The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) brought out its new publication “The Business Gateway to Qatar 2006” as part of the efforts to showcase the promising investment opportunities in the country for foreign enterprises.

The (QBA) has collaborated with Group Eric Ohayon Communications (GEOC) to lunch the guide that provides extensive information on the economic performance, trade, investment opportunities and the global partnerships in Qatar.

The publication, which also offers full analysis on Qatar's strategic plans for economic growth  and potential investment in all disciplines, was released by QBA Chairman HE Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani to Mahamed Al-Saady, a senior official at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

Others who were present on the occasion included prominent businessmen such as Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan, Omar Al-Mana and others.

“The Business Gateway to Qatar 2006” is a publication which narrates and reflects the reality of Qatar in its socio-economic and development aspects, sheikh Faisal said.

He said the publication is also an invitation to potential partners to establish contacts and successful business partnership with their Qatari counterparts.

The guide not only encapsulates the economic development but presents the views and perception of key government officials and prominent businessmen on investment opportunities in Qatar.

It contents in-depth interviews with distinguished personalities like the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Second Deputy Premier and Energy Minister HE Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah and Finance Minister HE Yousef Hussein Kamal.

The QBA wishes to attract more foreign investments to Qatar trough this useful business guide, Sheikh Faisal said.

The QBA said one of its main objectives is to attract and promote local and foreign investments based on a clear strategy and a well thought-out plan to support economic growth, diversification, modernization and competitiveness.

The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) hosted at its premises an official German delegation “Technical Service Companies from Germany” supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology and with the cooperation of the Middle East and North Africa project partner (MENA).

The companies represented in the delegation were from different economic sectors including: infrastructure, communications, oil and gas exploration, and the chemical industry.

The German delegation accompanied by the German Ambassador to Qatar Mr. Drik Baungartner, and headed by Mrs. Martina ziebell Managing Director of MENA Project Partner  included Mrs. Susanne Ackermann Representative of the German Industry and Commerce Office in Qatar, and a group of prominent executives representing the German companies.

The delegation was received by Mr. Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan, QBA Deputy Chairman, Shk. Nawaf Bin Nasser Al Thani QBA Board Member, Mr. Omar Hamad Al Mana QBA Board Member, and QBA Members Dr. Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Kawari, Mr. Maqbool Habib Khalfan, Mr. Mohammad Marzoq Al-Shamlan, Mr. Khalid Ahmed Al Mannai, Mr. Khalifa Abdullah Al Suwadi, Mr. Sherida Saad Jubran Al Kaabi and Mr. Bassam Massouh QBAs General Manager. 

Mr. Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan, QBAs Deputy Chairman explained  to the delegation the significant status Qatar achieved in becoming an investment attraction  center, through the wise guidance of H.H  Shk. Hamad  Bin Khalifa Al Thani  the Emir  of  the State of Qatar. Mr. Al Fardan focused in his word on the vital role the private sector plays in setting up a healthy and developed economic climate in Qatar, and he also expressed the desire of the Qatari businesses and businessmen in establishing joint projects with the German business community  to further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Mr .khalifa Abdullah Al Suwadi QBA member and General Manager of QAFCO spoke about the investment opportunities that resulted from the expansion of the fertilizer and petrochemical industries and the policy the state run companies are following in collaborating with foreign investors in order to develop petrochemical and fertilizer plants.

QBAs members also discussed with the delegation, the advantages and benefits of investing in Qatar and the facilities and legislations developed by the government in order to attract foreign investors to establish businesses in the local market, such as: exemption from taxes on exported products of the interprise, no custom duty on imports of machinery, spare parts, and intermediary goods, providing electricity for a lowered price for industrial plants and hotels.

Finally, the German delegation expressed their admiration of the presence of a leading organization in the region like QBA. and their appreciation of the efforts made by this association in supporting and developing the role of the private sector and thus enhancing Qatar’s economic role globally through the preparation of business conferences and the participation in international forums, the organization of delegations from and to foreign economic influential countries and the attraction of local and foreign investments to Qatar .

 Qatari Businessmen Association

Tel: +974 44353120 Fax: +974 44353834  Email: [email protected]   P.O.Box : 24457 Doha -Qatar

Disclaimer: QBA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of the information. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the authors.