The Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a concession agreement with the Economic Zones Company “Manateq” to manage the Small and Medium Industries Zone. The signing ceremony was held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusail.  The ceremony was attended by Assistant Undersecretaries at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as Eng. Mohammad Lutfalla Al Emadi, CEO of “Manateq”, and other officials from both parties. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Mr. Abdulla Ghanim Al-Maadeed, Industrial Development Director, and Mr. Hamad Jar Allah Al-Marri, Chief Operations Officer, on behalf of “Manateq”. The concession agreement spans 25 years, renewable, during which “Manateq” will be responsible for managing and operating the Small and Medium Industries Zone. The company’s duties include preparing and implementing development plans, overseeing their execution, delivering related services, and providing essential infrastructure and facilities while ensuring their maintenance to optimise operational efficiency. The agreement also mandates adherence to designated land uses, approved specifications, and performance standards. The agreement authorises “Manateq” to lease and promote lands in the zone for permitted activities and establish procedures for development and operations, subject to the Ministry’s approval. Additionally, the agreement allows “Manateq” to contract qualified entities to provide required services and to conclude or amend lease agreements with tenants. The Ministry will maintain complete oversight through its relevant department to ensure that the factories within the Small and Medium Industries Zone comply with technical and construction requirements in coordination with other stakeholders. The Ministry affirms that signing the concession agreement with “Manateq” to manage the Small and Medium Industries Zone aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve the services provided in the zone without affecting the current conditions of factories and the owners thereof. This collaboration reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing an advanced investment environment that supports business continuity and meets the needs of manufacturers, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening the industrial sector's competitiveness. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Saleh Majid Al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated: “The signing of this agreement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the role of small and medium industries as key drivers of economic growth and vital components of industrial diversification. This initiative aligns with the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering an advanced investment environment that supports the industrial sector.” Eng. Mohammad Lutfalla Al Emadi, CEO of “Manateq”, added: “We are delighted to sign this agreement, which reflects a long-term strategic partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This milestone enhances Manateq’s position as a premier destination for industrial investment in Qatar. We are committed to managing the zone to the highest international standards, providing innovative solutions that foster the growth of small and medium enterprises, which are integral to the country’s economic development strategy. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and create distinguished and integrated investment opportunities that drive innovation and industrial growth to support and develop the national economy.”