Categories: News

​On the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South CarolinaH.E Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with representatives of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
 
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, met with representatives of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. The meeting was attended by a number of CEOs from major companies in South Carolina in health, technology, training and development sectors.
The officials met over a business lunch organized on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South Carolina.
Discussions touched on the prospects for joint cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields and the promotion of bilateral relations. Attendees also discussed the investment incentives that Qatar is offering and the economic diversification strategy pursued by the state to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, which significantly contributes to the nation’s development.
The alliance brings together a growing network of investors, staff, business, academic and governmental partners committed to strengthening regional employment and building a base of high-value industries to improve the three-county Charleston region’s economy into the future. The Charleston Regional Development Alliance also serves as a catalyst for long-term regional prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent, and entrepreneurs.
US-Qatari bilateral investment and economic relations have grown significantly since the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement – or TIFA – back in 2004.
The US is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners, with a volume of US$6 billion, and is the primary source for Qatari imports, with 16% of Qatar’s imports coming from the US in 2017.
More than 650 American companies currently operate in Qatar, of which 117 are fully owned U.S companies.
 

​On the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South CarolinaH.E Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with Congressman in South Carolina
 
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, met with Mr. Mark Sanford, a U.S Congressman from South Carolina. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South Carolina.
Discussions touched on the promotion of cooperation between Qatar and the U.S., particularly in the economic and investment sectors as well as efforts to encourage the Qatari and US private sectors to establish joint investment projects.
US-Qatari bilateral investment and economic relations have grown significantly since the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement – or TIFA – back in 2004.
The US is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners, with a volume of US$6 billion, and is the primary source for Qatari imports, with 16% of Qatar’s imports coming from the US in 2017.
More than 650 American companies currently operate in Qatar, of which 117 are fully owned U.S companies.
 
 
 

​On the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South CarolinaH.E Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with congressman and representative for South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district
 
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Sunday, April 15, 2018, with Mr. Joe Wilson, US Congressman and representative for South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston.
Discussions touched on the promotion of cooperation between Qatar and the U.S., particularly in the economic and investment sectors as well as efforts to encourage the Qatari and US private sectors to establish joint investment projects and to attract U.S companies to Qatar.
U.S-Qatari bilateral investment and economic relations have grown significantly since the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement – or TIFA – back in 2004.
The US is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners, with a volume of US$6 billion, and is the primary source for Qatari imports, with 16% of Qatar’s imports coming from the US in 2017.
More than 650 American companies currently operate in Qatar, of which 117 are fully owned U.S companies.
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of GMC Sierra 3500 models of 2011-2015 because the fuel level sensor in the front tank might become stuck in low level position
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Mannai Trading Company W.L.L, dealer of GMC vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of GMC Sierra 3500 models of 2011-2015 because the fuel level sensor in the front tank might become stuck in low level position.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Jeep Cherokee model of 2017 over safety recall for reprogram transmission control module
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with United Cars Almana (After Sales), dealer of Jeep vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Jeep Cherokee model of 2017 over safety recall for reprogram transmission control module.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

​Ministry of Economy and Commerce shuts down beauty shop for one week over use of expired products
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one-week closure of a beauty shop, located in Khalifa city over the use of expired products.
 
The closure decision comes within the framework of the ministry’s intensive inspection campaign to monitor markets and commercial activities in order to crack down on violations, price manipulation and counterfeit and substandard products.
 
The shop was fined and closed for a one-week period in line with article (6) of law number (8) of 2008 which stipulates: “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 administrative closure declaration shall be published at the expense of the salon that committed the violation in accordance with Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Protection. The law stipulates that the closure decision shall be published on the Ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers at the expense of the violator.

The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulation and will intensify the inspection campaign to crack down on violations. The Ministry also said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions to its consumer protection and anti-commercial fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
 
 
 

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     Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mercedes S-Class, E-Class and GLE Class models of 2017 because the left door lock may shows a locked door even though it is not locked
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes S-Class, E-Class and GLE Class models of 2017 because the left door lock may shows a locked door even though it is not locked.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

​On the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the U.SQatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with the President of the University of South Carolina and attends signing of MoU between Qatar Investment Authority Advisory USA and the University of South Carolina on exploring joint investment opportunities
 
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Saturday, April 14, 2018, with Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Charleston, South Carolina.
Discussions touched on the prospects for joint cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields and the promotion of relations. The officials also discussed the investment incentives that Qatar is offering and the economic diversification strategy pursued by the state to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, which significantly contributes to the nation’s development.
H.E Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, and Dr. Khamis Rashid Al-Kaabi, Consul General of Qatar in Houston and Texas, attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Investment Authority Advisory (QIAA) USA and the University of South Carolina. The MoU aims at encouraging collaboration and enhancing investment opportunities between the two entities.
Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, head of Qatar Investment Authority Advisory (QIAA) USA, and on behalf of USC’s president, Mr. William Kirkland, Executive Director, Office of Economic Engagement co-signed the agreement.
“We are very pleased to reach this agreement with The University of South Carolina. The higher education community is central to research and development, innovation and future economic growth, and having an esteemed partner such as USC is a perfect complement to our efforts to invest in the U.S. economy and help generate jobs and growth here and globally,” said Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, head of QIAA.
“This agreement enhances QIAA’s overall strategy in North America and creates further opportunities for us to build on our existing $35 billion investment commitment to the United States. USC is a recognized leader in higher education with a robust endowment and impressive credentials, and we look forward to working together to create long-term opportunities for both entities,” he added.
“On behalf of the University of South Carolina, I am honored to sign a memorandum of understanding with QIAA to collaborate on joint investment opportunities. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar,” said Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina.
The MoU creates a framework for future cooperation between QIAA and USC. Under the terms of the MoU, QIAA and USC will work together to broaden and deepen their working relationship, consider business and investment opportunities in both the State of Qatar and the State of South Carolina and consider initiating and collaborating on joint investment activities.   This partnership is aligned with QIAA’s strategy to move beyond the United States’ population hubs on the East and West coasts and to identify investment opportunities across the Midwest and in midsized cities like Columbia, South Carolina.
Qatar Investment Authority Advisory USA (QIAA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. The primary role of QIAA is to provide investment research and advisory services to Qatar Investment Authority related to existing and potential investments in the United States.
The University of South Carolina is a US public university established in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina.
 
 
 
 

​As part of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow across U.S cities and in cooperation with major organizations in QatarExhibition kicks off tomorrow on the sidelines of the Economic Roadshow in Charleston
 
The second edition of a two-day exhibition as part Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the U.S, kicks off tomorrow, April 14, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina.
The exhibition will bring together representatives from major institutions in Qatar including the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Airways, Doha Film Institute and Qatar Foundation along with a number of U.S companies that have partnered in investment projects with Qatar such as Occidental Petroleum, Boeing, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.
The exhibition is aimed at highlight Qatar’s cultural heritage and strong economic potential in addition to familiarizing visitors with the major development projects that are being implemented to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030 including projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The first edition of the exhibition was organized on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Miami and the second edition is taking place in Charleston, South Carolina while the third edition will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Through its special pavilion at the exhibition, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, seeks to outline the characteristics of Qatar’s economy and to highlight the depth of the strategic Qatari-US partnership through interactive infographics that outline the fundamentals of Qatar’s business environment and showcase major Qatari investments in the U.S in addition to a breakdown of bilateral relations in various fields.
The exhibition will be also home to a number of pavilions dedicated to US companies that have joined Qatar in investment partnerships. ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, and Boeing will be among the companies that will showcase their key achievements and initiatives on social responsibility and investment projects in partnership with Qatar.
The exhibition will also feature various educational and entertainment activities aimed at introducing the public to Qatari culture, focusing on the different aspects of the country’s rich heritage while also highlighting Qatar’s educational and sports environment as well as the state’s favorable investment climate and strong economic potential in a bid to promote the country and strengthen its position globally.
The event will also include a number of innovative activities, such as a film trailer featuring creative models of six world cup sports venues in Qatar and tablets that take visitors on a tour in the stadiums. Films including Dari Qatar by the Doha Film Institute and another film about Msheireb, heart of Doha will be also screened.
The exhibition venue is also home to a football pitch where six football shows will be presented by professionals throughout the day.
As part of efforts to familiarize visitors with Qatari heritage, a Souq Waqif traditional tent whose exterior design is inspired by original Arab heritage, will be erected. The tent will host a number of activities, such as face painting inspired by the Qatari flag and Arabic calligraphy. Arabic coffee and dates will also be served to the guests.
The Qatari delegation led by H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Energy and Industry, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Chamber, the Qatari Businessmen Association, Qatar Airways, Qatar Foundation, Doha Film Institute, beIN SPORTS and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Development Bank, Manateq Company, Qatari Diar, Katara Hospitality and Qatar Tourism Authority in addition to several major bodies from Qatar.
The roadshow features economic forums, bilateral discussions, meetings between Qatari businessmen and their American counterparts, and round table sectorial discussions in the fields of real estate, investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects.

​On the sidelines of his participation in the reception organized by the U.S Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Qatar-U.S Business Council and the Embassy of Qatar in WashingtonH.E Minister of Economy and Commerce: “Qatar’s Economic Roadshow reflect Qatar’s keenness to bolster cooperation prospects with the U.S”·        Washington is the second stop of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the US.·        An exhibition was inaugurated to highlight Qatar’s cultural heritage and to showcase joint achievements and achievements.·        More than 200 businessmen and executives from major Qatari companies participated in the Economic Roadshow to enhance investment partnership with their U.S counterparts·        Qatar sought to take advantage of its advanced infrastructure and logistics services to mobilize its regional agreements with Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan and central Asia.·        The development of a sea fleet that connects Qatar with its major trading partners in the world, targeting a market of 400 million population·        Qatar’s foreign trade volume increased by 16% in 2017 reaching 103 billion dollars compared with 89 billion in 2016·        Globally, Qatar ranks first in terms of providing a safe business environment according to a report published by the World Economic Forum·        Qatari-U.S bilateral relations are all about helping people of both nations overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities·        According to the latest report released by the World Bank, Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase to 2.8% in 2018, the highest among the GCC countries.·        All economic indicators demonstrate that Qatar overcame the blockade, enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness
 
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani , Minister of Economy and Commerce, has participated in the reception organized by the U.S Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Qatar-U.S Business Council and the Embassy of Qatar in Washington.
In his opening speech, H.E. the Minister of Economy and Commerce thanked His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and praised the U.S Chamber of Commerce, Qatar- U.S Business Council and the Embassy of Qatar in Washington for organizing this event, which brought senior officials, Qatari and U.S businessmen and representatives of civil society in the U.S.
Sheikh Ahmed stressed that Washington is the second stop of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the U.S, adding that this initiative aims at highlighting the close economic partnership between both countries.
On a related note, H.E. stressed that international trade and investment form a key part of Qatar’s future growth and diversification, adding that the US is one of Qatar’s most valued and largest global partners.
Sheikh Ahmed said US$24 billion worth of goods were traded in the last five years, noting that 84% of the trade balance is in favor of the U.S, the equivalent of 20 Billion U.S dollars while 16% of Qatar’s imports came from US in 2017.
Meanwhile, more than 650 American companies are established in Qatar, including 117 companies 100% owned by U.S citizens, H.E. said, adding that another 55 U.S companies operate under the Qatar Financial Centre.
According to the minister, Qatar has been increasing its investments in the U.S for many years, creating thousands of jobs across America.  These include partnerships with numerous American companies, such as Boeing, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Raytheon, Sheikh Ahmed noted.
In addition, 15,000 American citizens live in Qatar, where 5,000 highly skilled individuals are currently working in the private sector, H.E. said.
Touching on Qatari investments in the US, H.E. said Qatar Airways alone provided a US$92 billion boost to the U.S. economy through the purchase of 332 American aircrafts, a deal that supports more than 527,000 jobs.
H.E added that US$146 billion worth of exports and orders to Qatar have generated one million American jobs that depend on doing business with Qatar.
Qatar Investment Authority has also pledged to invest US$45 billion for the period from 2015 to 2020. Of that, US$10 billion will be channeled into the infrastructure sector, H.E. said, noting that these investments represent 23% of Qatar’s GDP.
In the oil and gas sector, Qatar Petroleum has also invested $10 billion in an LNG plant in Texas, which H.E said, will contribute to generating 45,000 jobs.
Highlighting investments by the private sector, Sheikh Ahmed said private companies have heavily invested in the U.S economy, with more than US$5 billion in the fields of technology, hospitality, real estate and household retail.
The minister also pointed out that Qatar spent US$200 million on medical and healthcare for its citizens in 2017, while more 1,200 Qatari students are studying at universities in the U.S.
Touching on the illegal blockade imposed on Qatar since June 5 of last year with the aim of undermining Qatar’s position as an economically independent and sovereign state, H.E said Qatar has emerged stronger and more independent than ever before.
H.E also noted that the illegal blockade has presented an opportunity for Qatar to make its economy more accessible to the world and bolster its trade relations particularly with the U.S.
H.E. added that Qatar has successfully established direct commercial routes with a number of strategic hubs around the world, diverting trade to its major trading partners.
Along similar lines, Qatar is utilizing its available world-class facilities and hi-tech logistics to mobilize its regional agreements with Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan and Central Asia, H.E. said. Through these agreements, Qatar aims to expand its trade activities by establishing a sea fleet that connects Qatar with its major trading partners in the world, targeting a market of 400 million population in its first stage, he added.
Sheikh Ahmed explained that the wise policies adopted by the State of Qatar, which stimulated all sectors of the economy to achieve increased productivity, have reflected positively on the national economy. Qatar’s economy continued its positive performance during the past year, confirming that the country was unaffected by the blockade, H.E. said.
In 2017, Qatar’s total GDP Increased to US$220 billion, compared with US$ 218 billion in 2016, H.E. said, noting that the annual real growth rate at constant price reached around 2% in 2017, which was better than expected.
Quoting the latest report released by the World Bank, H.E. added that Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase to 2.8% in 2018, the highest among GCC countries.
Qatar’s foreign trade has also shown remarkable growth, increasing by 16% to reach US$103 billion in 2017, compared with US$89 billion in 2016, H.E. said.
Qatar’s total exports also increased by 19% to reach US$68 billion in 2017, up from US$57 billion in 2016, contributing to a total trade surplus that increased by 40% from US$25 billion in 2016 to US$35 billion in 2017, H.E. added.
Globally, Qatar ranks first in terms of providing a safe business environment, HE said quoting a report published by the World Economic Forum.
All these positive indicators, according to Sheikh Ahmed, show that Qatar has overcome the blockade by enhancing its economic competitiveness.
H.E added that Qatari-U.S relations extend beyond trade and investment, noting that Qatari-US cooperation is aimed at helping people of both nations overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities. H.E said Qatar has donated US$100 million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, which contributed in community development, building houses and hospitals. Qatar also provided US$30 million dollars in aid after Hurricane Harvey.  
Sheikh Ahmed added that the Qatari private sector is also playing a major role in US corporate social responsibility, citing the privately funded “Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation,” which has launched projects to help rehabilitate American ex-convicts.
Building on all these facts, H.E said the first stage of the economic roadshow, which targets 10 states in total, kicked off in Miami, Florida, and includes Washington DC, North Carolina and South Carolina while the second stage across other states will follow later. H.E added that the roadshow reflects Qatar’s keenness on taking bilateral economic relations to new level and increasing cooperation between the private sectors in both countries.
More than 200 businessmen and Qatari officials participating in the Economic Roadshow are looking to bolster investment partnerships with their U.S counterparts through economic forums and bilateral meetings, H.E said.
Qatar has also launched an exhibition that highlights Qatar’s heritage and culture as well as its major achievements and investments in the United States, the minister said.
Sheikh Ahmed concluded by reiterating Qatar’s commitment to its vital strategic economic partnership with the US to the benefit of a prosperous Qatar and U.S.
The ministry organized on the sidelines of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Miami and Washington a number of workshops and sessions between the Qatari and U.S private sectors as well as roundtable sectorial discussions and an exhibition on the sidelines of the Roadshow in Miami. The exhibition brought together representatives from state institutions including the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Airways, Doha Film Institute and Qatar Foundation along with a number of U.S companies that have partnered in investment projects with Qatar such as Occidental Petroleum, Boeing, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.
Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the U.S brings Qatari officials to a number of US cities and features economic forums, bilateral discussions, meetings between Qatari businessmen and their American counterparts, exhibitions and roundtable sectorial discussions in the fields of real estate, investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects.
 
