days fromDecember 13-15, was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce &Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and General Distribution of the Republic of India, via video conferencing.

During his speech at the summit, H.E. Mr. Al Khater praised the close relations between Qatar and India, which were founded on solid historical roots.

India ranked as Qatar’s third trading partner during the past year, and the volume of trade exchanged between the two countries amounted to about US $9 billion during the first nine months of this year alone, H.E. Mr. Al Khater stated.

H.E. Mr. Al Khater said that Qatar was home to about 55 companies wholly-owned by the Indian side operating in the Qatari market, and more than 15,000 companies jointly-owned by the Qatari and Indian sides. Moreover, Qatar has been keen to invest in the economies of its strategic partners, especially India, H.E. Mr. Al Khater pointed out.

On the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, H.E. Mr. Al Khater shed light on the preventive and precautionary measures adopted by Qatar to increase the resilience of its economy, referring in this regard to the World Bank’s expectations in its latest reports that the Qatari economy would grow by 3% during this year, to witness an accelerated rise of 4.1% next year and 4.5% in 2023.

In terms of Qatar’s investment environment, H.E. Mr. Al Khater explained that the State had adopted a tailored approach over the years with the aim of stimulating foreign direct investment, by devising new laws and amending existing legislation in aims at contributing to the development and progressing of the business environment.

The establishment of the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA) has been one of the most prominent key developments in this regard, H.E. Mr. Al Khater said. The IPA contributes to strengthening an integrated ecosystem that would support investors throughout the process of establishing their businesses, starting from the exploration and setup to expansion with the aim to achieve their long-term objectives, H.E. Mr. Al Khater explained.

Additionally, H.E. Mr. Al Khater said that Qatarhad sought providing promising investment opportunities in many vital sectors. The State has also managed to diversify local and global supply chains rapidly over the past few years, and this has, in turn, contributed to enhancing Qatar’s economic openness to the world, and consolidating the strength and diversity of its national economy, H.E. Mr. Al Khater added.

At the conclusion of his speech, H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce &Industry invited Indian businesspeople and the private sector to benefit from the incentives and investment opportunities available in Qatar to establish joint investment projects that would serve the development orientations of the two countries, and pave the way for the Qatari and Indian private sector to expand into new markets in the region.

H.E. Mr. Al Khater also expressed his aspiration to consolidate the bonds of bilateral cooperation between the two nations by diversifying existing partnerships and establishing new ones that would contribute to shaping the two countries’ future visions, especially in the fields of technology and innovation.

Throughout its convention, the Partnership Summit 2021 features the organization of dialogue session that highlight several key issues and discuss appropriate solutions to address them, including geopolitical and strategic developments, multilateralism, international trade, economics, finance, investments, technology problems, social and cultural aspects, sustainability and ways to enhance cooperation in terms of healthcare.

The Partnership Summit has had 26 previous sessions, witnessing the participation of a number of ministers, senior officials, decisionmakers, business leaders, political leaders, investment organizations, investors and industry owners.

H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with H.E. Mr. Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBIA), currently visiting Qatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officialsmoreover discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector, and pointed out the incentives, legislation, and promising opportunities in Qatar.

 

Within a well-planned qualitative operation, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry penalized one of the major commercial companies specialized in importing and distributing vegetables and fruits and selling meat, as well as cracking down on a number of its subsidiaries in different regions across Qatar, for having tampered with the country of origin for vegetables, fruits and meat, for selling rotten fruits unfit for human consumption and for trading expired products.

This step forms part of the Ministry’s consumer protection efforts, comprised of monitoring markets and commercial activities across Qatar, controlling prices, as well as detecting abuses and exposing commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.

The relevant authorities at the Ministry had received information that one of the major commercial companies in Qatar had falsified the country of origin of vegetables, fruits and meat. The Ministry hence worked in coordination with the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Municipality to monitor the company’s branches, and to conduct a surprise inspection campaign on these branches. The investigation resulted in the seizure and release of several violations, including selling vegetables and fruits whose country of origin had been changed to increase the prices that the consumer pays, and marketing Australian meat as meat of Arab source by changing the country of origin, as well as selling expired products.

Moreover, quantities of spoiled fruits unfit for human consumption were also seized, knowing that a decision had previously been issued by the relevant authority to destroy this produce.

However, the company in question repackaged these quantities and sold them as being fit for consumption. These practices come in violation of the provisions of Article No. (6) of Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which states: “No defective or adulterated commodity shall be sold, displayed, presented, promoted or advertised. The commodity shall be deemed to be adulterated or defective where it does not conform to the prescribed standard specifications, is unfit for use or has expired.”

