Trade & Investment
From The Report: Qatar 2024
View in Online Reader

Qatar’s bid to enhance its reputation as an international investment destination gathered significant momentum during the country’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The changes that have been made to investment-related legislation in recent years are expected to lead to the country continuing its upward trajectory in terms of its ability to attract international investment. Qatar’s free zones – which offer competitive energy prices, 20-year corporate tax exemptions, zero income tax and zero Customs duties on imported goods, among other incentives for the entities operating within them – and its modern logistics infrastructure provide some of the world’s most competitive incentives for prospective investors.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani, CEO of the Investment Promotion Agency; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of the Qatar Free Zones Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Project funding: Streamlined processes and diversification efforts are expected to maintain the inflow of foreign direct investment
OBG
plus

Qatar’s bid to enhance its reputation as an international investment destination gathered significant momentum during the country’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The changes made to investment-related legislation in recent years are expected to lead to Qatar continuing its upward trajectory in terms of its ability to attract international investment now that the tournament is in the past. Meanwhile, Qatar’s natural gas reserves – the country was the world’s largest exporter…

Interview

Sustained momentum: Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani, CEO, Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar), on leveraging cooperation and competitive advantages to attract foreign investment
OBG
plus

Interview:Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani What more can be done to accelerate the transition to a diversified, knowledge-based economy? SHEIKH ALI AL WALEED AL THANI: In parallel with transport infrastructure development projects such as Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Doha Metro, as well as those improving digital infrastructure, Qatar has made significant investment in human capital – particularly education. Initiatives such as Education City and partnerships with international…

Analysis

Regional ties: Bilateral trade talks between the UK and the GCC are set to boost renewable energy and food security in the bloc
OBG
plus

As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. On June 22, 2022 the two parties signed a joint statement and officially launched talks on a comprehensive trade deal, with Anne-Marie Trevelyan, then…

Interview

Dynamic enterprise: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), on how the country is attracting increased investment in key industries
OBG
plus

Interview:Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani What initiatives have been implemented to make Qatar an investment destination in logistics, e-commerce and cloud data services? SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN HAMAD BIN FAISAL AL THANI: Over the past decade Qatar has achieved significant milestones in logistics, with new developments to the airport, ports, roads and metro systems. As a pioneer in digital connectivity with the early introduction of 5G, Qatar is focused on securing its position…

Interview

Progressive growth: Yousuf Al Jaida, CEO, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), on new regulations and emerging technologies driving expansion
OBG
plus

Interview:Yousuf Al Jaida Where do you identify global trends driving financial innovation, and how are financial centres looking to capitalise on these opportunities? YOUSUF AL JAIDA: Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, financial technology (fintech), digital banking and sustainable finance stand out as particularly critical trends poised to reshape the financial landscape. The integration of AI and machine learning is catalysing transformative shifts across various financial…

Analysis

Making a mark: Emerging markets are seeing a major shift towards sustainability initiatives, reshaping the global landscape
OBG
plus

Impact investment – which is purposely designed to generate tangible social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns – presents promising risk-adjusted prospects. This type of investment not only provides value for investors, but can also greatly advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A Maturing Sector Impact investing continues to expand in both depth and sophistication, with clear indicators of market development since the late 2010s. In a survey conducted by the Global…