 

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Over display and sale of counterfeit international gold jewelry brands
Ministry of Economy and Commerce shuts down jewelry shop for two weeks

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the two-week closure of a jewelry shop, located at Hyatt Plaza mall, for displaying and selling counterfeit international gold jewelry brands.
 
The inspection campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities in order to crack down on violations, price manipulation and counterfeit and substandard products.
 
The shop was fined and closed for a two-week period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package or label the type and nature of the item as well as other relevant data in line with the law’s implementing regulations. The law also prohibits the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
 
The administrative closure declaration shall be published at the expense of the company that committed the violation in accordance with Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Protection. The law stipulates that the closure decision shall be published on the Ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers at the expense of the company.

The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulation and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions to its consumer protection and anti-commercial fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The applications of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on smart phones available on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR
 
 
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Ford Fusion models of 2014-2017 and Lincoln MKZ models of 2014-2018 because the steering wheel attachment bolt may not maintain torque
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Ford dealer in Qatar, Almana Motors Company, has announced the recall of Ford Fusion models of 2014-2017 and Lincoln MKZ models of 2014-2018 because the steering wheel attachment bolt may not maintain torque.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mercedes S-Class and C-Class models of 2016 because the driver and front passenger seatbelts do not match factory specification
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes S-Class and C-Class models of 2016 because the driver and front passenger seatbelts do not match factory specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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In line with the official visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the United States of America
Qatar-U.S Economic Forum kicks off tomorrow in Washington
 
In line with the official visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the United States, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce organizes on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, the Qatar-U.S Economic Forum in Washington, D.C. The forum takes place in cooperation with the Qatar Chamber, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Qatari Businessmen Association, the U.S-Qatar Business Council and a number of U.S official entities.
The forum is being organized in the framework of Qatar’s Economic Roadshow across number of U.S cities. The Forum aims to promote trade and economic relations between Qatar and the U.S and to build investment partnerships between the private sectors in both countries.
The forum will bring together more than 200 businessmen and Qatari officials along 200 CEOs from major American companies.  Panel discussions will be held on the sideline of the forum between representatives of the Qatari and U.S business sectors in a bid to strengthen existing economic partnerships. The forum will also feature round table sectorial discussions on partnership and investment opportunities in banking and law sectors.
Qatar’s Economic Roadshow kicked off last week in Miami City, Florida, where a Qatar-U.S Economic Forum was also organized. His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce chaired the forum.
Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in Miami featured a number of workshops and sessions between the Qatari and US private sectors as well as roundtable sectorial discussions and an exhibition on the sidelines of the Qatar’s Economic Roadshow. The exhibition brought together representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Airways, Doha Film Institute and Qatar Foundation along with a number of U.S companies that have partnered in investment projects with Qatar such as Occidental Petroleum, Boeing, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.
Qatar’s Economic Roadshow in the US brings Qatari officials to a number of US cities including Miami, Florida; Washington, DC; Charleston, South Carolina; and Raleigh, North Carolina. The tour features economic forums, bilateral discussions, meetings between Qatari businessmen and their American counterparts, and roundtable sectorial discussions in the fields of real estate, investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects.
A delegation led by H.E His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce participated in the economic tour. The Qatari delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Energy and Industry, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar Chamber, Qatar Airways (QR), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha Film Institute (DFI),  Qatar Stock Exchange, Free Zones Authority, Qatar Financial Centre, beIN SPORTS , the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy , Qatar National Bank (QNB) , Al Manteq Company, Qatari Diar , Katara Hospitality and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), and several other major Qatari institutions.
U.S-Qatari bilateral economic relations have grown significantly since the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement – or TIFA – back in 2004. Today, the U.S is considered as a strong trading partner with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.
658 American companies currently operate in Qatar, including 117 companies 100% owned by US citizen.
In 2015, Qatar investment Authority pledged to invest $45 billion over a five-year period of which $10 billion will be invested in the U.S infrastructure.
Qatar Airways also established direct flights between Doha and ten U.S destinations including Miami, Washington D.C, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia in a bid to streamline business access to these cities. Qatar Airways also purchased aircraft worth 92 billion dollars from Boeing.

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mercedes Benz G-Class model of 2016 because the engine control unit software does not correspond to factory specification
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz G-Class model of 2016 because the engine control unit software does not correspond to factory specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Dodge Challenger and Charger models of 2013 over defect in front passenger airbag inflator
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with United Cars Almana (After Sales), dealer of Dodge vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Dodge Challenger and Charger models of 2013 over a defect in front passenger airbag inflator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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On the sidelines of his participation in the economic tour in Miami
Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with former congressman and representative for Florida’s 18th congressional district
 
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, April 2, 2018, with Patrick Murphy, former congressman and representative for Florida’s 18th congressional district.  The meeting took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the economic tour which kicked off in Miami.
Discussions touched on the promotion of bilateral ties in the economic, trade and investment fields.
The US is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.
More than 658 American companies currently operating in Qatar of which 117 fully owned U.S companies while more than 5,000 Americans currently work with the private sector in Qatar.
 

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On the sidelines of the Economic Tour in Miami
Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with e- Builder President and CEO
 
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, April 2, 2018, with Ron Antevy, President and CEO of e- Builder.  The meeting took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the economic tour which kicked off in Miami.
Discussions touched on the prospects for joint cooperation across numerous fields as well as investment opportunities in Qatar. For his part, e- Builder President and CEO Ron Antevy discussed measures to promote joint investments in construction services.
 E-Builder is a leading US company specialized in providing e-solutions for the management of construction projects. One of its main products is e-Builder Enterprise, which contributes to improving the efficiency of project delivery in terms of cost and time.
The U.S is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.
More than 658 American companies currently operating in Qatar of which 117 fully owned U.S companies while more than 5,000 Americans currently work with the private sector in Qatar.
 

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On the sidelines of the Economic Tour in Miami
Minister of Economy and Commerce meets with DACRA CEO and President
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, April 2, 2018, with Craig Robbins, CEO and President of DACRA. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the economic tour which kicked off in Miami.
Discussions touched on the prospects for joint cooperation across numerous fields as well as investment opportunities in Qatar. For his part, DACRA CEO and President Craig Robbins discussed measures to promote joint investments in engineering services. DACRA is a US company specialized in the architectural development of business, residential and mixed-use projects, including South Beach, Lincoln Road and Alison Island.
The U.S is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.
More than 658 American companies currently operating in Qatar of which 117 fully owned U.S companies while more than 5,000 Americans currently work with the private sector in Qatar.
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Jeep Wrangler models of 2009-2013 and Chrysler 300C model of 2013 over safety recall of passenger airbag inflator
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with United Cars Almana ( After Sales), dealer of Jeep and Chrysler vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Jeep Wrangler models of 2009-2013 and Chrysler 300C model of 2013 over safety recall of passenger airbag inflator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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H.E Minister of Economy and Commerce to lead delegation
Qatar’s economic tour across U.S cities kicks off today in Miami The tour includes Miami, Florida; Washington DC, Columbia; Charleston, South Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina.The tour aims to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Qatar and the U.S and to expand horizons of cooperationThe Qatari delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Energy And Industry, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar Chamber, Qatar Airways (QR), Qatar Foundation, Doha Film Institute,  Qatar Stock Exchange, Free Zones Authority, Qatar Financial Centre, BeIN SPORTS , the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy , Qatar National Bank , Al Manteq Company, Qatari Diar , Katara Hospitality and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in addition to several major bodies from Qatar.On Wednesday April 4, 2018, Miami City will host the Qatar- U.S Economic Forum, which will bring together more than 200 businessmen and Qatari officials, along with around 200 businessmen and CEOs of major U.S companies.The tour will feature economic forums, bilateral discussions, meetings between Qatari businessmen and their American counterparts, and round table sectorial discussions in the fields of real estate, investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects. Exhibitions will also be organized on the sidelines of the economic tour in the U.S cities that will be visited. The exhibition will feature a variety of events that reflect Qatar’s culture, heritage and strong economic potential.The US is one of the most important Qatar’s trading partners with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.In 2015, Qatar investment Authority pledged to invest $45 billion over a five-year period of which $10 billion will be invested in the U.S infrastructure.Four years ago, Qatar Airways also established direct flights between Doha and Miami, streamlining business access to Florida.Qatar Airways also provided a 92-billion- dollar boost to the U.S. economy, through its purchase of American aircraft and supported 123,000 jobs in U.S.Qatar has established a 100 million dollar fund to help American victims of Hurricane Katrina and gave 30 million dollars in aid for Hurricane Harvey.More than 658 American companies currently operating in Qatar of which 117 fully owned U.S companies. The volume of U.S investments in Qatar amounted to QR 26.3 billion.
 
 
The Qatar economic tour across U.S cities kicks off today, April 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida with the participation of His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, who leads the Qatari delegation.
The tour will bring Qatari officials to Miami, Florida; Washington DC, Columbia; Charleston, South Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina.
His Excellency and the accompanying delegation will meet with business leaders and officials to highlight and bolster prospects for economic, trade and investment cooperation.
Sheikh Mishal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to the United States, and the Qatari delegation, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Energy And Industry, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar Chamber, Qatar Airways (QR), Qatar Foundation, Doha Film Institute,  Qatar Stock Exchange, Free Zones Authority, Qatar Financial Centre, BeIN SPORTS , the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy , Qatar National Bank , Al Manteq Company, Qatari Diar , Katara Hospitality and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in addition to several major bodies from Qatar.
Commenting on the tour, H.E Sheikh Ahmed said: “Over the past decade, Qatar has cemented its partnership with the U.S. in the form of direct investments, joint ventures and trade deals.”
“These investments have contributed to the creation of countless new opportunities for investors and businessmen from both countries,” the minister explained.
“More than 658 American companies currently operating in Qatar of which 117 fully owned U.S companies. The volume of U.S investments in Qatar amounted to QR 26.3 billion”, the minister said
On Wednesday April 4, 2018, Miami City will host the Qatar- U.S Economic Forum, which will bring together more than 200 businessmen and Qatari officials, along with around 200 businessmen and CEOs of major U.S companies. Business-to- business sessions will be conducted on the sidelines of the forum, as attendees seek to bolster the strong and long- standing economic partnership between Qatar and the U.S.
The tour will bring Qatari officials to a number of U.S cities that have seen a surge in Qatari investments. These include Miami in Florida, Washington DC in Columbia, Charleston in South Carolina and Raleigh in North Carolina. The tour will feature economic forums, bilateral discussions, meetings between Qatari businessmen and their American counterparts, and round table sectorial discussions in the fields of real estate, investment, hospitality, tourism, hotel, technology, health, medicine, banking, law, public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects.
Exhibitions will also be organized on the sidelines of the economic tour in the U.S cities that will be visited. The exhibitions will shed light on Qatar’s culture heritage, major investments and the state’s economic capabilities.
US-Qatari bilateral economic relations have grown significantly since the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement – or TIFA – back in 2004.
Today, the US is considered as a strong trading partner with a volume of $6 billion and is the primary source for Qatari imports.  In 2017, 16% of Qatar’s imports came from U.S.
In 2015, Qatar investment Authority pledged to invest $45 billion over a five-year period of which $10 billion will be invested in the U.S infrastructure.
Four years ago, Qatar Airways also established direct flights between Doha and Miami, streamlining business access to Florida.  Qatar Airways also provided a 92-billion- dollar boost to the U.S. economy, through its purchase of American aircraft which supported 123,000 jobs in U.S.
Qatar’s partnership with, and support for, the American people extends beyond bilateral trade, and encompasses humanitarian projects. Qatar has established a 100 million dollar fund to help American victims of Hurricane Katrina and gave 30 million dollars in aid for Hurricane Harvey. And, Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation has launched projects to rehabilitate former US convicts and reintegrate them into society.

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     Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mercedes C-Class model of 2017 because the cover on starter/alternator wiring harness might be missing
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz C-Class model of 2017 because the cover on starter/alternator wiring harness might be missing.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Honda GL1800G5GS bikes model of 2015 over potential defect in driver airbarg
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda bikes in Qatar, has announced the recall of GL1800G5GS bikes model of 2015 over potential defect in driver airbarg.
 
 The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on bike defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
    
 

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In cooperation with Qatar Stock Exchange and Qatar University
Ministry of Economy and Commerce organizes seminar on the transformation of Family businesses into public shareholding companies
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce organized on March 27, 2018, a seminar entitled “Transforming Family Companies into Public Shareholding Companies.” The seminar, which was organized in cooperation with the Qatar Stock Exchange and Qatar University, brought together owners and representatives of family companies, businessmen, private sector companies, entrepreneurs and interested parties.
The seminar falls in line with the ministry’s efforts to streamline business activities in Qatar and to provide flexibility and support for commercial companies, which will increase the level of confidence in the Qatari business environment and enhance partnerships with the private sector in a bid to promote a diversified and sustainable competitive economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The seminar, which was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Qatar Stock Exchange and Qatar University, along with the representative of a family-owned company turned into a public shareholding company, touched on the important contribution of family businesses to the national economy. Participants said the transformation of these businesses into public shareholding companies through an initial public offering on the Qatar Stock Exchange will ensure their sustainability.
Speakers also outlined the advantages of turning family businesses into public shareholding companies, noting that it would help founders ensure business continuity and the transfer of ownership from one generation to another while enabling shareholding companies to secure more financing options to expand and implement new projects, issue sukuk or bonds and sell franchises as an alternative to bank borrowing, in addition to enhancing investment opportunities in financial markets.
Discussions also touched on the procedures and requirements for converting family businesses into public shareholding companies, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015.
Participants also elaborated on the process of listing family businesses on the Qatar Stock Exchange after they became public shareholding companies, outlining the motives, key considerations, steps and listing model. Discussions also touched on the legislative framework for the transformation of these companies, the importance of listing a company on the stock market and the necessary procedures, stressing the importance of a corporate governance framework to support the transformation of a family-owned business into a public shareholding company.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion that brought together a number of experts to discuss the practical aspects of the transformation of family businesses into shareholding companies as well as case studies of some companies that underwent this transformation.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A on a number of topics related to family businesses and their transformation into public shareholding companies.
 
 
 
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Jeep Compass and Patriot 2016 models over power failure of the motor shaft sensor
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with United Cars Almana, dealer of Jeep vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Jeep Jeep Compass and Patriot models of 2016 over the power failure of the motor shaft sensor.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce wraps up workshops on ease of doing business
The Technical Committee to Study the Indicators of International Reports Relating to the Business Environment in Qatar at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce wrapped up on Wednesday March 14, 2018, a series of workshops organized in cooperation with the World Bank Group on the ease of doing business. The workshops brought together members of the technical committee, concerned government entities representatives, businessmen and representatives of private sector along with investors and entrepreneurs.
On the second day of workshops, participants finalized discussions over the methodology used by the World Bank to analyze each component of the different indicators identified by the Bank to improve procedures relating to the business environment in Qatar. Speakers tackled the mechanisms behind five indicators including the enforcement of contracts, settlement of insolvency cases, access to credit, protection of small investors, cross-border trade.
For his part, HE Yahya bin Saeed Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and Chairman of the Technical Committee commended speakers and participants, highlighting the importance of the workshops and discussions in terms of outlining the numerous aspects of business-related procedures to participants.
HE noted that a future plan of action would be prepared in cooperation with the World Bank on the measures to be undertaken by the committee to improve Qatar’s ease of doing business ranking, which would reflect positively on Qatar’s ranking on international reports relating to the business environment as well as efforts aimed at developing the business sector, attracting domestic and foreign investments and accelerating national economic growth to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030.
HE also noted that the committee will continue to coordinate with and inform the World Bank of the latest developments relating to the business environment in Qatar in terms of all 10 indicators.
The Cabinet issued a decision in July 2017 to establish the Technical Committee to Study the Indicators of International Reports Relating to the Business Environment in Qatar at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. The committee brings together representatives of six ministries: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, and Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, as well as Qatar Central Bank, the Supreme Judicial Council, and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation.
The committee is responsible for studying and analyzing reports issued by international organizations on the business environment in Qatar, and proposing policies for developing mechanisms and systems applied by various authorities. The committee also works in coordination with the relevant authorities to improve country’s ranking on international reports relating to the business environment in Qatar.
 