They also violate Article No. (7) of the same law, stipulating: “Where a supplier displays any commodity for trading, he shall clearly indicate on the packaging or container the type, nature, ingredients and other information relating to the commodity in the manner specified in the executive bylaw hereof. Where the use of the commodity involves a certain risk, the consumer shall be clearly warned against such risk. The supplier shall be prohibited from describing, advertising or displaying the commodity in a manner that involves false or deceptive information.”

Violating Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection exposes perpetrators to penalties ranging from administrative closure to financial fines between QAR 3,000 and QAR 1,000,000.

In this regard, the Ministry assured that it was in the process of completing the remaining legal procedures against the violating company. Moreover, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its executive bylaws, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to curb violations.

Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would respond appropriately to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry conducted a surprise inspection campaign at the trade fairs that have recently been held in Qatar. The operation aims to monitor the extent to which companies participating at the Fairs were complying with their obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection.

These investigations form part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar, control prices and protect consumer rights as well as detecting abusesalong with commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.

The campaign resulted in the seizure of various samples of honey, incense and essential oils of unknown origin. The laboratory results proved that the samples do not conform to the standard specifications.

Several violations were released, including displaying and selling fraudulent goods, displaying goods in a manner that contains false and deceptive information and failure to write explanatory data related to the commodity.

Such practices violate the provisions of Article No. (6) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which states: “No defective or adulterated commodity shall be sold, displayed, presented, promoted or advertised. The commodity shall be deemed to be adulterated or defective where it does not conform to the prescribed standard specifications, is unfit for use, or has expired”.

These practices also violate Article No. (7) of the same law, stipulating: “Where a supplier displays any commodity for trading, he shall clearly indicate on the packaging or container the type, nature, ingredients and other information relating to the commodity in the manner specified in the executive bylaw hereof. Where the use of the commodity involves a certain risk, the consumer shall be clearly warned against such risk. The supplier shall be prohibited from describing, advertising or displaying the commodity in a manner that involves false or deceptive information”.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its executive regulations, and that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to curb violations. Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities who would respond appropriately to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s authorized social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce &Industry, met with a delegation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), headed by H.E. Mr. Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Qatar, and featuring the participation of heads of diplomatic missions of ASEAN member States.

During the meeting, the officials previewed the relations between Qatar and ASEAN, in the trade, industrial and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce & Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector, including the incentives, legislation, and investment opportunities made available in Qatar.

It is worth noting that the volume of trade exchange between Qatar and ASEAN amounted to nearly U.S. $8 billion in 2020, equivalent to 10.2% of Qatar’s total foreign trade.

Last month, the Ministry of Commerce &Industry carried out extensive inspection campaigns. These were to monitor the extent to which suppliers (retail outlets) comply with their obligations stipulated in the laws and Ministerial decisions concerned with consumer protection, within the framework of the Ministry’s keen efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities in the country, in a bid to control prices and uncover violations to protect consumer rights.

The inspection campaigns resulted in seizing 112 different violations. These included displaying expired products; describing the commodity, advertising it, or displaying it in a manner that contains false or deceptive information; and failure to guarantee that the performed service during a period of time is commensurate with the nature of that service, to refund the amount paid by the recipient of the service or to perform it again in an appropriate manner.

The violations also included failure to write all the explanatory information about the displayed commodity, non-compliance with the price bulletin of vegetables and fruits and non-compliance with conditions related to religious values, customs and traditions.

Penalties imposed on retail outlets included administrative closures and fines ranging between QAR 5,000 and QAR 30,000, as per the laws and decisions regulating the work of the Consumer Protection Department.

The following are the types and numbers of violations for November 2021: –

No.	Violation Type	Number
1	Failure to issue complete invoices	3
2	Failure to issue invoices in Arabic	4
3	Failure to offer an Arabic version of the information on displayed commodities	3
4	Failure to post prices on the social networking sites of the shop	4
5	Failure to comply with the mandatory price bulletin of vegetables and fruits	5
6	Non-compliance with conditions related to religious values, customs and traditions	4
7	Failure to apply all the commodity guarantees	2
8	Failure to write all the explanatory information about the displayed commodity	10
9	Failure to provide a detailed monthly report on submitting prizes under a promotional offer, as of the draw date and until delivering the last prize	6
10	Failure to guarantee that the performed service during a period of time is commensurate with the nature of that service, to refund the amount paid by the recipient of the service or to perform it again in an appropriate manner	17
11	Making a promotional offer without obtaining the necessary license from the competent department	2
12	Offering a discount without obtaining the necessary license from the competent department	3
13	Possession and sale of subsidized food supplies (to non-beneficiaries)	1
14	Describing the commodity, advertising it or displaying it in a manner that contains false or deceptive information	18
15	Charging a higher price than that announced	2
16	Expired products	28
Total		112

The authorities concerned with consumer protection at the Ministry received a number of complaints during November. They were dealt with, and necessary measures to resolve them were taken.

