Trade & Investment
From The Report: Qatar 2017
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As a major hydrocarbons-exporting economy, Qatar owes both its prosperity and much of its continued growth to international trade. Indeed, in any given year the combined value of imports and exports can exceed three-quarters of the country’s GDP. As a result, and despite recent efforts towards economic diversification, the economy remains exposed to swings in the price of oil, with 2016 having proved especially challenging in this regard. Another test came in June 2017 when several of its regional neighbours imposed a blockade on Qatar, which saw the disruption of certain trade flows. The government is committed to opening the domestic economy to further inward investment and is also seeking to encourage the private sector to step in where possible to deliver new infrastructure, with new legal instruments being prepared to improve the framework for public-private partnerships.

This chapter contains an interview with Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq; and Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO and Board Member, Qatar Financial Centre Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Open for business: Increased flexibility encourages foreign and private investment
OBG
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As a major hydrocarbons-exporting economy, Qatar owes both its prosperity and much of its continued growth to international trade. Indeed, in any given year the combined value of imports and exports can exceed three-quarters of the country’s GDP. As a result, and despite recent efforts towards economic diversification, the economy remains exposed to swings in the price of oil, with 2016 having proved especially challenging in this regard. Another test came in June 2017 when several of its…

Interview

Inviting investment: Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq, on the role of special economic zones (SEZs) in attracting foreign business
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Interview:Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi What is being done to prevent a lack of affordable land hindering private sector growth? FAHAD RASHID AL KAABI: While demand still outstrips supply in many areas for the time being, Manateq is taking a leading role in addressing the issue by providing more streamlined, cost-effective solutions for companies looking to invest in Qatar. For example, in Mesaieed Industrial Zone monthly rent starts from QR1.67 ($0.46) per sq metre, a price designed to support and…

Analysis

Together for growth: A new partnership framework is at the heart of the infrastructure investment push
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With Qatar increasingly looking to engage the private sector in undertaking national infrastructure projects, efforts are under way to introduce a new legal framework governing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the country. The proposed PPP law, which aims to further incentivise and mobilise private investment, is currently passing through the final stage of the legislatorial process, with government figures hopeful it will pass into law by early 2018. Despite the absence of a specific…

Interview

Growth engine: Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO and Board Member, Qatar Financial Centre Authority, on diversifying for growth
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Interview:Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida What sort of tangible economic impact is the creation of a distinct financial city expected to have on the Qatari economy? YOUSUF MOHAMED AL JAIDA: Today’s economic conditions place a greater emphasis on attracting global capital as inward investment, and this necessitates setting up zones that offer more attractive investment environments. Qatar has additionally sought to establish, through the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a platform for growth to both…