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mazda BT-50 Pickup models of 2015-2016 because a possible fault in the transmission cable makes it difficult to shift gears
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with the National Car Company, dealer of Mazda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mazda BT-50 Pickup models of 2015-2016 because a possible fault in the transmission cable makes it difficult to shift gears.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Mercedes Benz S-Class model of 2017 because the mounting console for the underbody paneling does not correspond to the current series production configuration
    
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz S-Class model of 2017 because the mounting console for the underbody paneling does not correspond to the current series production configuration.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with M. H. Alshaya Co, has announced the recall of West Elm Jensen Rectangular style glass table over the risk of the sudden shattering of the glass top which leads to danger of injury.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to ensure that suppliers follow up on product defects and repair them in a bid to protect consumers.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to stop using the product and to contact the company for necessary action.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes inquiries and complaints through the following channels:.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

According to the latest Global Competitiveness Index, Qatar ranked first in terms of its safe business environment and second in terms of the impact of taxes on businessQatar ranks third in terms of the state’s procurement of advanced technology products and fifth in terms of the availability of investment capital, scientists and engineers.Foreign trade increased by 16% in 2017, reaching US$103 billion dollars compared with US$89 billion in 2016.Qatar’s exports increased by 19% in 2017 compared to 2016H.E. Minister of Economy and Commerce: “Investors can choose between operating their projects in free zones or investing directly in Qatar’s local markets “Qatar is currently developing two free zones spanning 35 million square metres, which will position Qatar as an ideal destination for foreign direct investment.The State has established four new logistics zones that have contributed to reducing the cost of warehousing and supply chains Foreign companies looking to expand their businesses in Qatar can benefit from an advanced business environmentThe government is currently working on issuing a new public private partnership law that will coincide with the launch of a number of investment projects.A law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity significantly eases the registration of companies in Qatar and opens the door for investments across all sectorsInvesting in Qatar is now easier through the Invest in Qatar Center, which aims to help new foreign companies establish their businesses and complete procedures.The State’s commitment to maintaining government spending on infrastructure projects have contributed to the development of advanced economic facilities designed in line with the highest international standards.Minister of Economy and Commerce: “Hamad International Airport is one of the largest regional airports, accommodating more than 30 million passengers a year, and providing services through Qatar Airways, the world’s best airline, flying to more than 150 destinations worldwide.H.E. says Hamad port is one of the largest ports in the Middle East, accounting for 27% of regional trade in the Middle East with a capacity of 7.5 million cargo containers annually. Hamad Port plays an important role in linking Qatar to the world’s largest economies through new and direct commercial lines that have strengthened the country’s position as a hub for trade across the Middle East and the world On the sidelines of the forum, two workshops were organized on investment opportunities in Doha and the promotion of joint cooperation

Within the framework of the official visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bulgaria, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, and His Bulgarian counterpart HE Mr. Emil Karanikolov inaugurated on Tuesday, March 8, 2018, the Bulgaria-Qatar Economic Forum, organized by the Ministry in cooperation with the Bulgarian Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises.
The forum brought together H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber; Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mrs. Gabriela Kozareva, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises; and Mr. Stamen Yanev, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency, along with more than 300 businessmen, investors and government officials from both countries. The forum was also attended by chief executives of major Qatari companies in the fields of trade and industry, oil and gas, investment, food, contracting, medical equipment, health, medicines, automobiles, agriculture, engineering, building materials, e-commerce, and other sectors, who discussed investment opportunities and potential joint ventures. 
The forum aims at enhancing Qatari–Bulgarian economic, trade and investment cooperation, and opening up new prospects for cooperation between representatives of the private sector in both countries in a bid to launch investment projects that serve the interests of both Qatar and Bulgaria.
In his opening speech, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce highlighted friendly Qatari–Bulgarian relations that date back to the 1990s, reflecting both countries’ keenness on promoting cooperation across all fields.
H.E. stressed the important role that bilateral agreements and Memoranda of understanding in the economic, trade, investment and technical collaboration fields played in enhancing bilateral trade, which reached 24 million UD dollars in 2017.
Sheikh Ahmed said Qatar looked forward to working together with Bulgaria to bolster their partnership in trade and investment areas, according to a clear framework that serves both countries’ economic aspirations, and contributes to establishing new and innovative areas of collaboration. 
Touching on the resiliency of Qatar’s economy, H.E. noted that Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar has emerged stronger and more economically independent than ever before despite the global economic uncertainties and regional challenges, epitomized by the illegal blockade on Qatar that began on June 5th, 2017, a blockade aimed at undermining Qatar’s position as an economically independent and sovereign state.
In fact, the illegal blockade has presented an opportunity for Qatar to make its economy more accessible to the world, Sheikh Ahmed said.
H.E. stressed that the Qatari economy has continued its stable performance, enhancing its competitiveness and overcoming all obstacles thanks to the systematic policies established by the wise leadership, which serve to stimulate all economic sectors to increase their productivity.
H.E. highlighted that Qatar’s total GDP increased to reach US$ 220 billion in 2017, compared with US$218 billion in 2016, and the annual real growth rate of GDP reached 2% in 2017. This provides a clear demonstration that the blockade had no impact on Qatar’s economy, but rather bolstered its determination to achieve sustainable economic growth and stability. 
The minister noted that Qatar has managed to overcome various regional and global challenges by implementing a strategy aimed at diversifying its revenue sources and positioning the private sector as an active partner in the accomplishment of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The minister said the share of the non-oil and gas sector in the nation’s GDP at constant prices was 52% in 2017, while foreign trade increased by 16%, reaching US$ 103 billion, compared with US$89 billion in 2016.
Total exports, on the other hand, grew by 19% to US$68 billion US dollars in 2017, compared with US$57 billion in 2016, the minister said.
As a result, trade surplus increased by 40% in 2017, reaching US$35 billion dollars, compared with US$25 billion in 2016, which reflected positively on Qatar’s ranking on several international indicators, the minister added.
According to the World Bank, Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase by another 2.6% in 2018, in line with the government’s efforts to bolster foreign investment, Sheikh Ahmed added.
H.E. highlighted Qatar’s global advanced rankings in the latest Global Competitiveness Index, noting that the country ranks first in terms of safe business environment, second in terms of the impact of taxes on business, third in terms of the state’s procurement of advanced technology products, and fifth in terms of the availability of investment capital, scientists and engineers.
Commenting on investment incentives offered by Qatar, H.E. expressed his full conviction that Qatar’s successful economic policies and balanced growth rates across all sectors have greatly contributed to enhancing investor confidence in the national economy.
“Qatar is today one of the most investment-friendly countries in the region thanks to its balanced policies and economic decisions, as well as its strategic position, which allows the country to become a trade hub for countries across the region and worldwide,” the minister said.
He added that foreign companies looking to expand their business in Qatar can benefit from an advanced business environment. In this context, Sheikh Ahmed said the government has allowed foreign investors up to 100% ownership in many sectors, and is exempting invested foreign capital from income tax for up to 10 years for specific investment projects. In addition, Qatar is offering exemptions from customs taxes and duties when importing equipment and raw materials, the minister said, noting that investors are free to repatriate their profits and transfer the ownership of companies. 
H.E. explained that investors can choose between operating their investment projects in free zones or directly accessing local markets, noting that Qatar is currently developing two free zones spanning 35 million square metres. This will position Qatar as an ideal destination for foreign direct investment, the minister said, adding that the State has established four new logistics areas that have contributed to reducing the cost of warehousing and bolstering the supply chain.
Touching on Qatar’s legislative environment, H.E. said that the government is currently working on issuing a new public private partnership law that will coincide with the launch of a number of investment projects. H.E. added that a law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity was recently issued, which significantly eases the registration of companies and opens the door for investments across all sectors.
H.E. also noted that investing in Qatar is now much easier compared to other regional countries through the Invest in Qatar Center, which aims to help investors establish their projects and streamlines business procedures.
Sheikh Ahmed also highlighted the state-of-the-art infrastructure provided to investors, praising the state’s efforts to enhance government spending on infrastructure projects to develop economic facilities in line with the highest international standards.
In this context, H.E. highlighted Hamad International Airport’s role as one of the biggest airports in the region, with passenger capacity of more than 30 million per year and connecting Qatar to more than 150 destinations around the world through Qatar Airways, which has been selected as the world’s best airline. 
The new Hamad Port, which is located south of Doha, also reflects Qatar’s efforts to accelerate its development projects, the minister said.
“This port is one of the largest in the Middle East, accounting for 27% of regional trade, and can accommodate up to 7.5 million cargo containers annually. The port links Qatar with major economies around the world through direct commercial lines that have bolstered Qatar’s position as a hub for trade across the Middle East and the world,” the minister said.
The minister wrapped up his speech by inviting Bulgarian and European companies to invest in Qatar and contribute to both countries’ efforts to achieve their economic objectives.
In a presentation by Mr. Stamen Yanev, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency, Bulgarian participants outlined the characteristics of the country’s business environment and industrial zones, while elaborating on investment and business opportunities as well as tourist sites.
The Qatari delegation also organized a workshop on potential joint ventures, and investment opportunities in the tourism and transport sectors, as well as challenges. The workshop brought together Mr. Salem Al-Kubaisi, Chief Corporate Services Officer at Katara Hospitality, and Mr. Ibrahim Al-Mannai, Executive Director for Consultant Services at Qatar Development Bank.
In a second workshop, the participating Qatari delegation also shed light on the transport sector, FIFA World Cup 2022-related projects and cooperation opportunities in food security.
The session was attended by Mr. Fahad Rashid al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq Company; Eng. Youssif Al-Musleh, Competition Venues Executive Director at Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Mr. Abdulrahman al-Khayarin, CEO of Widam Food Company; and Mr. Salah Al Hammadi, DCEO of Al Meera Consumer Goods Company .
​The forum also witnessed bilateral meetings between Qatari and Bulgarian businessmen, who reviewed investment opportunities available in both countries and discussed long-term economic cooperation mechanisms between Qatari and Bulgarian companies.​
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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Ford F-150 models of 2015-2017 over inefficient doors locks that will lead to difficult control
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Ford dealer in Qatar, Almana Motors Company, has announced the recall of Ford F-150 models of 2015-2017 over inefficient doors locks that will lead to difficult control.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Lexus LC500 models of 2017-2018, RCF models of 2015-2016 and GS-F model of 2016 over potential defect in one of the high-pressure fuel pumps
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Lexus vehicles, has announced the recall of Lexus LC500 models of 2017-2018, RCF models of 2015-2016 and GS-F model of 2016 over a potential defect in one of the high-pressure fuel pumps.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Ford dealer in Qatar, Almana Motors Compnay, has announced the recall of Ford F-150 models of 2014 because the bolts for the seats and seat belt may have been improperly hardened.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Badi Trading & Contracting Co., dealer of Yamaha bikes in Qatar, has announced the recall of Yamaha Motorcycle ATV – RAPTOR90 models of 2016-2017 because the break pad contains asbestos material that is environmentally prohibited,
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its
ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow
up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to
ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer
Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS:
MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Jaidah automotive, dealer of Chevrolet vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Chevrolet Silverado model of 2017 over incorrect torsion bar built into front seat belt retractors and defect in automatic occupant sensor module.
    
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has called on owners of expired commercial agencies to renew them by submitting the renewal application and the necessary attached documents to the Ministry between March 1 and March 30, 2018, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusail Building, 2nd floor, tower (B).
 
In the event that renewal applications are not submitted during this period, the Ministry will write off the agencies from the register of commercial agents in accordance with the provisions of Article (20) of Law No. (8) of 2002 on the Organization of Business of Commercial Agents, which was amended by Law No. (2) of 2016.
 
Law No. (2) of 2016 amends certain provisions of Law No. (8) of 2002 on the Organization of Business of Commercial Agents regarding fighting monopolies and promoting the provision of high-quality goods and services at competitive prices.
 
Law No. (2) of 2016 amends certain existing legal articles and introduces new ones, to the benefit of all parties, by increasing competitive opportunities and opening new horizons in the Qatari market, thus promoting an attractive environment that drives the national economy to achieve more success and cements Qatar’s global position on various economic indicators.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Toyota Prius and Hilux models of 2016 over possibility of defect in airbag sensors.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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As part of its efforts to regulate and monitor markets and commercial activities across the country through periodic and surprise inspections campaigns aimed at controlling prices, uncovering violations and protecting consumer rights, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has recently cracked down on several violations at a food supplies sale center.
 
During a regular inspection campaign by judicial officers, the ministry uncovered a large shortage in food supplies compared to the records of food supply sales registered in a system installed by the ministry at the store. The ministry also seized more than 30 ration cards at the company in the absence of its owners.
 
This is a clear violation of the provisions of Article 10 of Law No. (5) of 2017 which regulates dealing in subsidized goods. The law stipulates that “those licensed to deal in subsidized goods and their employees are prohibited from possessing or dealing in subsidized goods in any way that violates the law. The licensee shall not register any statements contrary to the truth in statements, receipts or disbursement of subsidized goods. The licensees must also keep invoices or other documents that prove the purchase or sale of any quantity of such goods and shall deliver copies to the competent department, upon request. ”
 
Violation of Law No. (5) of 2017 on the regulation of dealing in subsidized goods shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and a fine of not more than 500,000 riyals or one of these two penalties.
 
The Ministry stressed that subsidized commodities and feeds are a right to citizens that cannot be waived in favor of a third party regardless of reasons. The ration card and its secret code should be kept in a safe place. Its possession or use by third parties will subject them to legal accountability.
 
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulations and will intensify its inspection campaigns to crackdown on violations. The ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
  
The ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR
– The application of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on iPhone and Android devices MEC_QATAR

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Jaidah automotive, dealer of Chevrolet vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Chevrolet Caprice model of 2014 over defect in electric power steering assistance.
    
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Souq Waqif, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, has announced the opening of free registration for local firms and foreign companies specialized in the “production, supply and distribution of honey” in order to participate in the “Seasonal Honey Market.” The market will be organized by Souq Waqif, in cooperation with the Ministry, from March 21 to March 27, 2018 in the traditional Souq Waqif, one of the leading tourist attractions in Qatar.
 
The seasonal honey market is aimed at supporting national products, bolstering trade and opening new commercial channels for traders, entrepreneurs and investors in addition to providing for support small and medium enterprises.
 
The market is the largest specialized exhibition for honey of different kind and offers local and Arab companies the opportunity to display and promote their various products as well as goods related to the trade and production of honey.
 
 
As part of efforts to support and encourage companies to participate in the market, organizers have coordinated with Qatar Airways to provide a 40% discount on air cargos. Gulf Warehousing Company is also offering free transportation of goods from shipping containers to warehouses as well as free storage for participants.
 Participants will also benefit from free hotel accommodations and transportation from and to the airport in addition to entry visas. Discounts are also offered on car reservations. Participating companies can benefit from the special offers and discounts by visiting the following link: bit.ly/honeymarket  
 
The seasonal honey market offers traders, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises the unique opportunity to display their honey products and related manufactured goods to the public, which will have a positive impact on their business. Consumers, on the other hand, will have access to a variety of honey products and goods that go into honey production under one exhibition, thus expanding their purchasing options.
The initiative to invite local firms and foreign companies, specialized in the “production, supply and distribution of honey” to participate in the honey market presents an opportunity for the marketing of local honey products and allows foreign companies to exhibit their products, giving companies the opportunity to enter into agreements and partnerships that will give access to new markets and promote trade growth in the field of honey supply. The market will also empower local investors to market their products in foreign markets by allowing local entrepreneurs to gain insight into the expertise of participating countries to improve the quality of local honey products and strengthen its position in foreign markets.
 