The Ministry affirms that it will deal strictly with all those who neglect their obligations under the Consumer Protection Law and its implementing regulations. It stresses that it plans to intensify inspection campaigns to curb such practices. It will refer all those who violate the laws and Ministerial decisions regulating the work of the Department to the relevant authorities to respond appropriately against them to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry urges all consumers to report any violations or infringements, and to send complaints and suggestions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

Doha – Thursday, December 9, 2021: 

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce & Industry, met with H.E. Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Media of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, currently visiting Qatar.

 

During the meeting, their Excellencies touched on the bilateral relations between the two sibling countries in the commercial, industrial and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. The officials moreover discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides.

 

H.E. the Minister of Commerce & Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector. H.E. also pointed out the incentives, legislation and promising opportunities in Qatar.

                                

-Ends-                  

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued its monthly report on special licenses for November 2021, with the number of licenses granted for sale at reduced prices (discounts) amounting to 195 licenses.

The report indicated that the number of offer licenses including: promotions, special offers, prize draw, and clear and win, amounted to 608 licenses last November: 45 licenses for companies on goods in malls and retail outlets, and 534 licenses for special offers including new prices, buy one and get the other for free, and buy one and get the other at half the price, etc.

The report indicated that the licenses for prize draws granted last November was 28, in addition to one clear and win license.

Type of offer license	Number
Promotional offers	45
Special offers	534
Prize draws	28
Clear and win	1
Total	608

 

 

 

 

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, conducted a joint inspection campaign on factories and outlets in the Industrial Area, to monitor suppliers’ compliance with Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and the laws and regulations governing the practice of commercial activities in Qatar.

These inspection campaigns are part of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and control prices, as well as detect abuses and commodities that are falsified, counterfeit or non-conforming to standard specifications.

The campaign resulted in the seizure of chemical products and 50 tons of expired gum powder used in manufacturing building materials, in violation of Article No. (6) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which states: “No defective or adulterated commodity shall be sold, displayed, presented, promoted or advertised. The commodity shall be deemed to be adulterated or defective where it does not conform to the prescribed standard specifications, is unfit for use, or has expired.”

Violating Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection exposes perpetrators to penalties ranging from administrative closure to financial fines between QAR 3,000 and QAR 1,000,000.

The Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its implementing regulations, as well as Law No. (5) on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors. The Ministry assures that it intends to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices. Any party who violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who would respond appropriately against violators to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with the Office of the Technical Secretariat to combat harmful practices in international trade of the GCC States, organized a two-day workshop over December 6-7 focused on mechanisms to combat harmful practices in international trade. The event featured the participation of a number of authorities affected by the issue.

The workshop highlighted the definition of some terms related to harmful practices in international trade, the types of these actions and the World Trade Organization principles and agreements pertaining to detrimental behavior incommercial activities.

The workshop also touched on the procedures for filing a complaint and investigation to serve the local and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)industry. It additionally featured the mechanisms of protection against harmful practices in international trade and the GCC industry under the Unified Law for Anti-Dumping and Compensatory and Preventive Measures for Countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and its implementing regulations.

His Excellency Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, attended the inauguration of the Poland – Qatar Economic Roundtable,featuring the participation of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce & Industry.

Organized by the Qatar Chamber, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Doha, the roundtable featured the participation of H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive  and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, and H.E.Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al–Thani, Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar (IPA Qatar) along with a number of senior businesspeople, investors, heads and representatives of major Qatari and Polish companies specialized in various fields.

The roundtable proceedings included a discussion session and presentations on the business environment in Qatar and Poland. The talks also featuredthe investment opportunities available to companies and businesspeople, in addition to shining a spotlight on a number of investment sectors available in both countries.

The roundtable seeks to enhance trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the two nations. It also aims at opening horizons for communication between representatives of the Qatari and Polish private sectors to establish investment projects that serve both countries’ interests.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Municipality, conducted joint inspection campaigns on street vendors in AlMukaynis and Umm Al Zubar.

