QBA Hosts Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani
The Qatari Businessmen Association had the honor of receiving His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, at QBA’s headquarters.
The visit aimed at enhancing communication with the Qatari business community and entrepreneurs, listen to their views, and discus with them the ministry's initiatives dedicated to serving and developing the national economy.
His Excellency was received by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA chairman, and Mr. Hussein Al-Fardan, First deputy, along with QBA Board Members Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Mr. Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Mr. Saud Al-Mana
Also the meeting was attended by QBA members: Sheikh Mansour bin Jassim Al Thani, Mr. Khalid Al-Mannai, Mr. Salah Al-Jaidah, Mr. Moataz Al-Khayyat, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Jaidah, Mr. Ashraf Abu Issa, Mr. Abdul Salam Issa Abu Issa, Mr. Faisal Al-Mannai, Mr. Abdullah Al-Kubaisi, Mr. Maqbool Habib Khalfan, Mr. Rashid Al-Mansouri, Mr. Mohammed Althaf, Mr. Ihsan Al-Khyiami, and Mr. Abdulrazzaq Al-Kuwari.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mr. Saleh Majid Al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Ayedh Munahi Al-Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for Trade Affairs, Mr. Sultan bin Ali Al-Falasi, Office Manager of His Excellency the Minister of Commerce, and Ms. Sarah Abdallah, QBA Deputy GM.
The meeting began with QBA Chairman and members expressing their appreciation to His Excellency the Minister for this initiative and emphasizing the importance of close collaboration between the public and private sectors in serving the national economy.
They highly praised the effective economic initiatives, including policies, legislation, and diverse projects, implemented under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. These initiatives aim to empower national institutions and encourage entrepreneurs to engage in the industrial sector.
QBA members also congratulated His Excellency the Minister on the launch of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024 – 2030
His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry expressed his happiness to the Chairman and members of the Qatari Businessmen Association for their warm welcome. He praised the Association's prominent role and the business community's efforts in promoting Qatar as a regional investment hub and attracting investors and expertise through various economic activities such as conferences and workshops.
He also praised QBA's initiatives to strengthen collaboration with economic institutions and business associations worldwide, as well as its organization of delegations led by Qatari business leaders to international markets. These efforts contribute to raising awareness of the Qatari market and opening new opportunities for cooperation with global markets.
His Excellency also confirmed that the Ministry places great importance on supporting the private sector as a key partner in achieving sustainable economic development. He pointed out that Qatari institutions and companies have gained global competitiveness and are present in major international markets through successful investments that have contributed to the development of the national economy and the transfer of expertise and knowledge to the local market.
QBA members shared several economic ideas and aspirations with His Excellency, all aimed at enhancing the role of Qatar’s private sector and facilitating its operations. Several joint initiatives were discussed, through which economic initiatives will be examined. These initiatives will focus on facilitating joint collaboration to support the implementation of the Ministry's programs and initiatives and ensure they are communicated effectively to the business community.
Various Initiatives
During their discussions, business leaders expressed concerns related to the private sector across various areas, including investment facilitation, financing, and legislative procedures.
His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA chairman pointed out that the private sector has become a fundamental pillar of national economies worldwide. He emphasized that Qatar’s Third National Strategy reinforces this concept by granting a more significant role to the Qatari private sector in the local economy. This objective is further supported by meetings such as this one, which foster collaboration between the state, represented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Qatari Businessmen Association.
Also, Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Al-Fardan, QBA First Deputy, highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in recent years, highlighting the Minister's initiative to meet with the business community, noting that it will contribute to enhancing effective communication in a collaborative manner
His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, QBA board member, emphasized that the Qatari Businessmen Association is a national supporter of the state and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He pointed out that the Association organizes international visits to major economies to promote Qatar using its own resources. He also affirmed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry supports traders and the business community.
Joint Committees
In this context, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, QBA Board member, highlighted the success of the Obstacle Resolution Committee, established between the private sector and the Ministry, in resolving several outstanding issues. He also emphasized the importance of forming a joint committee with the Prime Minister's Office in the near future, as such a committee would play a significant role in facilitating business operations and addressing challenges faced by both local and foreign investors.
As for Mr. Saud Al-Mana, QBA Board member, he addressed the issue of industrial land, opening factories, and the Ministry's role in attracting foreign investors.
Mr. Moataz Al-Khayyat addressed challenges in the construction sector, which has faced significant difficulties over the past five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising global shipping costs, and increased fuel prices. An agreement was reached to hold a dedicated meeting to find appropriate solutions for this vital sector.
Several other QBA members also discussed topics such as e-commerce, trade exhibitions, and protecting local products.
As the meeting concluded, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani presented QBA’s honorary shield to His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin mohamed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, wishing them continued success in serving the national economy.