The seasonal honey market, which coincides with the Souq Waqif Spring Festival, is expected to witness great success thanks to its location in Souq Waqif, one of the leading touristic sites in Qatar.
 
Registration
 
Companies and entrepreneurs wishing to register to participate in The Seasonal Honey Market, can send an e-mail including their name, phone number, country, city and a copy of the passport to:Honey@peo.gov.qa, or call: +97455951115.
 
 
Registration and participation is free for all and exhibition space will be allocated for participants to equip them as necessary.

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Mana Computer Services W.L.L. and Qatar Computer Services W.L.L., dealers of Lenovo products in Qatar, has announced the recall of 5th generation Lenovo Laptop ThinkPad X1 Carbon over possible overheating of battery due to an unfastened screw.
 The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to ensure that suppliers follow up on product defects and repairs to protect consumers.
The ministry has urged consumers to refrain from using the product and contact the company to do the necessary.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
 
Call center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Suzuki GSX-R1000 model of 2017 because of a fault in the ECM and drive chain inspection
     
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Teyseer Motors, dealer of Suzuki motorcycles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Suzuki GSX-R1000 model of 2017 because of a fault in the ECM and drive chain inspection.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on bike defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

​
In a bid to monitor compliance with intellectual property rights laws
Ministry of Economy and Commerce carries out surprise inspection campaigns targeting food shops in Muaither Area
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has carried out surprise inspection campaigns targeting food shops in Muaither Area to monitor the compliance of retail outlets with intellectual property rights laws and regulations.
 
These ongoing inspection campaigns come within the framework of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities as part of an integrated plan covering all retail outlets across the country. The campaigns are aimed at cracking down on counterfeit products and commodities in order to protect intellectual property rights and curb the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the local market.
 
The inspection campaign resulted in a fine for one shop for importing and distributing counterfeit canned fruits of various kinds bearing the mark of an original National Product brand contrary to the provisions of Law No. 9 of 2002 regarding trademarks, commercial records, geographic indicators, designs and industrial models.
 
The ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of the intellectual property rights laws and will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate legal action.
 
The ministry urges all consumers to report any violations of the intellectual property rights through the following channels:
 
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social networks
         – Twitter MEC_QATAR
         – Instagram MEC_QATAR

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Lexus RX350 and RX450h models of 2016 and Lexus NX200T model of 2015-2016 over potential defect in airbag sensors
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Lexus in Qatar, has announced the recall of Lexus RX350 and RX450h models of 2016 and Lexus NX200T model of 2015-2016 over potential defect in airbag sensors.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

​
H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, inaugurated on Thursday February 15, 2018 the Seasonal Dates Market organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in cooperation with Souq Waqif. The seasonal dates market, the largest festival of its kind, brings together around 85 local and foreign companies specialized in the “production, supply and distribution of dates” from Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Tunisia and Algeria among other countries. The exhibition will run until Thursday March 15, 2018.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, H.E sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber and Mr. Mohamed Badr Al Sada, CEO of Hassad Food Company, along with a number of Ambassadors from participating countries
 
In opening remarks, H.E the minister of Economy and Commerce thanked all participants in the market, stressing that this event falls in line with the ministry’s efforts to support Qatar in its journey towards achieving self-sufficiency across all sectors particularly the food sector.
 
His Excellency also highlighted the role that the market plays in promoting national date products and different kinds of date produce in addition to offering local and foreign companies the opportunity to directly sell their products to the public, which would reflect positively on their sales volume and support their efforts to expand production capacity.
 
H.E. added that the Seasonal Dates Market presents an opportunity to promote trade and investment cooperation between local and foreign companies as well as to exchange expertise in date-related industries, thus enhancing the competitiveness of national products in local and global markets.
 
The market is the largest specialized exhibition for dates of different kind and offers companies the opportunity to display and promote their various date produce as well as dates-related food and industrial products.
 
The Seasonal Dates Market offers traders, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises the unique opportunity to display their dates products and related manufactured goods.
 
Within this framework, the Ministry had invited foreign companies to participate in the dates market, presenting them the opportunity to exhibit their products, and enter into agreements and partnerships that will bolster bilateral trade in this field and provide access to new markets.
 
The ministry also sought to empower local investors to market their products in foreign markets and gain insight into the expertise of participating countries in a bid to improve the quality of local date products and strengthen its position in foreign markets.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce invites the public to visit the seasonal dates market, which welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, to learn about the various dates and products that go into their production.

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce organized on February 11, 2018, a seminar entitled “Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regulations,” which brought together legal auditors working in Qatar and registered with the Ministry.
The seminar comes within the framework of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s keenness to promote the auditing profession, which is regulated by the accounts auditing law No. 30 of 2004. The Ministry is also keen on contributing to the development of the accounting and auditing profession, which reflects economic performance and represents a safety valve.
The seminar, which brought together representatives of the Financial Information Unit at Qatar Central Bank, touched on the role of the auditing profession in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Participants were briefed on the unit’s role and discussed cooperation between the unit and auditors to facilitate the work of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism Committee with the support of accounting offices and companies operating in Qatar. Participants also discussed preventive and punitive provisions stipulated in Law No. 4 of 2010.
During the seminar, participants were briefed on the joint efforts by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the Qatar Central Bank’s Financial Information Unit to raise awareness about anti-money laundering and terrorism financing rules as well as cooperation between the Ministry and auditors in reporting any suspected money laundering and terrorist financing activity. Attendees also emphasized the need to ensure the compliance of auditing offices with laws regulating anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.
At the end of the seminar, lecturers answered all the inquiries of auditors and accounting offices operating in Qatar.

​
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued its Business Progress Report on the Commerce Sector for January 2018. The report indicated the registration of 3001 new companies including 2396 main commercial records and 605 branch commercial records.
 
Limited liability companies accounted for 62% of new commercial records followed by limited liability companies in the category of single-person companies at 27% while 10% of new companies were registered in the category of Individual Corporations.
 
Contracting companies topped the list of most common activities in January, with 444 commercial records issued in this field. 206 commercial records were issued for construction material trading while 155 records were issued for grocery stores and supply shops. The field of public trading followed with 140 records while restaurants, cafeterias and ice cream shops accounted for 126 records.
 
The report pointed out that a total of 8204 commercial licenses were issued, amended or renewed in January. 1813 new commercial licenses were issued while 978 were modified and 5413 commercial licenses were renewed.
 
A total of 418 companies closed in January, representing 14% of newly registered companies.
 
Regarding write-off activities, contracting companies topped the list at 36%. Trading in construction materials, electrical appliances and electronics followed in second place at 18% while public trading companies came third at 17%.
 
The report has indicated that the total number of transactions that took place during January 2018 at the ministry’s branches reached 33,116 transactions.
 
In the area of intellectual property rights, the report indicated that 44 new patent applications were issued in January while 230 patent applications were renewed. In addition, 4011 trademarks have been registered during January, while 42 certificates were issued in the field of copyright and related rights.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of E-Class 2017 model because the front air spring bellows may not meet factory specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

​High-level meetings, various events mark H.E Minister of Economy and Commerce’s participation in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue       
        english.pdf
 
Success of the economic, commercial and investment aspects of the US-Qatar strategic dialogue
 Both parties discuss regional arrangements, commercial routes and ports established by the State to ease the flow of goods and services to and from Qatar through neighboring countries, and to bolster joint cooperation in line with international mechanisms in a bid to accomplish joint interests.
 Both parties agreed on the importance of holding the US-Qatar Trade and Investment Committee TIFA meeting in Doha before the end of 2018.Both sides welcomed a proposal to discuss the ratification of a free trade agreement between the State of Qatar and the US to promote trade preferences.The US-Qatar TIFA meeting which will be held in Doha before the end of 2018 will touch on the US-Qatar Free Trade Agreement, the agreement on the promotion and protection of joint investments, the trade and food safety agreement, cooperation in the fields of intellectual property, customs cooperation, cooperation in the field of the World Trade Organization, cooperation related to small and medium-sized enterprises, and other areas of mutual interest.The US-Qatar Business Council is the first business council to be formed between the US and a Gulf state. Its members include major companies such as Boeing, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and others.The Minister gave instructions to provide support for the US-Qatar Business Council and expand its membership to include small and medium enterprises.The US side welcomed the Qatari economic mobility program, which will be organized during the first half of 2018 in a number of major cities in the United States.More than 102 fully owned US companies and more than 505 joint Qatari-US firms are currently operating in Qatar.The US is Qatar’s sixth-largest trading partner, with a total of $6 billion worth of traded goods.More than 5,000 US nationals currently work in the private sector in Qatar, and a million American jobs depend on business with Qatar.
High-level meetings and various events marked the participation of H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, which concluded on Wednesday in Washington DC. The minister’s activities aimed at promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and highlighting Qatar’s remarkable economic success over the past period and its future prospects in line with the Qatar Vision 2030.
 
His Excellency’s activities included a number of bilateral meetings in addition to his participation in a number of events on the sidelines of the US-Qatar Strategic dialogue, including a reception organized by the US Chamber of Commerce. H.E. also chaired a session on promoting Qatari-US bilateral trade and investment, and participated in a business lunch organized by the US-Qatar Business Council.
 
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed held bilateral meetings with Mr. Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of Commerce, Ambassador Anne Paterson, Chairman of the US-Qatar Business Council, Mr. Steven Mnuchin, US Secretary of Treasury and Mr. Dan　Mullaney, Assistant United States Trade Representative.
 
Discussions touched on the promotion of economic, trade and investment bilateral ties, and the prospects of economic and trade cooperation.
 
The outcome of these meetings demonstrated the success of the economic, trade and investment aspects of the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, namely the session on the promotion of Qatari-US bilateral trade and investment, which was chaired by H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce.
The session brought together H.E. Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance, and H.E Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority, along with other government representative.
The US delegation included the Assistant Secretary　of State for　Economic and Business Affairs and Assistant Secretary　for　Global Markets, along with representatives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs, the Office of International Relations, the Office of Intellectual Property Rights, and the Commercial Law Development Program.
The meeting touched on topics related to access to markets, government procurement, setting up a commercial presence in Qatari markets, the US-Qatar TIFA committee, intellectual property, the Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings, the telecommunications security agreement, and the trade and food safety agreement.
 
The US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue on economic and investment cooperation resulted in the signing of a number of agreements, memoranda of understanding and a letter of intent for cooperation in the fields of telecommunications, smart cities and combating human trafficking.Other agreements, including US-Qatari free trade and investment agreements, intellectual property, trade, and food safety, will be discussed during the meeting of the TIFA Committee in Doha before the end of 2018.
 
During his meeting with Mr. Steven Mnuchin, US Secretary of Treasury, the minister discussed regional arrangements on trade routes and ports established by the State of Qatar to facilitate the flow of goods and services to and from Qatar according to international mechanisms in a bid to achieve joint interests.
 
In the same context, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed met with Mr. Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Ross hailed the Qatar economy’s performance and the measures undertaken by Qatar under the unjust embargo, while expressing his country’s satisfaction with the status of US companies in Qatar.
 
The US Secretary of Commerce also welcomed and voiced support for the Qatari mobility economic program, spearheaded by the Minister of Economy and Commerce. The program will be organized during the first half of 2018 in a number of major cities across the US.
 
During his meeting with Mr. Dan　Mullaney, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East, the minister discussed WTO-related issues and the US-Qatari free trade agreement. Both parties agreed to hold the upcoming TIFA committee meeting in Doha before the end of 2018.
 
During a meeting with Ambassador Anne Paterson, Chairman of the US-Qatar Business Council, H.E. Sheikh Ahmedhighlightedthe importance of supporting the US-Qatari Council, bolstering its activities and expanding membership to include SMEs.
 
Both the Qatari and US sides also agreed to follow up on the outcome of these meetings through the US-Qatar Joint Committee on Trade and Investment that will meet in Doha before the end of 2018.
 
The US is a key strategic partner of Qatar
 
In addition to his participation in gatherings and bilateral meetings, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, took part in a number of activities on the sidelines of the US-Qatar strategic dialogue aimed at bolstering and enhancing bilateral ties to the benefit of both countries.
 
During his participation in the reception organized by the US Chamber of Commerce to honor the Qatari delegation participating in the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed seized the opportunity to shed light on key number and facts relating to bilateral economic, trade and investment relations.
 
He noted that the US is Qatar’s sixth-largest trading partner, with a total of $6 billion worth of traded goods.
H.E. also said that the US is the top source of Qatari imports at 16% in 2017, adding that the trade balance registered a surplus of $5 billion dollars in favor of the US.
More than 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms and around 102 fully owned U.S. companies are operating in Qatar, including 20 companies that operate in the field of gas and petroleum, while around 40 US companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that Qatar has been increasing its investments in the United States over the years, creating millions of jobs across America. These include partnerships with numerous American companies, such as ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Raytheon.
In this context, H.E. the minister pointed out that more than 5,000 US nationals currently work in the private sector in Qatar, while a million other American jobs depend on business with Qatar.
H.E. also hailed the Qatar Investment Authority for pledging to invest $35 billion for the period from 2015 to 2020, and an additional $10 billion for infrastructure sector.
He noted that the investment program　is moving along this target after Qatar Airways alone provided a $92 billion boost to the U.S. economy through the purchase of 332 American aircraft, a deal which supports more than 527,000 jobs in the United States.
Illegal blockade helped Qatar bolster its strength
 
During bilateral meeting on the sidelines of his participation in the reception organized by the US Chamber of Commerce, the minister touched on the illegal blockade imposed on the State of Qatar on 5 June last year.
 
H.E. highlighted that the US-Qatari gathering comes at a time of global economic uncertainties and challenging circumstances for Qatar, following the imposition of the illegal blockade.
The blockade is aimed at undermining Qatar’s position as an economically-independent and sovereign state, the minister said.
However, today, Qatar emerges stronger and more independent than ever before, he added.
H.E. stressed that the illegal blockade has presented an opportunity for Qatar to make its economy more open to the world.
In this context, the minister said Qatar has successfully established direct commercial routes with a number of strategic hubs around the world, diverting trade to its major trading partners.
Touching on the Qatari economy, H.E. said the wise policies adopted by the State contributed to increased productivity across all sectors, which reflected positively on the national economy and led to positive growth rates over the past year, reflecting Qatar’s economic resilience and ability to weather the illegal blockade.
During the session to promote US-Qatari bilateral trade and investment, the minister also touched on the unfair siege.
 
However, under the wise guidance of its leadership, Qatar has managed to weather the challenges of the blockade and maintain normal activity across all economic sectors, the minister said.
The minister added that Qatar has used Hamad Port to launch new shipping routes to strategic ports around the world, improving the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
Through Hamad International Airport, Qatar has maintained passenger and cargo traffic at a normal pace to more than 150 destinations worldwide, the minister said.
But more importantly, the minister said, the blockade presented Qatar an opportunity to fast track the implementation of measures aimed at achieving self-sufficiency across vital sectors, in partnership with the private sector.
He added that Qatar has pursued its years-long efforts to diversify its national economy and open up its economy to the world.
 