These inspection campaigns resulted in the issuance of six violation reports against a number of street vendors, for contravening the laws and practicing activities without a commercial license. The violators were referred to the relevant authorities to take legal action against them.

The inspection campaigns come as part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities in a bid to uncover and punish violations and infringements.

In this regard, the Ministry stressed that it would not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors, as well as non–compliance with Ministerial Resolution No. (243) of 2016 on the licensing requirements and regulations to engage in street vendor activities.

The Ministry further stated that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to curb such practices and would refer any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions to the relevantauthorities, who would respond appropriatelyagainst violators to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry also urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions related to registration and commercial licensing through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s official social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Rashid Al-Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met with Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), on the sidelines of his official visit to UNCTAD’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the meeting, the officials discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and UNCTAD, as well as the means to support international efforts to address the current global challenges.

In this context, H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry expressed his aspiration to further consolidate cooperation between the two sides, especially with regard to trade policies.

Qatar chaired the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2012, over a period of four years. Thus, it was the first Arab country to chair the Conference. During that period, Qatar hosted the 13th UNCTAD in Doha.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al–Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met with H.E. Mr. Don Graves, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, who is currently visitingQatar.

During the meeting, the officials touched on the bilateral relations between the two countries in the commercial, industrial, and investment fields, as well as ways to enhance and develop them. Officials also discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two sides.

During the meeting, H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the economic policies Qatar had put in place to support the private sector, including the incentives, legislation, and investment opportunities made available in Qatar.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced the closure of a car maintenance shop in Al-Gharrafa. This is due to its noncompliance with public and private requirements, and its violation of the Ministry’s circular regulatingbusinesses of commercial stores engaged in car maintenance and repair activities in cities and commercial streets.

This measure comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to monitor and regulate markets and commercial activities across Qatar, and to assess the degree of compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial activities, in a bid to uncover and crack down on violations.

The Ministry stressed that it would neither tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated in Law No. (5) of 2015 on Commercial, Industrial and Similar Public Shops, and Street Vendors, nor would it allow violating the circular regulating businesses of commercial stores engaged in car maintenance and repair activities in cities and commercial streets.

The Ministry assures that it intends to intensify its inspection campaigns to control violating practices. Any party who violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities who would respond appropriately against violators to protect consumer rights.

The Ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions related to registration and commercial licensing, or noncompliance with preventive and precautionary measures through the following official channels:

– Call Center: 16001

– The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a circular regarding refraining from trading goods bearing logos and symbols that are non-compliant with Islamic values, customs, and traditions, after it recently noticed that some shops and major shopping malls have been displaying, selling and promoting products bearing logos, colors, and designs that violate common decency.

The circular comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to control markets and ensure that suppliers, traders, and shopkeepers in Qatar abide by their obligations in the field of protecting consumer rights, preserving Islamic values and respecting the customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the country, as stipulated by Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, in which Article (2) states: “The basic rights of a consumer shall be guaranteed under the provisions of this Law. No person may conclude any agreement or conduct any activity that prejudices such rights, in particular, the following: […] The right of respect of religious values, customs and traditions.”

Article (16) of the same law also states that the supplier shall be liable for any damage resulting from the usage and consumption of the commodity.

The Ministry emphasized that practicing commercial activities and trading goods and services must take place while maintaining respect for the values of the Islamic religion, and with adherence to the customs and traditions of Qatari society.

It calls upon merchants and those in charge of shops and shopping malls to take this intoaccount when devising their commercial policies, to abide by the circulars issued by the Ministry, and to ensure that products provided to the consumer are of highquality.

As per the circular, all merchants and major shopping malls operating in Qatar must abide by the following:

The Ministry stresses that it is working in coordination with the concerned authorities to take the necessary measures to prevent the trade of products that violate basic consumer rights.

The Ministry also assured that it will not tolerate any negligence in terms of meeting obligations stipulated by Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, and its implementing regulations, and that it will intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on violations.

Any party that violates laws and Ministerial decisions will be referred to the relevant authorities, who will take appropriate measures, which are:

The Ministry additionally calls upon all consumers to report any goods bearing logos or designs that violate customs and traditions, and to specify their locations so that the Ministry’s inspectors can take the necessary measures, through the following communication channels:

– The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s social media accounts:

        – Twitter @MOCIQATAR

        – Instagram MOCIQATAR