At the end of 2019, Qatar is a completely different country from what it was in the first three months. The tiny gas-rich country has managed to counter external pressure and attract investment in order expand its economy. Notably, Qatar is exceptionally interested to focus on improving its image as soft power across the world.
For all the economic developments, due credit is given to Qatar Chamber that has worked to enable Qatar to be in a powerful position while dealing with other GCC countries.
Qatar Chamber has “accomplished” a wide variety of initiatives ranging from its attendance of several regional and international conferences, the launch of private sector-related projects, and hosting many international delegations to further encourage bilateral exchange, as well as promote Qatar as a global investment destination.
The chamber participated in the 16th edition of the International Halal Conference and Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur in April. The Chamber’s delegation was headed by board member Dr Mohamed Jawhar al-Mohamed
As Qatar’s private sector leader, the Chamber strived to develop the services provided to its members by launching the ‘Qatar Commercial & Industrial Directory 2019’, which can be accessed online. The directory provides a list of commercial and industrial companies operating in the country and registered at the Chamber.
The Chamber is in the process of issuing the ‘Qatari Exporters Directory’, which would be published on the website of the ‘Qatar Commercial & Industrial Directory 2019’. It identifies Qatari exports and all Qatari companies that issue certificates of origin through the Chamber to export their products abroad.
2019 – A banner year for Qatar Chamber https://t.co/lFi0KHOWrG via @GulfTimes_QATAR #QFCMeansBusiness #Business #Qatar pic.twitter.com/VNXziUoB43
— Qatar Financial Centre (@QFCAuthority) December 30, 2019
Qatar Chamber also launched an electronic system to assess customer satisfaction, specifically of its members. The system helps in conducting daily reports, which contribute to improving the level of work and qualitative measurement of staff performance. The Chamber is also preparing for the launch of its new website, which is being updated to include other electronic services.
Led by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, many board members and other senior officials participated in leading regional and international conferences held throughout 2019. In Berlin, Germany, Sheikh Khalifa held a meeting with Germany’s Member of Ministries Council and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Thomas Bareiss.
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Both officials reviewed ways of developing co-operation relations between both friendly countries, exploring investment opportunities available in both sides, as well as activating private sectors to forge joint enterprises in both nations. Qatar Chamber participated in the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry meetings and the 22nd Arab-German Economic Forum also held in Berlin in June.
On the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2019 (SPIEF) held in St Petersburg, Russia, in June, Qatar Chamber board member Ali Abdul Latif al-Misnad signed an agreement with Roscongress Foundation CEO Alexander Stuglev.
The agreement aims to outline co-operation plans on building effective links between the two countries. This agreement also enables Qatar to be an official partner at the next edition of SPIEF slated in June 2020.
In Berlin, Germany, Sheikh Khalifa held a meeting with Germany’s Member of Ministries Council and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Thomas Bareiss
Represented by board member Mohamed Ahmed al-Obaidli, Qatar Chamber participated in the second meeting of the GCC Secretariat and the Gulf Business Sector held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council in Riyadh. During the meeting, al-Obaidli said the chamber presented a proposal for Doha to host the GCC-US Summit, which is expected to be held next year.
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The chamber participated in the 16th edition of the International Halal Conference and Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur in April. The Chamber’s delegation was headed by board member Dr Mohamed Jawhar al-Mohamed.
As a contributing partner, Qatar Chamber participated in the SIGA Inter-Regional Summit in Doha, which organized by the Sports Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) under the patronage of HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali. Also, the Chamber, led by Sheikh Khalifa, participated in the ICC 11th World Chambers Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last June.
#QFCPressRelease: Qatar Financial Centre Joins World Leaders at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum #QFCSPIEF
Read all about it: https://t.co/OX0kGThLr1 pic.twitter.com/AFuvna5hPb
— Qatar Financial Centre (@QFCAuthority) June 11, 2019
This year also saw important seminars hosted by the Chamber, such as the ‘ICC Emergency Arbitration Provisions as an Alternative to Qatar Court’, which was co-organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar and Squire Patton Boggs.
In another seminar, ICC Qatar announced that Qatar Central Bank (QCB) will soon adopt and circulate the unified form of the Demand Guarantee Letter, which aims to build a unified template for the guarantee letter consistent with the international regulatory standards.
Qatar Chamber also hosted many trade and business delegations represented by private companies and chambers of commerce, and even heads of state from several countries, such as Switzerland, Singapore, Iraq, Jordan, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Botswana, Ukraine, Indonesia, Somalia, Peru, Serbia, Albania, South Africa, Argentina, India, China, Armenia, and Russia, among others.
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Furthermore, Qatar and Turkey signed several agreements to ensure mutual economic development in the region in period difficult for the former. It deserves merit to be mentioned here that Turkey helped Qatar more than two years ago when Saudi Arabia and three of its allies cut diplomatic and commercial ties and severed its only land link.
Qatar’s former allies made all possible efforts to isolate her. However, Turkey took a categorical position and announced to stand by Qatar. It sent soldiers to Qatar and airlifted food and supplies in the immediate aftermath of the boycott. Qatar also pledged $15 billion to support Turkey’s economy.