　
Qatari Economy…Numbers and facts
The reception organized by the US Chamber, and the business lunch organized by the US-Qatar Business Council, presented opportunities to shed light on the performance and success of the Qatari economy in 2017
 
In 2017, Qatar’s GDP Increased to $220 billion, compared with $218 billion in 2016, the minister said, noting that the country’s annual real GDP growth rate at constant price reached 2% in 2017.
Quoting the latest report released by the World Bank, H.E. said Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase to 2.6% in 2018.
Qatar’s foreign trade has also shown remarkable growth in 2017, with the total foreign trade volume increasing by 16% in 2017 to reached $103 billion, compared with $89 billion in 2016.
Qatar’s total exports increased by 19% to reach $68 billion in 2017, up from $ 57 billion in 2016, reflecting positively on the trade balance, which recorded a significant surplus at 40% — up from $25 billion in 2016 to $35 billion in 2017.
All these positive indicators demonstrate that Qatar has overcome the blockade and enhanced its economic competitiveness, which positions Qatar as a highly attractive destination for US investments.
Discussions touched on the investment climate in Qatar, which is one of most politically stable countries in the Middle East with an economy that performed well, driven by petroleum sector revenues　despite global and regional challenges.
Participants also praised the wisdom of the country’s leadership and its decision to transform Qatar by 2030 into a knowledge-based economy driven by the private sector. 　　
Thus, the government is adapting its business model to this vision, the minister said, noting that Qatar is positioning itself to be a private sector-driven regional hub for trade in high tech and value-added goods and services, as well as to attract workers with world-class skills to support investments and internal markets in the state of Qatar.
Discussions touched on Qatar’s business environment, which is being designed and improved to diversify the economy and encourage foreign direct investments. In addition to the backing provided by a strong sovereign credit rating, foreign investors now enjoy a flat low rate of taxation, guarantees of ownership, a business-friendly environment and a world class infrastructure for improved access to regional markets.
Discussions also touched on the special incentives provided by the state of Qatar for projects being implemented in key sectors, in addition to 100% ownership and tax exemptions for up to six years.
 
Promoting Qatari-US bilateral trade and investment
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, also chaired a session to promote Qatari-U.S. bilateral trade and investment.
During the session, H.E. discussed efforts to bolster bilateral trade and highlighted cooperation prospects in various trade-related fields, while tackling challenges facing the promotion of bilateral investments.
Participants also highlighted the incentives offered by the State of Qatar to attract foreign investment, and discussed mechanisms to follow up on the implementation of agreements by the US-Qatar Trade and Investment Council (TIFA).
During the session, participants also hailed the historic and friendly ties between the State of Qatar and the US These ties were further bolstered by Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2004, participants noted, adding that US-Qatari Strategic Dialogue represents a key step towards building on these achievements.
Discussions also touched on the new laws issued by Qatar in order to attract and promote local and foreign investments.
These include a new draft law to regulate the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, which the Cabinet recently endorsed in line with the directives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The law facilitates foreign investor’s access to the Qatari market by providing incentives in terms of land allocation to non-Qatari investors seeking to set up projects, tax and customs exemptions and enabling the free transfer of investments to and from Qatar.
Qatar has also introduced amendments to its law on investment free zones, which provides further incentives to investors seeking to set up businesses in Qatar.
The amended law on investment free zones abolishes all barriers and restrictions on capital movement and facilitates the introduction of modern technologies into investment projects.
During the session on the promotion of bilateral trade and investments, participants highlighted efforts to bolster Qatar’s business environment, noting the increase in the contribution of the non-oil sector to 52% of GDP in 2017.
Qatar’s success in promoting a diversified economy is evident in the country’s advanced ranking on several international indicators, the minister said, noting that Qatar ranks in second place globally in terms of providing a stable macroeconomic environment and in terms of tax impact on business, fourth globally in terms of government efficiency, eighth in terms of economic performance and 18th on the Global Competitiveness Index 2016 Report.
Participants also outlined efforts to bolster trade and economic cooperation across various sectors, which will strengthen the U.S. position as Qatar’s top trading partner.
Today, around 40 US companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.
Thus, the private sector in both countries is well-positioned to tap a multitude of existing investment opportunities, the minister said.
According to his excellency, these include infrastructure projects related to the FIFA World Cup 2022, investments in Qatar’s tourism sector ahead of state plans to attract 5.6 million visitors annually by 2023, in addition to large scale projects in food security, education and health services.
The US-Qatari Strategic Dialogue and auxiliary events, including bilateral meetings and discussions with key economic figures, provided another opportunity to expand bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation to the benefit of both countries in light of the enormous potential of their economies.
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H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, participated on Monday January 29, 2018 in the reception organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to honor the Qatari delegation participating in the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue held in Washington DC.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired the Qatari delegation, which brought together H.E Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority.
The US delegation was headed by H.E Mr. Rex Tillerson, US Secretary of State, along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of major American companies.
In his opening speech, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed hailed the history of friendly ties between the State of Qatar and the U.S. in the economic and trade fields.
The minister stressed that international trade and investment form a key part of Qatar’s diversification strategy, noting that the US is Qatar’s sixth trading partner with a total of $6 billion worth of traded goods.
H.E. said that 16% of Qatar’s imports came from the US in 2017, adding that the trade balance registered a surplus of $5 billion Dollars in favor of the US.
H.E. also noted that over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms and around 102 fully owned U.S. companies are operating in Qatar including 20 companies that operate in the field of Gas and petroleum while around 40 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that Qatar has been increasing its investments in the United States over the years, creating millions of jobs across America. These include partnerships with numerous American companies, such as ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Raytheon.
In this context, H.E the minister pointed out that over 5,000 U.S. nationals currently work in the private sector in Qatar, while a million other American jobs depend on business with Qatar.
H.E. also hailed Qatar Investment Authority for pledging to invest $35 billion for the period from 2015 to 2020 and an additional $10 billion for infrastructure sector.
He noted that the investment program is moving along this target after Qatar Airways alone provided a $92 billion boost to the U.S. economy through the purchase of 332 American aircraft, a deal which supports more than 527,000 jobs in the United States.
On another note, H.E. highlighted that the US-Qatari gathering comes at a time of global economic uncertainties and challenging circumstances for Qatar, following the imposition of the illegal blockade on the country on June 5th of last year.
A blockade aimed at undermining Qatar’s position as an economically-independent and sovereign state, the minister said.
However, today, Qatar emerges stronger and more independent than ever before, he added.
H.E. stressed that the illegal blockade has presented an opportunity for Qatar to make its economy more open to the world.
In this context, the minister said Qatar has successfully established direct commercial routes with a number of strategic hubs around the world, diverting trade to its major trading partners.
Touching on the Qatari economy, H.E. said the wise policies adopted by the State contributed to increased productivity across all sectors, which reflected positively on the national economy and led to positive growth rates over the past year, reflecting the Qatari economy resilience and ability to weather the illegal blockade.
In 2017, Qatar’s GDP Increased to $220 billion USD compared with $ 218 billion in 2016, the minister said, noting that the country’s annual real GDP growth rate at constant price reached 2 % in 2017.
Quoting the latest report released by the World Bank, H.E. said Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase to 2.6% in 2018, adding that the contribution of the non-oil and gas sector to GDP at constant price reached 52% in 2017.
Qatar’s foreign trade has also shown remarkable growth in 2017, the minister said, adding that the total foreign trade volume has increased by 16% in 2017 to reached $ 103 billion USD, compared with $ 89 billion USD in 2016.
H.E. added that Qatar’s total exports increased by 19 % to reach $ 68 billion USD in 2017, from $ 57 billion in 2016, reflecting positively on the trade balance, which recorded a significant surplus at 40% – from $25 billion in 2016 to $35 billion in 2017.
All these positive indicators demonstrate that Qatar has overcome the blockade and enhanced its economic competitiveness, which positions Qatar as a highly attractive destination for US investments, the minister said.
Touching on Qatar’s investment climate, the minister highlighted the country’s attractive characteristics, noting that Qatar is one of most politically stable countries in the Middle East with an economy that performed well, driven by petroleum sector revenues despite global and regional challenges.
The Minister also praised the wisdom of the country’s leadership and its decision to transform Qatar by 2030 to a knowledge-based economy driven by the private sector.   
Thus, the government is adapting its business model to this vision, the minister said, noting that Qatar is positioning itself to be a private sector driven regional hub for trade in high tech and value-added goods and services as well as to attract workers with world class skills to support investments and internal market in the state of Qatar.
In this context, H.E. said Qatar’s business environment is being designed and improved to diversify the economy and encourage foreign direct investments. In addition to the backing provided by a strong sovereign credit rating, foreign investors now enjoy a flat low rate of taxation, guarantees of ownership, a business friendly environment and a world class infrastructure for improved access to regional markets, the minister said.
In his concluding remarks, the minister said Qatar provides special incentives for projects being implemented in key sectors. 
In addition to 100% ownership and tax exemptions for up to six years, the minister said the government is offering opportunities for public-private partnerships in specific areas which will give foreign investors an edge in accessing regional markets, inviting U.S. companies to tap these opportunities and invest in Qatar.
For his part, H.E Mr. Rex Tillerson, U.S. Secretary of State, praised US-Qatari relations, stressing that bilateral ties are characterized by their strength and continuous development across all fields.
Mr. Tillerson also hailed Qatar’s positive economic growth rates and its advanced ranking on several indicators, calling on US companies from various sectors to tap investment opportunities offered by the State of Qatar, which would benefit both countries.
The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue is a reflection of the close cooperation between the State of Qatar and the U.S. on the political, security, economic and cultural levels.
 

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H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, chaired on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, a session to promote Qatari-U.S. bilateral trade and investment. The session was organized within the framework of the US-Qatar strategic dialogue in Washington.
The session brought together H.E Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance; and H.E Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority along with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs and Qatar Investment Authority.
The U.S. delegation, on the other hand, included the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs and Assistant Secretary for Global Markets along with representatives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Affairs, the Office of International Relations, the Office of Intellectual Property Rights, and the Commercial Law Development Program.
During the meeting, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed discussed efforts to bolster bilateral trade and highlighted cooperation prospects in various trade-related fields while tackling challenges facing the promotion of bilateral investments.
Participants also highlighted the incentives offered by the State of Qatar to attract foreign investment, and discussed mechanisms to follow up on the implementation of agreements by the US-Qatar Trade and Investment Council (TIFA).
Touching on Qatari-U.S. relations, His Excellency hailed the historic and friendly ties between the State of Qatar and the U.S.
The minister said the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2004 bolstered these ties while noting that U.S.-Qatari Strategic Dialogue represents a key step towards building on these achievements.
His Excellency added that the meeting comes at a time of economic challenges for Qatar since the illegal blockade was imposed on the country on June 5th of last year.
However, under the wise guidance of its leadership, Qatar has managed to weather the challenges of the blockade and maintain normal activity across all economic sectors, the minister said.
The minister added that Qatar has used Hamad Port to launch new shipping routes to strategic ports around the world, improving the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
Through Hamad International Airport, Qatar has maintained passenger and cargo traffic at a normal pace to more than 150 destinations worldwide, the minister said.
But more importantly, the minister said, the siege presented Qatar an opportunity to fast track the implementation of measures aimed at achieving self-sufficiency across vital sectors, in partnership with the private sector.
He added that Qatar has pursued its years-long efforts to diversify its national economy and open up its economy to the world.
This has led to an increase in Qatar’s GDP to $220 billion USD in 2017 compared with $ 218 billion in 2016, the minister said, noting that the country’s annual real GDP growth rate at constant prices reached 2 % in 2017.
Quoting the latest report released by the World Bank, His Excellency said Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to increase to 2.6% in 2018, adding that the contribution of the non-oil and gas sector to GDP at constant price reached 52% in 2017.
Qatar’s foreign trade has also shown remarkable growth in 2017, the minister said, adding that the total foreign trade volume has increased by 16% in 2017 to reached $ 103 billion USD, compared with $ 89 billion USD in 2016.
His Excellency noted that Qatar’s total exports increased by 19 % to reach $ 68 billion USD in 2017, from $ 57 billion in 2016, reflecting positively on the trade balance, which recorded a significant surplus at 40% – from $25 billion in 2016 to $35 billion in 2017.
All these positive indicators demonstrate that Qatar has overcome the blockade and enhanced its economic competitiveness, which positions Qatar as a highly attractive destination for US investments, the minister said.
He added that over the past months, Qatar has sought to issue new laws and to introduce key amendments to a number of existing legislation in order to attract and promote local and foreign investments.
The minister said these include a new draft law to regulate the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, which the Cabinet recently endorsed in line with the directives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The law facilitates foreign investor’s access to the Qatari market by providing incentives in terms of land allocation to non-Qatari investors seeking to set up projects, tax and customs exemptions and enabling the free transfer of investments to and from Qatar, the minister said.
His Excellency added that Qatar has also introduced amendments to its law on investment free zones, which provides further incentives to investors seeking to set up businesses in Qatar.
The amended law on investment free zones abolish all barriers and restrictions on capital movement and facilitates the introduction of modern technologies into investment projects, the minister said.  
He added that Qatar is currently working on the development of a public-private partnership law, which will represent a major boost to the country’s business environment.
The ratification of the law will coincide with the launch of several major projects that will attract investors in the fields of food security, sports, tourism, health, education and logistics, the minister said.
Touching on the state of the national economy, the minister said the government’s efforts bolstered Qatar’s business environment and increased the contribution of the non-oil sector to 52% of GDP in 2017.
Qatar’s success in promoting a diversified economy is evident in the country’s advanced ranking on several international indicators, the minister said, noting that Qatar ranks in second place globally in terms of providing a stable macroeconomic environment and in terms of tax impact on business, fourth globally in terms of government efficiency, 8th in terms of economic performance and 18th on the Global Competitiveness Index 2016 Report.
Touching on Qatari-U.S. bilateral ties, His Excellency said the US is Qatar’s sixth trading partner with a total of $6 billion worth of traded goods.
He added that 16% of Qatar’s imports came from the US in 2017, noting that the trade balance registered a surplus of $5 billion Dollars in favor of the US.
The minister voiced hope that Qatar and the U.S. build on friendly ties to bolster trade and economic cooperation across various sectors, which will strengthen the U.S. position as Qatar’s top trading partner.
His Excellency noted that more than 102 fully owned U.S. companies and over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms in the engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services sectors are currently operating in Qatar while 40 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.
Thus, the private sector in both countries is well positioned to tap a multitude of existing investment opportunities, the minister said.
According to his excellency, these include infrastructure projects related to the 2022 World Cup, investments in Qatar’s tourism sector ahead of state plans to attract 5.6 million visitors annually by 2023, in addition to large scale projects in food security, education and health services.
The minister also noted that Qatar, one of top global producers and exporters of natural gas currently operating the largest LNG fleet in the world, is working to raise its LNG production capacity from 77 million tons to 100 million tons annually, the equivalent of a 30% increase in production.
In his concluding remarks, Sheikh Ahmed said Qatar continue to prosper thanks to its success in maintaining stability to attract foreign investments. He voiced hope that the U.S. would tap the opportunities offered by Qatar to build on the historic Qatari-U.S. bilateral relations.
His Excellency also called for future TIFA meetings to take place in Doha to discuss topics on the council’s agenda ahead of the second session of the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue.
 
 

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H.E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on January 30, 2018, with H.E Mr. Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC.
 
Discussions touched on the promotion of economic, trade and investment bilateral ties. During the meeting, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce touched on the outcome of the session on bolstering bilateral trade and investment within the framework of the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue.
 
For his part, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce hailed the Qatari economy’s performance and expressed his country’s satisfaction with the status of U.S. companies in Qatar. The U.S. official noted that American companies operating in Qatar face no obstacles while highlighting the contribution of Qatari investments in the U.S. to the creation of jobs for American citizens.
 
Qatar and the U.S. enjoy close economic and trade relations, including joint investments in the fields of oil and gas.
 
In April 2004, Qatar and the U.S. signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.  Bilateral trade between the two countries reached 6 billion in 2017.
 
More than 102 fully owned U.S. companies and over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms operate in the engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services sectors in Qatar while 40 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al -Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, January 29, 2018, in Washington, DC, with H.E Ambassador Anne Patterson, Chairman of the US-Qatar Business Council. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue.
 
Discussions touched on promoting relations between the Qatari and US private sectors in various sectors and the latest development relating to the US-Qatar Business Council. The U.S. side also elaborated on the council’s proposed plan for the upcoming period.
 
HE Ambassador Anne Patterson has been appointed as Chairman of the US-Qatar Business Council in 2018 after the Ministry of Economy and Commerce signed last September a letter of intent for cooperation between the Ministry and the Council in several fields.
 
Qatar and the U.S. enjoy close economic and trade relations, including joint investments in the fields of oil and gas.
 
In April 2004, Qatar and the U.S. signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
 
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached around $6 billion in 2017.
 
More than 102 fully owned U.S. companies and over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms operate in the engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services sectors in Qatar while 38 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al -Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, January 29, 2018, in Washington, DC, with H.E Mr. Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Secretary of Treasury. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue.
 
Discussions touched on the promotion of bilateral economic and investments ties and the prospects of joint trade and economic cooperation.
 
Qatar and the U.S. enjoy close economic and trade relations, including joint investments in the fields of oil and gas.
 
The United States ranked as Qatar’s top trade partner in terms of imports in 2017 with Qatar acquiring 16% of its imports from the United States.
 
In April 2004, Qatar and the U.S. signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Qatari-US Bilateral trade has reached around $6 billion.
 
More than 102 fully owned U.S. companies and over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms operate in the engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services sectors in Qatar while 40 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met on Monday, January 29, 2018, with Mr. Dan Mullaney, Assistant United States Trade Representative in Washington, DC.
 
The meeting which took place on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue was also attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to US, H.E Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani.
 
Discussions touched on the latest developments regarding the Qatar-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meetings, as well as the assessment of memoranda of understanding and cooperation in various sectors.
 
The Minister also invited U.S. official to hold the next meeting of the Qatari-American Council in Doha before the end of the year.
 
Qatar and the U.S. enjoy close economic and trade relations, including joint investments in the fields of oil and gas.
 
In April 2004, Qatar and the U.S. signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Qatari-US bilateral trade reached around $6 billion in 2017.
 
More than 102 fully owned U.S. companies and over 505 joint Qatari-U.S. firms operate in the engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services sectors in Qatar while 40 U.S. companies are licensed under the umbrella of the Qatar Financial Centre.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Alfardan Premier Motors, dealer of Jaguar vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Jaguar XF, XE, XJ and F-PACE models of 2016-2018 because the virtual display instrument cluster (IC) has been going blank intermittently.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

​The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz S-Class models of 2013-2014 because the driver seatbelt specifications do not match with factory specifications.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company, dealer of Infiniti vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of recall of Q30 model of 2017 because a possible defect in the steering system may cause improper function of the driver airbag.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry 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@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Ford dealer in Qatar, Almana Motors Company, has announced the recall of Ford Figo model of 2009-2012 because affected vehicles are fitted with a PAS (Power Assisted Steering) high pressure hose that may split, resulting in a power steering fluid leak.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Alfardan Premier Motors Co., dealer of Land Rover in Qatar, has announced the recall of Land Rover, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models of 2017 because the virtual display instrument cluster (IC) has been going blank intermittently.    
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has opened free registration for local firms and foreign companies specialized in the “production, supply and distribution of dates” in order to participate in the “Seasonal Market Dates,” which will take place from February 15 to March 15, 2018 in the traditional Souq Waqif, one of the most important tourist attractions in Qatar. Souq Waqif attracts both local visitors and foreign tourists and is largely popular among citizens and residents of Qatar for its yearlong events, exhibitions and festivals.
The seasonal Market Dates, which is specialized in all varieties of dates, provides an opportunity for companies to display and promote various date products in addition to food products that go into the production of dates as well as industries related to the trade, production and manufacturing of dates.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support and encourage companies to participate in the market, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in coordination with Qatar Airways and Gulf Warehousing Company, is offering discounts on shipping and storage fees as well as hotel and car reservations. Participating companies can benefit from the special offers and discounts by visiting the following link:http://bit.ly/datesmarketen
The seasonal dates market offers traders, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises the unique opportunity to display their dates products and related manufactured goods to the public, which will have a positive impact on their business. Consumers, on the other hand, will have access to a variety of date products and goods that go into dates production under one exhibition, thus expanding their purchasing options.
The Ministry’s initiative and invitation to foreign companies to participate in the dates market presents an opportunity for the marketing of local dates products and allows foreign companies to exhibit their products, giving companies the opportunity to enter into agreements and partnerships that will give access to new markets and promote trade growth in the field of date supply. The market will also empower local investors to market their products in foreign markets by allowing local entrepreneurs to gain insight into the expertise of participating countries to improve the quality of local date products and strengthen its position in foreign markets.
The seasonal dates market, which coincides with the annual Spring Souq Waqif Festival, is expected to witness unprecedented success thanks to its location.
Registration
The Ministry noted that companies and entrepreneurs wishing to register to participate in the market seasonal dates, can send an e-mail to: DatesMarket@mec.qov.qa, or call: +97455951115.
The Ministry said registration and participation is free for all, noting that it will allocate exhibition space for participants to equip them as necessary.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz GLC-Class model of 2017 because the software for the powertrain control unit does not correspond with the latest series production configuration.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquires and suggestions through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company, dealer of Infiniti vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of recall of Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models of 2017 over possible defect in the Engine Control Module (ECM) programming.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 Call Center: 16001Email: info@mec.gov.qaSocial media accounts:Twitter: @MEC_QatarInstagram: MEC_QatarMinistry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Ford dealer in Qatar, Almana Motors Company, has announced the recall of Ford F-150 model of 2017 because the roll pin attaching the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 Call Center: 16001Email: info@mec.gov.qaSocial media accounts:Twitter: @MEC_QatarInstagram: MEC_QatarMinistry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued its Business Progress Report on the Commerce Sector for December 2017. The report indicated the registration of 2572 new companies including 2056 main commercial records and 516 branch commercial records.
 
Limited liability companies accounted for 63% of new commercial records followed by limited liability companies in the category of single-person companies at 27% while 9% of new companies were registered in the category of Individual Corporations.
 
Contracting companies topped the list of most common activities in December, with 1507 commercial records issued in this field. 1067 commercial records were issued for restaurants, cafeterias and ice cream shops while 962 records were issued for grocery stores and supply shops. The field of public trading followed with 899 records while construction material trading accounted for 872 records.
 
The report pointed out that a total of 6659 commercial licenses were issued, amended or renewed in December. 1304 new commercial licenses were issued while 858 were modified and 4497 commercial licenses were renewed.
 
A total of 324 companies closed in December, representing 12.5% of newly registered companies.
 
Regarding write-off activities, contracting companies topped the list at 27%, followed by public trading companies at 21%. Trading in construction materials, electrical appliances and electronics followed in third place at 18% while grocery stores and supplies came at 16%.

The report has indicated that the total number of transactions that took place during December 2017 at the ministry’s branches reached 1583 transactions.
 
In the area of intellectual property rights, the report indicated that 63 new patent applications were issued in December while 178 patent applications were renewed. In addition, 3701 trademarks have been registered during December, while 12 certificates were issued in the field of copyright and related rights.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Fardan Automobiles, dealer of BMW vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of BMW Series 7 Saloon and Series 5 Saloon models of 2015-2017 over possible corruption in the software.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 Call Center: 16001Email: info@mec.gov.qaSocial media accounts:Twitter: @MEC_QatarInstagram: MEC_QatarMinistry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce announces recall of Isuzu Trucks F-Series models of 2014-2015 because of an incorrect condition on the lock plate of the front RH spring shackle pin  
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration Jaidah Motors & Trading Co, dealer of Isuzu vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Isuzu Trucks F-Series models of 2014 – 2015 because of an incorrect condition on the lock plate of the front RH spring shackle pin.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 Call Center: 16001Email: info@mec.gov.qaSocial media accounts:Twitter: @MEC_QatarInstagram: MEC_QatarMinistry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz G-Class models of 2015 -2017 due to the possibility of a fault in the work of the vehicle anti-slip control unit (ESP – Electronic Stability Program).
The ministry said the recall campaign falls within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one-month closure of a building materials company, located in the Industrial Area, for displaying and selling counterfeit sanitary ware.  
 
The inspection campaign falls within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities in order to crack down on violations, price manipulation, and counterfeit and substandard products.
 
The company was fined and closed for a one-month period in line with article (7) of law number (8) of 2008. Article 7 compels suppliers to clearly display on the product’s package the type and nature of the item as well as other relevant data in line with the law’s implementing regulations. The law also prohibits the display of fraudulent descriptions, advertisements and misleading statements.
 
The administrative closure declaration shall be published at the expense of the company that committed the violation in accordance with Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Protection. The law stipulates that the closure decision shall be published on the Ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers at the expense of the violating company.

The Ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulation. The Ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The Ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions to its consumer protection and anti-commercial fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The mobile app of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce available on iPhone and Android devices (MEC_QATAR)

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Fardan Automobiles, dealer of BMW vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of BMW X5 and X6 models of 2010- 2013 because there is a possible interruption in the universal joint of the front driving shaft which might cause noise.  
The ministry said the recall campaign falls within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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Ministry of Economy and Commerce shuts down building block factory for one month over display and sale of substandard blocks

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced the one-month closure of a building block factory, located in Al-Khor, for displaying and selling blocks that don’t match the standard specifications.
 
The inspection campaign falls within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to monitor markets and commercial activities in order to crack down on violations, price manipulation, and counterfeit and substandard products.
 
The factory was fined and closed for a one-month period in line with article (6) of law number (8) of 2008. The law prohibits the sale, display and promotion of substandard, counterfeit and fraudulent products. A product is considered fraudulent if it fails to meet standards or has expired.
 
The administrative closure declaration shall be published at the expense of the factory that committed the violation in accordance with Article (18) of Law No. (8) on Consumer Protection. The law stipulates that the closure decision shall be published on the Ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers at the expense of the company.

The Ministry stressed that it will not tolerate any violations of Consumer Protection Law and its regulation. The Ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
 
The Ministry urges all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions to its consumer protection and anti-commercial fraud department through the following channels:
 
– Call Centre: 16001
– Email: info@mec.gov.qa
– The accounts of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce on social media networks
– Twitter MEC_QATAR
– Instagram MEC_QATAR
-The mobile app of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce available on iPhone and Android devices (MEC_QATAR)
 
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Almana Motors Company, dealer of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Lincoln-MKZ and Ford-Fusion models of 2013-2015 because the driver and passenger front seatbelt pretensioner cables may separate during a deployment and may not adequately restrain the occupant in a crash.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda CBR 300R models of 2015-2016 over a fault in the connecting rod bearing.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on product defects and repair them.
 
The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Q-Auto, dealer of Volkswagen vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of 23 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf models of 2009 over the probability of thermal overload in the ABS/ESC control unit.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued its Business Progress Report on the Commerce Sector for October 2017. The report indicated the registration of 2062 new companies including 1596 main commercial records and 466 branch commercial records.
 
Limited liability companies accounted for 62% of new commercial records followed by limited liability companies in the category of single-person companies at 27% while 10% of new companies were registered in the category of Individual Corporations.
 
Contracting companies topped the list of most common activities in October, with 254 commercial records issued in this field. 163 commercial records were issued for grocery stores and supply shops while 155 records were issued for restaurants, cafeterias and ice cream shops. The field of public trading followed with 136 records while transaction clearance and services accounted for 127 records.
 
The report pointed out that a total of 7747 commercial licenses were issued, amended or renewed in October. 1481 new commercial licenses were issued while 1046 were modified and 5220 commercial licenses were renewed.
 
A total of 301 companies closed in October, representing 14.5% of newly registered companies.
 
Regarding write-off activities, contracting companies topped the list at 35%, followed by public trading companies at 24%. Trading in construction materials followed at 22% while trading in electrical appliances and electronics followed in third place each at 19%.

The report has indicated that the total number of transactions that took place during October 2017 at the ministry’s branches reached 37340 transactions.
 
In the area of intellectual property rights, the report indicated that 41 new patent applications were issued in October while 187 patent applications were renewed. In addition, 4019 trademarks have been registered during October, while 8 certificates were issued in the field of copyright and related rights.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced that Sheikh Ali Bin Al Waleed Al Thani, the director of Qatar’s World Trade Organization (WTO) Office, has been unanimously appointed as Chairman of the WTO’s Committee on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS) with broad support from the organization’s member states.
 
Sheikh Ali Bin Al Waleed Al Thani chaired on Monday November 6, 2017 the TRIMS meeting at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva.
 
The meeting touched on the policies of some member states that imposed local content requirements in a number of investment fields, particularly in the energy and telecommunications sectors. Participants also reviewed comments on new or amended legislation in member states in accordance with the WTO provisions.
 
The TRIMS Committee oversees the implementation of the agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, which was negotiated in Uruguay. The agreement stipulates that no member shall apply any measures that are prohibited in the provisions of Article III (National Treatment) or Article XI (Quantitative restrictions) of GATT as some investment measures can restrict or distort international trade.
 
This is the first time that a Qatari representative assumes the chairmanship of a committee at the WTO.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of CMC vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of CMC Veryca model of 2017 because the chassis frame might crack and break.  
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz GLC-Class model of 2016 because the transmission control unit does not correspond to the current production configuration.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co W.L.L, dealer of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Toyota Corolla models of 2001-2003 over the possibility of a defect in the passenger side airbag inflator.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
    

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Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of C-Class, GLC-Class and S-Class models of 2015-2017 because the software in the fuel system control unit (FSCM) may not meet specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Al Fardan Motorcycles, dealer of BMW Motorcycles in Qatar, has announced the recall of BMW R 1200 GS models of 2014-2017 because on front forks, measuring the gap between the seal plug and fork tube.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that bike dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them.
 
The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.
 
Call center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
 
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda bikes in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda CRF 450 RGED models of 2015-2016 because the transmission gear might break.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that bike dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them.
 
The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced Qatar’s accession to the Rome Convention on the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961), effective 23 September 2017.
 
The Rome Convention on the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961) includes the protection of the intellectual property rights of broadcasters from any infringement. These include the right to wireless transmission and live broadcast of television performances to the public; the right to re-broadcast via another broadcasting organization, as well as the right to broadcast audio, sound or images to the public; the right of fixation and reproduction of performances and the authorization of others to these rights, the protection of broadcasting organizations authorized by the state to operate and maintain a main headquarters on its territory.
 
The accession of Qatar to the Rome Convention marks another milestone in the country’s successful journey in the field of intellectual property rights protection, in which Qatar ranks first in the Arab world for the eighth consecutive year and 20th worldwide.
 
The accession of Qatar to the Rome Convention on the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961) as well as other international conventions and treaties relating to the protection of intellectual property rights also aims at protecting the rights of legitimate copyright owners due to the important commercial and economic repercussions of intellectual property rights in terms of promoting economic growth and development to accomplish the Qatar 2030 vision.
 
Qatar has previously acceded to a number of international conventions for the protection of copyright and related rights, such as the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the first international convention to protect the rights of authors, performers and producers of phonograms, as well as the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) And the WIPO Treaty (WPPT) on the Protection of Performances and Phonograms. The Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (1961) was characterized by provisions to protect broadcasting organizations.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz C-Class model of 2016 because the seam seal at the longitudinal member at left and right has not been executed according to specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, and H.E Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, inaugurated the Qatar-Indonesia Economic Forum on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 in Jakarta. The forum, which was organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, comes within the framework of H.H. the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to Indonesia.
 
The forum brought together HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and Mr. Erwin Aksa, Vice President of Indonesia Chamber of Commerce, along with more than 400 businessmen, investors, government officials, company executives, economic bodies and experts. Attendees gained an insight into investment opportunities across the trade, agriculture, tourism, industry and services sectors, as well as the wider economic fields of both countries.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, H.E Sheikh Ahmed highlighted “promising opportunities for fostering Qatari-Indonesian bilateral trade and economic relations,” while praising the level of cooperation between the two countries, which made progress towards close economic cooperation.
 
H.E noted that Qatari-Indonesian bilateral trade stood at about 500 million USD in 2016, noting an increase in Qatari exports to Indonesia to 356 million USD, while Indonesia’s exports to Qatar stood at 131 million USD in 2016.
 
H.E Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the competitiveness of the Qatari economy and the numerous incentives it offers to investors, while praising economic and trade relations between Qatar and Indonesia. His Excellency also underscored Qatar’s strategic location, which contributes to increasing its attractiveness as an investment destination, and shed light on the country’s advanced infrastructure and its position as the world’s largest natural gas exporter.
 
Sheikh Ahmed stressed that Qatar has succeeded in delivering an array of world-class infrastructure projects over the past few years. These include Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s largest airports, that will soon accommodate 50 million passengers annually, and Hamad Port, which boasts a capacity of 7.5 million containers. Qatar also hosts an advanced network of highways, while its globally leading airline, Qatar Airways, connects the country to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
 
H.E noted that Qatar is highly competitive in the energy market thanks to its rich natural gas and oil resources, and that the nation is also the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and helium, and the fourth-largest producer of urea in the world.
 
Highlighting incentives provided by the state, Sheikh Ahmed said non-Qatari investors can own up to 100% of investment projects in several economic sectors, while invested foreign capital is exempted from income tax for up to ten years from the date of launching an investment project. Qatar also offers key investment incentives, such as exempting imported large machinery and raw materials from taxes, and refraining from imposing restrictions on capital and profit repatriation, in addition to allowing the free transfer of company ownership.
 
His Excellency urged the business community to tap investment opportunities offered by Qatar, noting that the state is providing important incentives in a number of priority sectors, including industry, agriculture, health, education, information technology, tourism and sports.
 
Highlighting the characteristics of Qatar’s logistics and industrial zones, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed noted that Qatar has developed a comprehensive environment to attract investors, reflecting the state’s belief that the country’s business climate and institutional framework are equally important to its advanced infrastructure. He also highlighted the incentives offered to investors by the Qatar Financial Centre, the Qatar Science and Technology Park, as well as the nation’s logistics and industrial zones, adding that the development of a Sport Business Park, which will be dedicated to sports companies involved in the organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is underway.
 
Touching on the laws and legislative framework established to regulate the business environment, His Excellency underlined Qatar’s efforts to consolidate the concept of the rule of law, an important characteristic of the Qatari legislative environment at the global level, as demonstrated by the country’s ranking in 10th place on the Institutional Strength Index. Qatar has recently issued several laws to promote business, namely a new International Arbitration Law, a Commercial Companies Law and a Labor Law.
 
His Excellency added that Qatar is currently working on issuing a Public Private Partnership Law that will facilitate the establishment of new projects in the areas of health and education, among other sectors.
 
The Minister also highlighted Qatar’s advanced ranking on several international indices, noting the country’s leading position in terms of low inflation, business safety, the impact of taxes in business and the government efficiency index.
 
His Excellency outlined the programs and policies adopted by Qatar to establish an attractive investment environment for various economic projects, pointing out that the country has achieved significant growth driven by an increase in the contribution of the oil and non-oil sectors to GDP. Qatar has continued to achieve stable real GDP growth rates of 3.3 % over the last three years, despite fluctuations in oil prices, which demonstrates the strength of the Qatari economy. The Minister also highlighted the strength of the Qatari riyal, which has been pegged to the US dollar since 1982.
 
Touching on the education sector, the Minister said Qatar is home to a very high-quality education system, ranking fifth globally on the Quality of Education Index, according to the World Economic Forum. The country has allocated 2.8 % of its GDP for research & development, and is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions, such as Qatar Foundation, Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, as well as elite international universities such as Texas A&M, Weill Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgetown.
 
His Excellency voiced his hope that the forum will provide an opportunity to establish action plans aimed at increasing economic cooperation and bolstering bilateral trade and investment, as well as paving the way for partnerships and joint investments between Qatari businessmen and their Indonesian counterparts.
 
For his part, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, H.E Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, underscored the development of Qatari-Indonesia economic and trade relations, saying both Qatar and Indonesia are home to business-friendly economies which serve to promote free trade.
 
The Indonesian Minister added that his country has cemented its position as one of the world’s leading emerging countries with major investment breakthroughs across various sectors, noting that the agricultural, tourism and real estate sectors offer promising opportunities that contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Indonesian businessmen and their Qatari counterparts.
 
The Minister also stressed that the forum paves the way for the private sector in both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation and benefit from the important opportunities offered by Qatar and Indonesia in the investment and trade sectors, noting that the bilateral agreements signed during the forum mark an important milestone in the development of economic and trade cooperation.
 
H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, also spoke of his expectancy that the forum paves the way for new joint commercial and investment ventures.
 
Sheikh Khalifa said Qatari-Indonesian economic and trade relations have grown over the past years, as demonstrated by the value of bilateral trade which stood at about QR 1.8 billion in 2016, while noting the important role that the private sector plays in enhancing commercial and investment relations between both countries. He also urged the establishment of successful investment partnerships, noting that the participation of a large number of Qatari and Indonesian investors and businessmen in the forum reflects a common interest in promoting bilateral investments in priority sectors.
 
For his part, Mr. Erwin Aksa, Vice President of Indonesia Chamber of Commerce, said the forum propels Qatari-Indonesian ties forward. Mr. Aksa praised the development and growth of trade relations between Qatar and Indonesia, and invited companies and businessmen from both countries to take advantage of the investment opportunities that were highlighted during the forum.
 
He also stressed the importance of joint efforts by the business sector in both countries to explore cooperation opportunities and exchange expertise, trade visits and fairs in a bid to capitalize on the the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed in various economic fields to the benefits of both countries.
 
The forum featured two workshops. The first, entitled Qatar Challenges and Opportunities for Joint Projects & Investment, brought together Mr Nabeel Mohammed Al-Bouainain, CEO of Qatari Diar; Mr Hamad Al Mulla, CEO of Katara Hospitality; Mr Mohamed Al Sada, CEO of Hassad Food; and Mr Khalid Al Mana, Executive Director of Qatar Development Bank.
 
The second workshop touched on transportation, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, programme delivery, challenges and opportunities for Qatari-Indonesian cooperation, and Qatar’s challenges in the energy sector.
 
The workshop was attended by Mr. Fahad Rashid al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq Company; Eng. Ghanim Al Kuwari, Competition Venues Executive Director of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Sheikh Meshal bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of Energy Affairs at Ministry of Energy & Industry; and Mr. Abdulaziz Al Yafei, Director of Hamad Port.
 
The forum also included bilateral meetings between businessmen from both countries to discuss investment opportunities, as well as measures to bolster long-term economic cooperation, so as to enable Qatari companies to draw lessons from their Indonesian counterparts’ success.
 
The Economic Forum is the latest in a series of key initiatives aimed at highlighting the competitiveness of Qatar’s economy and business environment, which will further contribute to attracting foreign direct investment.
 

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H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani,  Minister of Economy and Commerce, and HE Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, attended the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and a declaration of intent between Qatar Chamber, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, Mwani Qatar and the Indonesian Port Authority. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, on the sidelines of the Qatar-Indonesia Economic Forum organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia.
The MoU between Qatar Chamber and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce aims at enhancing cooperation and promoting the exchange of information and business opportunities between Qatar Chamber and the Indonesian chamber of Commerce, as well as the organization of business-related fairs in both countries.
H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and Mr. Erwin Aksa, Vice President of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, co-signed the MoU.
Meanwhile, the MoU between Mwani Qatar and the Indonesian Port Authority will allow both parties to exchange best practices and expertise on port management and operation, enhance communication and cooperation on promoting investment and innovative technologies, and join efforts to promote logistics, trade and information exchange to enhance the ports’ capabilities in a bid to bolster the economies of both countries.
Abdulaziz Al-Yafei, Director of Hamad Port, and Mr. Spento R. Arinto, Director of Indonesia’s Port Authority, co-signed the MoU.
A declaration of intent between Mwani Qatar and the Port Authority of Indonesia was also signed by Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Yafei, Director of Hamad Port in Qatar, and Mr. Bambang Eka Cahyana, President Director of Pelindo I.
The Memorandums of Understanding will contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between Qatar and Indonesia, and enhance communication and cooperation between both nations’ private sectors. The MoUs will also contribute to the development of mechanisms and measures for the establishment of joint investment projects.
The Qatari-Indonesian Economic Forum marks an important milestone in the development of economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries. During the forum, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce highlighted the advantages of investing in Qatar, and outlined how Indonesia’s private sector can benefit from the incentives provided by the state to foreign investors. Participants also discussed the importance of developing long-term economic cooperation mechanisms, enabling Qatari companies to draw lessons from the success of their Indonesian counterparts.
Total bilateral trade between Qatar and Indonesia amounted to approximately 1.8 billion Qatari riyals in 2016, the equivalent of 493 million US dollars.

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DOHA, 17th October 2017: Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in cooperation with Ministry of Trade in Indonesia, is organizing the Qatari-Indonesian Economic Forum on Wednesday, October 18 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jakarta. The forum comes within the framework of H.H. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Indonesia.
The event, which provides a valuable dialogue platform, will bring together senior Qatari and Indonesian government officials, investors and economic experts to gain insight into investment opportunities in the trade, energy, agriculture, and tourism sectors, as well as various other economic fields in both countries.
The forum seeks to promote and expand Qatari-Indonesian bilateral trade and economic relations and presents a prime opportunity for exchanging ideas and discussing issues of mutual interest for each nation’s private sector.  Participants will discuss potential partnerships, and how to take advantage of investment opportunities, both in Qatar and Indonesia.
The forum will serve to bolster commercial ties between the two countries, which traded 1.8 billion Qatari riyals worth of goods in 2016, the equivalent of USD 493 million. Furthermore, it will strengthen efforts to sign new bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, in order to capitalize on these strong bilateral relations and create innovative investment opportunities.
The Qatari-Indonesian Economic Forum represents the latest in a series of initiatives launched by the MEC to showcase Qatar’s attractive business environment and competitive economy in a bid to attract further foreign direct investments.
During the forum, Ministry representatives will highlight the benefits of investing in Qatar and demonstrate how Indonesia’s private sector could take advantage of investment incentives offered by the government.
The forum will also represent an opportunity for Qatari companies to draw lessons from their Indonesian counterparts’ success, and discuss potential long-term economic cooperation ventures.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce invites investors, businessmen and companies to attend the economic forum.
Participants can visit the websitehttp://qatarindonesia.mec.gov.qa/ for more information on the forum, while businessmen looking to tap investment opportunities in Qatar are invited to contact the Ministry of Economy and Commerce by phone (+974 4042 2138) or Email: investinqatar@mec.gov.qa.
 

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al -Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, met with HE Mr. S. Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry, on Tuesday October 17, 2017, on the sidelines of the Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum, with the participation of Qatari and Singaporean businessmen.
The ministers highlighted friendly ties between Qatar and Singapore, and discussed the promotion of bilateral ties in the economic, trade and investment fields.
HE Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the competitiveness of Qatar’s economy, business environment and investment opportunities in Qatar.
Singapore ranks as Qatar’s 7th largest trade partner, with a total of 12.2 billion Qatari riyals ($3.4billion) worth of traded goods in 2016, the equivalent of 3.8% of Qatar’s total trade exchange around the world.
Qatari exports to Singapore amounted to approximately QR 10.9 billion in 2016, the equivalent to $3 billion, while the value of imports amounted to about QR 1.3 billion, the equivalent of $356 million.

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, and H.E. S. Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry, attended the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Qatar Chamber, the Singapore Business Federation and a number of companies specialized in training and consultancy services, agriculture, and construction. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, on the sidelines of the Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum organized by the Qatari Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Singapore.
HE Sheikh Ahmed attended the signing ceremony of the MoU between Qatar Chamber and the Singapore Business Federation. The MoU aims at enhancing trade and investment between the business communities of both countries through the facilitation of the direct exchange of information, business delegations, and the promotion of business opportunities.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and Mr. Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, co-signed the memorandum.
Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce also attended the signing of an MoU between Al Khaleejia Business Management, a member of the Taleb Group, and Educare International Consultancy Private Limited.
The MoU will explore the possibilities of collaboration with Taleb Group as a partner to bring Educare’s training and consultancy services to the State of Qatar. Both parties will also seek to organize workshops, seminars and conferences to promote the exchange of knowledge and scientific publications, implement joint professional development and leadership projects, in addition to establishing educational institutions.
Mr Mohamed Taleb Al Khauri, Managing Director of Al Khaleejia Business Management Co WLL and Mr. Alex Shieh, Director of Strategic Development at Educare International Consultancy Private Limited, co-signed the MoU.
A third memorandum of understanding was signed between Al Adekhar Agricultural Co WLL, a member of Taleb Group, and Cutech Group. The MoU aims at collaborating on a feasibility study to assess joint partnership opportunities in the areas of organic chicken farming, and eventually establishing a company in Qatar.
Mr Mohamed Taleb Al Khauri, Managing Director of Al Adekhar Agricultural Co WLL, and Mr N. Arunachalam, Chairman of Cutech Solutions and Services Pte Ltd, co-signed the MoU.
A fourth memorandum of understanding was signed between Qatar Primary Materials Company (QMPC), EnGro Corporation Ltd, and Al Wattan International Trading and Contracting Co., a member of Taleb group. The MoU aims at establishing a joint venture for the export and supply of raw materials and cement.
Engr. Eisa Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Primary Materials Company (QMPC); Mr Tan Cheng Gay, Chairman & CEO, EnGro Corporation Limited; and Mr Mohamed Taleb Al Khauri, Managing Director, Taleb Group Company, co-signed the MoU.
The memoranda of understanding will contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between Qatar and Singapore and enhance communication and cooperation between both nations’ private sectors. The MoU will also contribute to the development of mechanisms and measures for the establishment of joint investment projects.
The Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum marks an important milestone in the development of economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries. During the forum, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce highlighted the advantages of investing in Qatar and how Singapore’s private sector can benefit from the incentives provided by the state to foreign investors. Participants also discussed the importance of developing long-term economic cooperation mechanisms, enabling Qatari companies to draw lessons from the success of their Singaporean counterparts.
Singapore ranks as Qatar’s 7th largest trade partner, with a total of $3.5 billion worth of traded goods in 2016. The value of Qatar’s exports to Singapore stood at about $ 3 billion in 2016, while Singapore’s exports to Qatar reached more than $ 350 million in 2016.
 

​His Excellency called on participants to benefit from the investment opportunities and incentives offered by the State of Qatar in various sectors.H.E. Minister of Economy and Commerce says the issuance of a Public Private Partnership Law will facilitate the establishment of new projects across various sectors.Qatar is globally recognized as a country where “rule of law” prevailsQatar ranks 10th globally in terms of the strength of institutionsQatar has recently promulgated several laws promoting business, most notably the new international arbitration law, the Commercial Companies Law and the Labor Law.Qatar is home to a high-quality education system, ranking fifth on the Quality of Education IndexQatar allocates 2.8 percent of GDP to research and development.Qatar is home to leading educational institutions such as Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.Up to 100 percent foreign ownership for most sectors.Invested foreign capital is exempt from income tax for up to 10 years from the date of operation of the investment project.Qatar offers key investment incentives, such as exempting imported large machinery and raw materials from taxes, refraining from imposing restrictions on capital and profit repatriation, in addition to allowing the free transfer of company ownershipThe forum featured two workshops, during which Qatari officials reviewed the most important investment projects for the FIFA 2022 World Cup, transportation, Challenges and Opportunities for Qatari-Singaporean Cooperation, and Qatar challenges in the Energy sector.
 
HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, and HE Mr. S. Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry, participated in the Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 in Singapore. The forum, which was organized by the Qatari Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry, comes within the framework of H.H. the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to Singapore.
 
The forum brought together HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber  and HE Mr S.S. Teo, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, along with more than 450 businessmen, investors, government officials, company executives, economic bodies and experts at the largest ever forum to be held in Singapore in cooperation with a Middle Eastern country to gain insight into investment opportunities across various sectors, such as the trade, agriculture, tourism, industry, and services sectors, as well as the wider economic fields of both countries.
 
HE Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the competitiveness of the Qatari economy and the numerous incentives it offers to investors, while praising economic and trade relations between Qatar and Singapore. His Excellency also underscored Qatar’s strategic location, which contributes to increasing its attractiveness as an investment destination, and shed light on the country’s advanced infrastructure and its position as the world’s largest natural gas exporter.
 
He noted that Qatar is highly competitive in the energy market thanks to its rich natural gas and oil resources, noting that the nation is also the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and helium, and the fourth-largest producer of Urea in the world.
 
Sheikh Ahmed stressed that Qatar has also succeeded in delivering an array of world-class infrastructure projects over the past few years. These include Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s largest airports, that will soon accommodate 50 million passengers annually, and Hamad Port, with a capacity of 7.5 million containers. Qatar also hosts an advanced network of highways while its globally leading airline carrier, Qatar Airways, connects the country to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
 
Touching on the laws and legislative framework established to regulate the business environment, His Excellency stressed Qatar’s efforts to consolidate the concept of the rule of law, an important characteristic of the Qatari legislative environment at the global level, as demonstrated by the country’s ranking in 10th place on the Institutional Strength Index. Qatar has recently issued several laws to promote business, namely a new International Arbitration Law, a Commercial Companies Law and a Labor Law.
 
His Excellency added that Qatar is currently working on issuing a Public Private Partnership Law that will facilitate the establishment of new projects in the areas of health and education, among other sectors.
 
The Minister also highlighted Qatar’s advanced ranking on several international indices, noting the country’s leading position in terms of low inflation, business safety, the impact of taxes in business and the government efficiency index.
 
His Excellency outlined the programs and policies adopted by Qatar to establish an attractive investment environment for various economic projects, noting that the country has achieved significant growth driven by an increase in the contribution of the oil and non-oil sectors to GDP. Qatar has continued to achieve stable real GDP growth rates of 3.3 % over the last three years despite fluctuations in oil prices, which demonstrates the strength of the Qatari economy. The Minister also highlighted the strength of the Qatari riyal, which has been pegged to the US dollar since 1982.
 
Sheikh Ahmed noted that Qatar has developed a comprehensive environment to attract investors, reflecting the state’s belief that the country’s business climate and institutional framework are equally important to its advanced infrastructure. He also highlighted the incentives offered to investors by the Qatar Financial Centre, the Qatar Science and Technology Park, as well as Logistics and Industrial zones, adding that the development of a Sport Business Park, which will be dedicated to sports companies involved in the organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is underway.
 
Touching on the education sector, the Minister said Qatar is home to a very high-quality education system, ranking fifth globally on the quality of education index, according to the World Economic Forum. The country has allocated 2.8 % of its GDP for research & development, and is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions,  such as Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, as well as leading international leading universities such as Texas A&M, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgetown.
 
His Excellency urged the business community to tap investment opportunities offered by Qatar, noting that the state is providing important incentives in a number of priority sectors, including industry, agriculture, health, education, information technology, tourism and sports.
 
Highlighting incentives provided by the state, Sheikh Ahmed said non-Qatari investors can contribute up to 100% of investment projects in several economic sectors, while invested foreign capital is exempted from income tax for up to ten years from the date of operating an investment project. Qatar also offers key investment incentives, such as exempting imported large machinery and raw materials from taxes, and refraining from imposing restrictions on capital and profit repatriation, in addition to allowing the free transfer of company ownership
 
Turning to Singapore-Qatar relations, the Minister highlighted promising opportunities and a prosperous future for bilateral economic and trade ties, noting that Singapore ranks as Qatar’s 7th largest trade partner, with a total trade of 3.5 billion USD. Qatar’s exports to Singapore reached three billion USD in 2016. On the other hand, Singapore’s exports to Qatar stood at more than 350 million USD in 2016.
 
His Excellency voiced his hope that the forum will provide an opportunity to establish action plans aimed at increasing economic cooperation and bolstering bilateral trade and investment, as well as paving the way for partnerships and joint investments between Qatari businessmen and their Singaporean counterparts.
 
For his part, Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry HE Mr. S. Iswaran lauded the distinguished relations between the two countries, noting that Qatar represents a strategic trading partner for Singapore, which imports the bulk of its natural gas needs from Qatar. The Singaporean minister also praised the economic forum, while highlighting promising bilateral opportunities and productive partnerships.
 
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of the Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum and the role it can play in enhancing relations between the private sector in both countries. Sheikh Khalifa outlined the competitiveness of the Qatari and Singaporean economies, as well as similarities in several areas, which he said will contribute to successful partnerships across various sectors.
 
Sheikh Khalifa said the Qatari private sector is playing a pivotal role in economic development thanks to the laws and regulations enacted by the state. This has prompted the private sector to take the initiative in the wake of the illegal blockade imposed on Qatar, and overcame subsequent challenges thanks to the wise vision of its leadership and its cohesion with Qatari people.
 
Sheikh Khalifa welcomed Singaporean investments in Qatar, noting that Qatari businessmen aspire to enter into positive partnerships with their Singaporean counterparts, which will reflect positively on the economies of both countries across several sectors. He also stressed that these partnerships will bring added value to the economies of Qatar and Singapore who should capitalize on their prime geographical locations.
 
Mr. S.S. Teo, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, also praised the Qatar- Singapore Economic Forum as Singapore’s ever largest economic forum with any Middle Eastern country, saying it contributes to the development of Qatari-Singaporean relations in the economic, trade and investment fields.
 
He added that the business sector in Singapore has gained insight into the enormous business prospects in various Qatari sectors and looks forward to building positive partnerships between businessmen and companies from both countries, noting that Qatar and Singapore enjoy excellent relations and are looking forward to developing them through shared political will.
 
The forum featured two workshops. The first touched on Qatar Challenges and Opportunities for Joint Projects & Investment, brought together Mr Nabeel Mohammed Al-Bouainain, CEO of Qatari Diar; Mr Hamad Al Mulla, CEO of Katara Hospitality; Mr Mohamed Al Sada, CEO of Hassad Food; and Mr Khalid Al Mana, executive Director of Qatar Development Bank.
 
The second workshop touched on transportation, the FiFA 2022 World Cup, programme delivery, challenges and opportunities for Qatari-Singaporean cooperation, and Qatar’s challenges in the energy sector.
The workshop was attended by Mr. Fahad Rashid al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq Company; Eng. Ghanim Al Kuwari, Competition Venues Executive Director of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Sheikh Meshal bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of Energy Affairs at Ministry of Energy & Industry; and Mr. Abdulaziz Al Yafei, Director of Hamad Port.
 
The forum also featured bilateral meetings between businessmen from both countries to discuss investment opportunities as well as measures to bolster long-term economic cooperation, so to enable Qatari companies to draw lessons from their Singaporean counterparts’ success.
 
The Economic Forum is the latest in a series of key initiatives aimed at highlighting the competitiveness of Qatar’s economy and business environment, which will further contribute to attracting foreign direct investment.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz S-Class model of 2016 because the window guide seals at the front and rear doors may not be bond accordingly.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, and Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry, attended the signing ceremony of a memorandum of agreement and memorandum of understanding between Qatar Chamber and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia on Monday, October 16, 2017. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Malaysian-Qatari Economic Forum organized by the Qatari Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in cooperation with the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Kuala Lumpur.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and Mr Rizal Faris bin Mohideen Abdul Kader President, Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (MCCM) & Vice President, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), co-signed the memorandums.
The Memorandum of Agreement on the establishment of a Joint Business Council between Qatar Chamber and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia aims at fostering friendship and understanding between the business communities of the two nations, and promoting co-operation in the trade, investment, technology transfer, services and industrial sectors.
The joint Malaysian-Qatari Business Council will collate the necessary information on the economies of both countries, which will enhance bilateral investments. The council will also submit recommendations on how to develop economic and trade cooperation between the Qatari and Malaysia governments and encourage businessmen from both countries to participate in exhibitions organized in Qatar or Malaysia.
Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce also attended the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Chamber and the National Chamber of Commerce Industry of Malaysia.
In line with the MoU, both parties will promote and facilitate measures to foster the diversification of commercial exchange and economic cooperation.
 
 
 
Each party will also provide businessmen and investors with information on the economies of both countries, including the volume of bilateral trade, exports and imports, and will be responsible for highlighting opportunities to enhance trade and investment cooperation between Qatari and Malaysian companies, and organizing exhibitions in both countries.
Under the MoU, both parties will exchange information on legislations regulating the commercial and investment sectors in both countries, as well as expertise relating to commercial arbitration and best practices in dispute resolution, in addition to other aspects of mutual interest.
The Memorandum of Agreement and MoU will contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between Qatar and Malaysia and enhance communication and cooperation between both nations’ private sectors. The MoU will also contribute to the development of mechanisms and measures for the establishment of joint investment projects.
The Qatar-Malaysia Economic Forum marks an important milestone in the development of economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries. During the forum, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce highlighted the advantages of investing in Qatar and how the Malaysian private sector can benefit from the incentives provided by the state to foreign investors. Participants also discussed the importance of developing long-term economic cooperation mechanisms, enabling Qatari companies to draw lessons from the success of their Malaysian counterparts.
The Minister of Economy and Commerce also attended the signing of several agreements between Qatar University and a number of Malaysian universities. Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derham, President of Qatar University, signed the agreements.
Malaysia ranks as Qatar’s 20th largest trade partner with a total of 3.3 billion Qatari riyals ($904 million) worth of traded goods in 2016, the equivalent of 2.85% of Qatar’s total trade exchange around the world

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with the National Car Company, dealer of Mazda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mazda CX5 models of 2016-2017 over the possibility of dust entry through the tail door damper dust boots.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
 
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

 
HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, participated in the Qatari-Malaysian Economic Forum on Monday, October 16 in Kuala Lumpur. The forum, which was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in cooperation with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Malaysia, comes within the framework of H.H. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Malaysia.
The forum brought together HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber and his counterpart Mr Rizal Faris bin Mohideen Abdul Kader President, Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (MCCM) & Vice President, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), along with more than 300 businessmen, investors, government officials, company executives, economic bodies and experts. Attendees gained insight into investment opportunities across various sectors, such as the trade, agriculture, tourism, and industry as well as other economic fields in both countries.
The forum sought to promote and expand Qatari-Malaysian trade and economic ties, and presented a prime opportunity for exchanging ideas and discussing potential joint investment ventures.
In a statement on the sidelines of the forum, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, said the event provided an important platform to strengthen trade, economic and investment relations between Qatar and Malaysia and created partnership opportunities in various fields for the private sectors of both countries.
H.E. Sheikh Ahmed also underscored the friendly Qatari-Malaysian ties, which he said represent an important platform to develop successful economic and trade partnerships that will benefit the economies of both countries and bolster their development.
The Minister stressed the importance of outlining effective mechanisms and plans that align with Qatari-Malaysian investment objectives, and provide an opportunity for the development of successful projects in the interest of both countries and their people. Sheikh Ahmed added that Qatar represents an attractive destination for foreign investments thanks to its well-planned economic policies that have contributed to the development of a promising investment environment supported by a business-friendly legislative and administrative framework.
H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, said: “The political and economic relations between Qatar and Malaysia have gathered real momentum in recent years, as the two countries are important trade partners for each other. They exerted great efforts for removing all obstacles facing the establishment of joint investments, and offering incentives to attract investors and help develop business relations for the benefit of both countries’ economies.”
The forum hosted three workshops. The first touched on Qatar Challenges, Opportunities for Joint Projects and Investment which were the focus of discussions between Mr. Nabeel Mohammed Al-Bouainain, CEO of Qatari Diar; Mr. Hamad Al Mulla, CEO of  Katara Hospitality; Mr. Mohamed Al Sada, CEO of Hassad Food; and Mr. Khalid Al Mana, Executive Director of Qatar Development Bank (QDB).
The second workshop touched on transportation, the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar, Program Delivery, Challenges and Opportunities for Qatari-Malaysian Cooperation, and Qatar’s Challenges in the Energy Sector.
The workshop was attended by Mr Fahad Rashid al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq Company; Eng. Ghanim Al Kuwari, Competition Venues Executive Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy;  Sheikh Meshal bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of Energy Affairs at Ministry of Energy & Industry; and Mr Abdulaziz Al Yafei, Director of Hamad Port.
 
The third workshop, which brought together senior Malaysian officials, touched on investment opportunities in Malaysia.
The forum also featured B2B meetings between businessmen from both countries to discuss investments opportunities, as well as measures to bolster long-term economic cooperation so as to enable Qatari companies to draw lessons from their Malaysian counterparts’ success.
The forum built on Qatar’s long history of friendly relations with Malaysia to bolster commercial and investment ties between the two countries. Today, Malaysia ranks as Qatar’s 20th largest trade partner with a total of 3.3 billion Qatari riyals ($904 million) worth of traded goods in 2016, the equivalent of 2.85% of Qatar’s total trade exchange around the world.
The forum strengthened efforts to sign new agreements and memorandums of understanding to capitalize on these strong bilateral relations and create new innovative investment opportunities of interest to both countries.
 

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HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, met with HE Dr. Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry on Monday October 16, 2017, on the sidelines of the Qatar- Malaysia Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur.
The ministers highlighted friendly ties between Qatar and Malaysia and discussed the promotion of bilateral ties in the economic, trade and investment fields.
Malaysia ranks as Qatar’s 20th largest trade partner with a total of 3.3 billion Qatari riyals ($904 million) worth of traded goods in 2016, the equivalent of 2.85% of Qatar’s total trade exchange around the world.

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DOHA, 16th October 2017: Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Singapore, is organizing the Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum on Tuesday, October 17 at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. The forum comes within the framework of H.H. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Singapore.
The event, which provides a valuable dialogue platform, will bring together senior Qatari and Singaporean government officials, investors and economic experts to gain insight into investment opportunities in the trade, agriculture, tourism, industry, and services sectors, as well as various other economic fields in both countries.
The forum seeks to promote and expand Qatari-Singaporean trade and economic ties, and presents a prime opportunity for exchanging ideas and discussing issues of mutual interest for each nation’s private sector.  Participants will discuss potential partnerships, and how to take advantage of investment opportunities both in Qatar and Singapore.
The forum will build on Qatar’s long history of friendly relations with Singapore in a bid to bolster commercial ties between the two countries. Today, Singapore ranks as Qatar’s 7th largest trade partner with a total of 12.2 billion Qatari riyals ($3.4billion) worth of traded goods in 2016, the equivalent of 3.8% of Qatar’s total trade exchange around the world.
The forum will strengthen efforts to sign new agreements and memorandums of understanding to capitalize on these strong bilateral relations and create innovative investment opportunities.
The Qatar-Singapore Economic Forum represents the latest effort in a series of initiatives launched by the MEC to showcase Qatar’s attractive business environment and competitive economy in a bid to attract further foreign direct investments.
During the forum, ministry representatives will highlight the benefits of investing in Qatar and demonstrate how the private sector in Singapore can take advantage of investment incentives offered by the government.
The forum will also represent an opportunity for Qatari companies to draw lessons from their Singaporean counterparts’ success, and discuss potential long-term economic cooperation ventures.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce invites investors, businessmen and companies to attend the economic forum.
Participants can visit the websitehttp://qatarsingapore.mec.gov.qa/ for more information on the forum while businessmen looking to tap investment opportunities in Qatar are invited to contact the Ministry of Economy and Commerce by phone (+974 4042 2138) or Email: investinqatar@mec.gov.qa.

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Teyseer Motors, dealer of Suzuki motorcycles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Suzuki Address model of 2016 because of a nut kick starter and ignition switch manufacturer defect.
 
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that dealers follow up on motorcycle defects and repair them.
 
The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
 
Call center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz GLC-Class model of 2017 because the coding in the ME control unit does not correspond to specification.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce will organize on Sunday, October 15, 2017 a workshop entitled “The Importance of Trademarks for Small and Medium Enterprises” at the auditorium of the Ministry’s building in Lusail area, from 9 am to 12 pm.
 
The workshop comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to promote and protect intellectual property rights on a large scale and to achieve the desired benefit.
 
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce invites interested investors, companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and intellectual property agents to attend the workshop, which aims at raising awareness among investors about the importance of registering trademarks at the Ministry in order to protect their services and products against infringements.
 

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The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Mercedes Benz A-Class and CLA-Class models of 2016-2017 and C-Class, E-Class and GLC-Class models of 2015-2016 because the starting limiter could be overloaded during the staring procedure under certain conditions if the starter was blocked due to previous damage.
The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs.
The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
 
The Ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels:
Call Center: 16001
Email: info@mec.gov.qa
Social media accounts:
Twitter: @MEC_Qatar
Instagram: MEC_Qatar
Ministry of Economy and Commerce mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar