newsletter December 2022 www.ablcc.org special focus on the state of Qatar
TABLE OF CONTENTS ABLCC newsletter December 2022 4 6 14 15 16 16 20 24 26 29 36 42 45 48 52 56 66 70 78 Focus on the State of Qatar ............................................................................................... Exclusive interview with His Excellency Mr. KHALID FAHAD A.A. AL-HAJRI, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ............................................ Qatar at a Glance ............................................................................................................................ Investment Strategy .................................................................................................................... Investment sectors ....................................................................................................................... Health ................................................................................................................................................. Agriculture ..................................................................................................................................... Tourism ............................................................................................................................................. Construction ................................................................................................................................. Industry ............................................................................................................................................. Procedures of Doing Business .......................................................................................... Taxation System .............................................................................................................................. Travelling to Qatar ........................................................................................................................ Welcome to Our NewMembers ....................................................................................... Future Activities of the ABLCC ........................................................................................ ABLCC Key Activities ........................................................................................................................ Privilegied Relationshipwith Arab Ambassadors ............................... News .................................................................................................................................................................... We Thank Our Sponsors 2022 ............................................................................................
4 Focus on the state of qatar
5 The 20th November 2022, which marks the start of the “FIFAWorld Cup Qatar 2022”, is definitely a date to remember. Indeed, in addition to the fact that it is the smallest host country to ever organize the event, the State of Qatar is also the first Arab state to host the prestigious FIFA World Cup; the first-ever to have taken place in the MENA region and which will undoubtedly have an impact beyond the borders of Qatar. The preparations for this highly-awaited event have already provided many business opportunities and it will obviously not end there! More than a mere Major sport event, FIFAWorld Cup 2022 will play a key role in enabling companies of all sizes from around the world to unlock attractive business opportunities. With over a million fans expected to attend the world cup, the event will accelerate growth in diverse sectors such as travel and tourism, hospitality and infrastructure, which falls in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. What is more, in its endeavour to diversify its economy away from the oil and gas sector, Qatar is fully recognized as a rewarding environment for investments in the global economy, offering infinite business opportunities to foreign businesses and, more particularly, Belgian and Luxembourg companies. The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce saw in this celebration a timely occasion to put the spotlight on the State of Qatar, which is among the 1st economic partners of Belgium. Therefore, with a view to give our members and friends a clear picture of the rapidly evolving business environment in the country, we have gathered a comprehensive investigationmaterial, startingwith an exclusive interviewwith His Excellency Mr. Khalid Fahad A.A. AL-HAJRI, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; followed by a unique economic and commercial activities guide1. 1 The Qatar economic and commercial activities guide 2022 has been published under the copyright of the Qatar Chamber. Its content is here reproduced in part with the permission of Mr. Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of the Qatar Chamber.
Exclusive interview with His Excellency Mr. KHALID FAHAD A.A. AL-HAJRI Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg 1. Qatar has successfully won the bid to conduct the FIFAWorld Cup 2022 which has provided countless opportunities for local, regional and international businesses. But what lies beyond the 2022 horizon? What opportunities lie ahead – why should Belgian entrepreneurs keep Qatar on their radar? The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has offered great opportunities to local, regional and international businesses to participate in the creation of new infrastructure, including the metro line and other important development projects. But this journey towards development is not finished, as the State of Qatar will continue to seek to diversify its national economy within the framework of its National Vision 2030 with the aim of strengthening the economy and advancing human, social and environmental development. By creating a sustainable sporting and investment legacy, Qatar has built up a vibrant sports segment that continues to expand. Indeed, the hosting of this global event wi l l have long-term economic benefits for the country and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and will open the way to the establishment of new cooperation in various fields. This Legacy of investment opportunities extended to many other sectors will in return establish a sustained increase in tourism. World Cup will boost Qatar’s international reputation in hosting international sports
7 competitions, major sport activities and also other kind of events. The State of Qatar has already established itself as a regional and international host and organizer of major international gatherings (conferences, Summits, Seminars, Forums and High-level meetings) and cultural exhibitions, economic and financial events. Thanks to Qatar ’ s i nves tment and development drive, the country has become a center for sports, diplomacy, culture and business, and has started working on this goal before the FIFA award, but the World Cup-related projects have in turn further elevated and solidified the country’s position as an important hub and will offer more and more opportunities for Belgian entrepreneurs, Small and medium-sized enterprises but also large companies for investment and trade exchanges. Belgian can with their Qatari partners contribute effectively in achieving Qatar Vision 2030. The State of Qatar is open to Belgian, European and international investments, as the Qatar i government has been keen to provide an attractive investment environment for both Qatari and foreign investors, so the authorities periodically review laws to develop the legislative framework. In January 2019, Law No.1 of 2019 regulating the investment of nonQatari capital in economic activity became effective and allowed foreign investors to own 100 percent of capital in all sectors to facilitate FDI inflows, eliminating the previous limit of 49 percent foreign ownership. And in 2020, Qatar introduced a public-private partnership law that allows investors to coown infrastructure assets developed under long-term concessions. The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Belgium share many common interests, thanks to the geographical similarity, both countries benefit from their location to play an influential and vital role in all economic, political and cultural fields. We encourage Belgian companies to explore the avai lable and upcoming opportunities to participate in various projects in Qatar, and cooperate with Qatari companies putting together the expertise of the Qatari companies in the local market and the technical knowhow of the Belgian companies, which will bring mutual benefit to both countries. 2. In a fewweeks, Qatar will be the center of the world and one can say that the World Cup is an important gateway between the region and the world. Could you expand on this? The State of Qatar has been preparing to host one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the World, and we are very glad and proud to welcome the world without discrimination to enjoy the football matches and the amazing atmosphere of the tournament. By opening our arms to football fans from all around the world, we will offer ourselves and other people a great opportunity to discover diverse nationalities, religions, and ideas to build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity.
8 The tournament will open new doors allowing people around the world to know Qatar closely and to witness the economic and cultural renaissance in the country. In fact, beyond the economic aspect and theWorld Cupwill most importantly shed light on what Qatar has gained and will gain in building a positive social, economic and cultural legacy for the country, the region and the world. This event will also show Qatar’s ability to host major tournaments. Besides, the benefits are not limited to the Qatari economy only, but it has emphasized the social achievements as the State of Qatar took advantage of the preparations to improve labor rights, especially for foreign workers, to become the leader in the Gulf on labour reform. So, on behalf of my people and my country Qatar, I invite you all to come and enjoy this unique tournament. 3. Qatar developed the National Vision 2030 with a view to accelerate economic diversification and create a balance between an oil-driven economy and a knowledge-based one, by enabling a business environment that promotes innovation and sustainability ahead of other factors. What are the top priorities for the near future in order to boost Qatar’s economy? First of all, let me highlight what is this comprehensive development vision for the State of Qatar, “Qatar National Vision 2030”. This vision was approved by Amiri decision No. 44 of 2008, considering that comprehensive development is the fundamental objective for the achievement of progress and prosperity for the citizens. It aims, as you mentioned, to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and also ensuring the continuation of a decent a high standard of living for its people, generation after generation. The targeted results of the vision is the core issue, because the means are clear as the Vision provides a general framework wi thin which nat ional strategies and implementation plans are established. The National Plan addresses five major challenges facing Qatar: modernization while preserving traditions; the needs of the current generation and whose of the future generations; targeted growth and uncontrolled expansion; development t rack , s i ze and qual i ty of targeted expatriate labor force; economic growth and social development and environmental management.
9 The Vision also included the important guiding principles, which embody the protection of public and personal freedoms; protects moral and religious values and traditions; ensure security, stability and equal opportunities. It also focuses on four axes, first of all Human Development, as the development of the Qatari population would enable to build a prosperous society. Secondly, the Social Development, as establishing a just and secure society, based on high moral standards, would create a society capable of dealing and interacting with other societies, and playing an essential role in the global partnership for development. Thirdly, the Economic Development, through which the State of Qatar would develop a diversified and competitive national economy, capable of meeting the needs of its citizens at present and in the future, and ensuring a high standard of living. Lastly, the Environmental development, by managing the environment in a way that ensures harmony and balance between economic and social development and environmental protection. That is Qatar’s current master vision, its roadmap, and top priorities for the near future in order to boost Qatar’s economy.
10 The national development strategy “Qatar National Vision 2030” has since its launch contributed to the economic development of the last decade. The most observable result has been the FIFA World Cup, indeed, the vision has also pushed Qatar’s efforts tomake this event a resounding success. By focusing on areas such as sports, infrastructure, health care, culture, public safety and security, and the environment, the National Development Strategy has helped Qatar to be fully prepare for the tournament that every Qatari, Arab and sports fanatic around the world awaits. 4. Discussing trade relations, it is worth noticing that trade exchanges between Qatar and Belgium recorded a remarkable growth over time, with a trade volume that has more than doubled between 2020 and 2021. Which are the main points of economic exchange between both countries? What are the most promising areas for collaboration ? I am very glad to see that the level of the Qatari-Belgian relations is further strengthening and becoming a strong partnership, we are currently going through the best period of the trade exchange and witnessing a strategic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of energy. Economic agreements have also contributed to giving a huge boost to investment and trade bilateral relations, 15 agreements have been signed between the two countries, 9 are related to economic cooperation and energy. The Qatari-Belgian economic relations have increased significantly over the past years, and these ties have been strengthened through the official visits from both sides, especially after the visit of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in March 2018, which highlighted the strong ties between both countries, agreements were signed in various fields. This important visit opened the way for a broad partnership at all levels and raised relations to a new stage. Fol lowing this visi t , several Belgian companies and trade delegations have visited Qatar in 2019. In the same year Qatar Petroleum and the LNG terminal in the port of
11 Zeebrugge, operated by Fluxys have signed a major contract which will see the State of Qatar use the full capacity of the terminal until the year 2044. This cooperation started since March 2007, when the two companies signed the first liquefied gas contract. Qatar is the third largest liquefied gas supplier to Belgium. Qatar is working to strengthen its position in the Belgian market through this cooperation that confirms the crucial part Belgium is playing in the distribution of Qatari LNG, as the main gateway to Northwest Europe. The energy relations between the two partners is becoming more crucial than ever, especially in the current situation, the Ukraine crisis and Europe’s energy crisis, and with regards to the role of Belgium as platform for transporting gas to the rest of the European countries that try to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. We are also happy to see the important number of Belgian companies operating in Qatar (about 40 Belgian companies are active in our country) in awide range of sectors such as clean water technology, offshore drilling, maritime and naval engineering, dredging, transportation and others involved in projects in the sectors of construction and renewable energy, health, pharmaceutical industry, electrical equipment, modern management and in the agricultural sector. Many Belgian companies managed also projects and participated directly and indirectly in the preparation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, based on Belgian great reputation in organizing sporting events. As mentioned before, Belgian companies can with their Qatari partners contribute effectively in achieving Qatar Vision 2030 especially in the field of services and clean water technology, construction, engineering, offshore drilling, renewable energy, transportation, health services, pharmaceut i ca l i ndus t ry , elect r i ca l equ i pmen t , mode r n managemen t technologies, in the agricultural sector, and many other sector of Belgian expertise. With regard to trade exchange, between 2017 and 2021, all commercial indicators rose significantly. In the first six months of 2022 Qatari exports to Belgium have reached 1.9 billion euros, an increase of 471.3%, the main exports were liquefied natural gas, petroleum products and metal products (91.8%), chemicals (4.1%) and plastics (3.7%). As for Qatari imports from Belgium, they amounted to 237.1 million euros, a slight increase of 12.1% compared to last year. Most of the imports were chemicals (55.3%), machinery and equipment (15.8%) and basic metals (5.3 %). The State of Qatar is the 68th customer and the 24th supplier for the first six months of this year. The trade volume remains at a solid 1 billion 6 million euros for the first six months of 2022. There are 1172 Belgian companies exporting to Qatar and 2591 companies interested by its market. At the European level , Qatar is the third-biggest client to Europe. Belgium represented 4.2% of European exports to the country, making it the sixth largest European exporter to Qatar. Regarding European imports from Qatar, they amounted to 3.6 billion euros in 2020. Belgium’s share represented 9.7% of European imports, ranking fifth among the EU Member States. 5. What about synergies between Luxembourg and Qatar and have you set any goals during your mandate, where do you see room for improvement? How could these be further enhanced in the future? We have emphasized Qatar-Belgian trade exchanges, but what about the Duchy of Luxembourg? The State of Qatar has built strong relations with the Duchy and thanks
12 to the similarities between the two countries and our respective strong economies, we boosted our cooperation and mutual investments during this decade, especially in the field of finance. The two count r ies have s igned 10 agreements, 9 of them aiming to promote economic and financial cooperation. Regarding trade, the exchange between the State of Qatar and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg witnessed a remarkable increase until 2018, when Luxembourgish exports amounted to nearly US$20 million. In 2021 Luxembourg imports from Qatar was US$37.82 thousand and Luxembourg exports to Qatar was US$9.87 million, the imported and exported goods are quite similar, indeed the major products that Luxembourg exports to the State of Qatar are machinery and mechanical devices, electrical equipment and related devices; chemical products, base metals and related materials and plastics. From its side, Luxembourg imports mainly from Qatar base metals, machinery and mechanical devices, electrical equipment and related devices. Our country is ready to open up more in the manufacturing sector and to consolidate its cooperation with Luxembourgian companies and financial services, especially since Doha offers important tax incentives, i.e. tax exemption for foreign activities. The State of Qatar has been seeking and working to diversify its economy to be less dependent on oil and gas resources, which offers Luxembourg businesses further opportunities to explore new sectors and extend their experience and knowhow to the Qatari growing market, the country’s resources, and benefits from its fiscal environment, its flourishing market and regional position. From our side, we are looking forward to boost again this cooperation by repeating the successful experience ofMay 2016, where the embassy worked on the Qatar-Luxembourg Economic Forum that attracted a large number of businessmen and companies. This event was organized at this occasion of the visit of His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin JassimAl Thani, Minister of Economy and Trade at that time, to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at the head of an economic and trade mission. It was the first visit of its kind for a Qatari delegation consisting of about 40 officials and businessmen to Luxembourg, the first but not the last one! Interview of H.E. Mr. KHALID FAHAD A.A. AL-HAJRI conducted by Ms. SONIA DEVERGNIES - Head of communication and Project Manager, Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
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14 Qatar at a glance Population Qatar has a population of approximately 2.3 million. Capital City Qatar’s capital city is Doha (in Arabic, ad-Dawḥ a, which means ‘the big tree’) Major Cities Doha (capital), Al-Wakrah, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Al-Shamal, Msaieed, Ras Lafan and others. Religion Islam is the official religion of the State of Qatar, and the Islamic Law (Sharia) shall be the principal source of its legislation. Economy Since the mid-1800s, Qatar has grown from a poor British protectorate known for pearling into one of the world’s most important oil and gas producing countries. While there is increasing investment in non-energy sectors, oil and gas still account for more than half of the Gross Domestic Product. Due to its substantial reserves of oil and gas, the country has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world. Climate Qatar has a desert climate with hot summers, warm winters and scarce rainfall. Currency Qatari Riyal (1 Riyal = 100 Dirhams). The Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar ($US 1 = QAR 3.65). National Day Qatar National Day is held on 18th December every year in celebration and commemoration of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Al-Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar. Official Working Hours Ministries and Government Entities: from 7am to 2 pm Private Companies and Organisations: from 8am to 12pm and from 4pm to 8pm Banks: from 7:30am to 1pm Official Holidays Fridays and Saturdays are official days off in Qatar Qatar National Day: December 18 (annually) National Sport Day on Tuesday of the second week of February (annually) The holy Eid Al-Fitr The holy Eid Al-Adha
15 Investment Strategy Qatar is one of the fast-growing regional economies and among the most promising globally, maintaining balanced growth rates despite various global challenges. Over the past few years, the State has succeeded in consolidating Qatar’s position on the global economic map under the guidance of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Qatar is currently pursuing its journey towards establishing a diversified, competitive and knowledge-based economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The State is seeking to ratify laws that allow foreign investors to implement fully-owned investment projects in various sectors, The state has also developed an investor-friendly business environment, through the launch of several initiatives, including the creation of a single window for investor services, providing advanced electronic services for business incorporation, identifying and streamlining procedures for licensing the construction of business centers, issuing business licenses and offering incentives to foreign investors. Investment Incentives • Non-Qatari Investors may be exempted from the income tax for a period up to ten years • Non-Qatari investors may be exempted from customs on the imports of necessary machinery and equipment. • A land can be allocated for a foreign investment project by way of a renewable rent for a long renewable period of not more than 50 years. • Non-Qatari investors in the industrial field may be exempted from customs fees on imports of raw materials or half manufactured goods necessary for production and not available in the local market General Privileges • Non-Qatari investors maybe importing duties on necessary machinery and equipment. • Non-Qatari investors shall be entitled to conduct private money transfers pertaining to their investments from abroad into the State of Qatar. • These transfers can be conducted in any convertible currency, at the exchange rate applicable on the date of conversion. • Non-Qatari investment, direct or indirect, shall not be subject to expropriation or any equivalent act according to the LawNo. 13 of 2000 regulating the investment of foreign capital in economic activity • Non-Qatari investors are entitled to transfer the ownership of an investment to another non-Qatari or national investor.
16 Investment Sectors 39 Qatar Economic & Commercial Activities Guide Huge Investments Over the past years, most of the Arab Gulf states have directed huge investments into the health care sector, in a new path to diversify their economies and reduce the dependence of their budgets on crude oil revenues. The Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, have succeeded in becoming an important destination for local and foreign investments in the medical sector. At the same time, they have become a destination for medical tourism, especially from Arab and regional countries. The health care sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in most of the Arab Gulf countries. This is clearly evident in the increase in the number of hospitals, clinics and hospitalization centers with their various specialties. The rate of spending on the health care sector in the Gulf region increased from $60 billion in 2013 to $76 billion in 2019 and $89 billion in 2021. The average spending of Qatar in the health care sector is estimated at QR22.7 billion ($6.23 billion) annually, making it the first country in the region in terms of investment in the health sector. In 2021, Consultancy Me International stated: “Qatar has been able, since the 1990s, to make remarkable leaps in the healthcare system”. The company stated that Qatar was able to increase its health performance by 20% in terms of the population age and the burden of disease, which contributed to turning it into a destination for medical tourism. For its part, GS International Consulting stated: “The strong performance of the health sector in the State of Qatar is a natural result of the well-known social and economic image, in addition to its generous spending by injecting huge investments in the field of health care.” The company stated, in a recent report, that per capita spending on health care is still generally higher compared to European countries. Qatar ranked 10th in the Arab world and 39th globally in the ranking of the best international medical tourism destinations, according to the report of the International Center for Healthcare Research issued in May last year. health sector has made great strides since the fifties of the last century, as citizens and residents of the State of Qatar enjoy advanced health care services. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the leading non-profit healthcare provider. Founded in 1979, HMC operates five specialized hospitals and 24 primary health care centers. Health Sector ... Starting at a Solid Step The Health
17 Investment Sectors | Health 40 New health facilities With the opening of new health facilities, this year the number of hospitals affiliated with HMC increased to 14. Thus the health care system now includes a number of the most advanced medical technologies in the world. The number of primary health care centers in the public sector has also increased to 28 affiliated to the Primary Health Care Corporation and 4 other centers run by the Qatar Red Crescent. The Ministry of Public Health has also prepared the National Health Security Plan which will enhance the application and commitment of the State of Qatar to the International Health Regulations, with the engagement of the World Health Organization and partners in the health sector, while seeking to add a number of precautionary and complementary plans to the national framework for health emergencies. Governmental health institutions include: Hamad Medical Corporation Sidra Medical and Research Center Al Khor General Hospital Rumaila Hospital Al Wakra General Hospital Women’s Hospital Cuban Hospital In addition to many private health institutions available in various regions of the country, private health institutions include: Al Ahly Hospital Al Emadi Hospital Doha Clinic Hospital American Hospital Turkish Hospital # In addition to many health centers available in all regions of the country Health insurance ... New investment horizons The new health insurance system will greatly encourage businessmen to invest in the private health sector, given the expectations of an increase in demand after it is designated to receive residents, who are of course a very large segment in the country, which will create more opportunities for such investment. The matter will not be limited to the establishment and founding of private hospitals and health centers only, but will also include acquisitions by investors who see the private health sector as a promising field for work and profit. The government has been keen to encourage investors and provide incentives and facilities to move forward in this field. It focused on simplifying the issuance of licenses, and that the new health insurance system will also push the already existing centers and hospitals to expand, whether in clinics and services, or in the opening of new departments and branches for the already existing facilities. The new situation has become a great incentive for investors to invest in private medical sector due to the great demand for the services, given the expected expansion in this sector with the implementation of the new system. Private medical sector also contributes to the growth of health sector in the country and supports the health system by alleviating pressure on government sector. Investment laws in the country encourage local and foreign capital to pump more investments into private health sector.
18 Investment Sectors | Health 41 Qatar Economic & Commercial Activities Guide Increasing investments in private sector and opening more new centers, hospitals and health centers will expand the base of services and provide many alternatives to the beneficiaries, and thus reduce the burden on patients by facilitating their access to services. At the same time, investors will reap the results of their investments in this sector by gaining many expected profits in light of the demand for services. The Qatari market is promising and can assimilate more new companies and hospitals. Growth of the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector The results of the new law will not be limited to investment in the hospital sector only, but it is also expected that there will be greater popularity and activity for pharmaceutical companies, agents and partners of medical devices, because they represent an important part of private health sector. They also play a major role in serving patients and providing the services necessary to help centers and hospitals perform their roles. The Qatari market is profitable and promising for all investors, and with the implementation of the new system, there will be more demand for services, which are the main motivating factor for businessmen and investors to enter this field. Steps and requirements for investment and the establishment of a private hospital Healthcare investors can apply to the Department of Licensing and Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities at the Ministry of Public Health to license a health facility in an existing building. to download and fill out an application form, then print it out and submit it to window (11) on the ground floor of the Ministry of Public Health. Attach the following documents: A copy of the owner’s ID card A copy of the trade license List of medical services available (Word file) A copy of the land ownership A copy of the lease contract (if any) A copy of the land contract or sale contract A copy of the municipality’s approval of building Additional list of services offered(within the required attachments) Window (11) on the ground floor of the Ministry of Public Health building (See Google Maps). All information on the application form must be filled out electronically. Applications are submitted from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The receptionist selects the application number. Any incomplete or handwritten application will not be received. Please keep the application receipt. Please see the types of health facility classification in Form No. (6)contained in the attached lists. NB: This service is delivered free of charge.
19 Investment Sectors | Health 42 The health sector’s share of Qatar’s 2022 budget. billion ($5.49 billion) billion ($6.6 billion) QR 20 QR 24.1 percentage of the total expenses Qatar’s spending in the healthcare sector billion US dollars Years Years in the Arabic world worldwide GCC Spending in the Healthcare Sector Qatar ranks 1st in the Arab world in life expectancy after birth at Qatar topped medical tourism More than 6 years higher than the global average life expetency Two years higher than life expectancy in the GCC countries Hospitals, health centers, clinics (1) and pharmacies in 2019 Statement Statement No. No. Government Hospitals Sports Medical Center Private Hospitals Qatar Petroleum Clinics Health Centers Private sector clinics Children’s emergency center Private pharmacies Hamad Corporation’s outpatient clinics Private radiology and analysis laboratories Medical Commission Distribution is spatial and not specialized. includes medical complexes and dental clinics. Source: Health sector statistics, Statistics and Planning Authority 2020
20 43 Qatar Economic & Commercial Activities Guide In Qatar, the agricultural sector has expanded in recent years due to increased demand for food as a result of rapid population growth and government-backed initiatives, which aim to enhance food security in the country. These factors contributed to the expansion of the agricultural sector, which witnessed remarkable developments, such as the introduction of the Public-Private Partnership Law, comprehensive distribution channels and financial subsidies to encourage local production. Regardless of the arid climate in Qatar, the country adopts and uses sustainable and smart technologies on a large scale, including automated irrigation systems, and hydroponic and aquaponics, to enhance the quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables. # Regional Pioneer In the Global Food Security Initiative Rating Qatar has been rated as a regional pioneer in the Global Food Security Index # Self-sufficiency In fresh poultry and dairy products 100% self-sufficiency in fresh poultry and dairy products Qatar has been ranked as a regional pioneer in the Global Food Security Index The agricultural system in Qatar (Note for the design here it is possible to put the logo of each one of the system) Ministry of Municipality and Environment Hassad Food Company The State of Qatar, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar the agricultural sector is of great importance as it is the sector entrusted with achieving food security, and because it is one of the most important priorities of the State currently and in the future. As a result of this growing interest, the agricultural sector in Qatar, both plant and animal, has made great strides on the path of sustainable development and achieving self-sufficiency, especially after allocating an annual subsidy to this sector to the tune of QR70 million over the next five years. This aims agriculture and animal husbandry sector is rapidly rising on the global priority list, as a leading sector and the driving force behind the strength of any economy. It is the main supplier for food production, especially in light of the frequent fluctuations in supply chains, production systems and the expansion of the list of countries threatened with famine. Agriculture and Livestock Sector The Agriculture
21 Investment Sectors | Agriculture 44 to stimulate agricultural, animal husbandry and fish production as well as to market agricultural products. The agricultural sector enjoys secial importance in the policies and directions of the State of Qatar, given its social and economic dimensions. It has been given more attention, so that its contribution to the domestic product has become significant and is appreciated. The global food security index can be adopted as a base of measurement and evidence that the country is moving in the right direction, as Qatar ranked first in the Arab world in this field, and ranked 22nd globally. Agricultural Production The local production of vegetables has witnessed a qualitative leap during the past years, achieving an increase of 100% during the past three years compared to previous years. The local production of vegetables in 2021 reached about 102 thousand tons, compared to 55 thousand tons in 2017. Thus, the self-sufficiency rate in locally grown vegetables increased from about 20% in 2017 to reach about 46% in 2022. This is an increase of about 130 percent, given that the target percentage is 70%. The percentage of self-sufficiency in red meat reached 18% and the target is 30%, while fresh poultry reached 100%, thus achieving the target percentage and the same in dairy and its derivatives, while the self-sufficiency rate of table eggs increased from about 14% in 2017 to reach About 36% in 2022, an increase of more than 157%. It is expected that end of this year will witness the achievement of the self-sufficiency rate of this product recommended by the National Food Security Strategy, which is to cover domestic demand by 70%. The area planted with vegetables has reached about 2766 hectares, which clearly indicates the significant growth in annual production rates. The total utilised area has reached about 141580 hectares, which is divided as follows: Single exposed vegetable crops 18,974 hectares, open-laden vegetable crops 493 hectares, protected vegetable crops 5564 hectares, single seasonal field crops 2563 hectares, loaded seasonal field crops 1239 hectares, single perennial forage crops 73559 hectares, perennial forage crops loaded 2023 hectares, permanent crops (Fruit), buildings 10.123 hectares, and the arable areas, according to last year’s statistics, amounted to about 298,695 hectares, while the number of greenhouses reached about 13,601 homes at the end of 2021. Smart Technology in Agriculture What is remarkable in the Qatari agricultural scene is the empowerment and consolidation of smart technology tools in agriculture. Qatari farms use modern (protected) farming systems. The Ministry has distributed 2436 ordinary greenhouses, in addition to distributing 1,712 refrigerated houses, 100 houses dedicated to modern hydroponics, and 100 rooms for drying dates to improve quality. The Ministry also concluded a contract with the “Masseel” company, which is affiliated with “Hassad” company, in order to provide agricultural services to farmers with the aim of improving the quality and speed of providing these services, including plowing and other agricultural operations, as well as providing various agricultural production inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other requirements.
22 Investment Sectors | Agriculture 45 Qatar Economic & Commercial Activities Guide Animal Husbandry As for the animal husbandry sector, this sector has achieved a great production boom in recent years. The self-sufficiency rate of milk and its products has increased from about 28% in 2017 to 100% in 2022, which means that the sufficiency rate has quadrupled during the last five years and achieved Full self-sufficiency in dairy and dairy products. Similarly, the State of Qatar was able to achieve complete selfsufficiency in fresh broiler chicken, after it increased from about 50% in 2017 to 100% in 2022. With regard to red meat, the State’s self-sufficiency rate has increased from 13% in 2017 to about 18% currently, an increase of about 38%, as the National Food Security Strategy aims to achieve a self-sufficiency rate estimated at 30% in the year 2023. In this context, the Ministry proposed ( 8) Strategic projects for raising and fattening local sheep and goats on private sector companies, with the aim of achieving the self-sufficiency rate targeted in the national strategy for food security. Fisheries With regard to the fisheries sector in theState of Qatar, given the importance of preserving the fish stock in the country and not depleting it through increasing marine fishing, it has given special importance to fish farming projects as the appropriate way to increase fish production without affecting the stock. It also opened the Water Research Center in Ras Kitchen, Which is one of the important productive research centers supporting the field of fishery in the country It has now reached 80% self-sufficiency, and it is expected that this percentage will reach 90% within two years, with plans to increase production, as well as fish farming projects, including floating cages projects. There is currently a strategic project in the country for fish farming that is being implemented by a private sector company, and another project for shrimp farming. The two projects are expected to contribute to achieving self-sufficiency rates targeted in the national strategy for food security, which currently stands at 72%, given that the total number of animal husbandry has reached1507543 heads, including 108,749 camels, 42,139 cows, 418,525 goats and 938,130 heads of sheep. The number of operating fisheries reached five, while the 211 estimated bee farms included about 7,313 hives. Statistics The latest statistics show the great development of agricultural production, and according to the agricultural census of 2021 - announced by the Ministry of Municipality, 13,601 greenhouses on farms in 352 farms are using coolers. The areas of unrefrigerated greenhouses increased to 220 hectares in 2022, which in turn led to an increase in their production from 17000 to 20000 tons, while the production of vegetables in open lands increased from 33000 tons. With regard to the production of milk and its derivatives, according to the lateststatistics, it reached 500 tons per day in 2022, covering 83% of local consumption, compared to the production of 154 tons per day in 2017, with a self-sufficiency rate of 24%. Fresh Poultry As for fresh poultry, its production before the blockade amounted to 30 tons per day, with a self-sufficiency rate of 50%, while it has now reached 59 tons, covering 98% of local consumption.
23 Investment Sectors | Agriculture 46 Noticeable increases included agricultural production, both plant and animal, as well as table eggs, where production increased from 11 tons in 2017, representing 14% of self-sufficiency, to 19 tons, representing 24% of self-sufficiency. These high percentages of Qatari agricultural production confirm that the current situation of basic agricultural commodities and products is very reassuring, with ambitious plans to increase them, to reach 100% in the coming period, within the framework of the agricultural sector strategy of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. Qatar Farms Program Within the framework of the State’s efforts and directions to work to help the Qatari agricultural product and solve the problems it faces, coordination and cooperation has been established between the Ministries of Municipality and Environment, and Economy and Trade to launch a new program called Qatar Farms to market Qatari vegetables in consumer complexes. The idea is to avail opportunity to Qatar farmers to showcase their first-class products in consumer complexes with high quality and at reasonable prices for the consumer without an intermediary, and without the farmer paying any financial commissions for that, provided that these vegetables are sold in the complexes by the retail weight system, given that the program was launched in a number of consumer complexes in the country. The latest statistics of the agricultural sector at the Ministry of Municipality and Agriculture show the importance of marketed vegetables in the Qatar farms program, as various types of vegetables were marketed to consumer complexes that are participating in the program. Qatari vegetables that were marketed in the consumer complexes that are participating in the Qatar Farms Program represented 64% as an average of all types of vegetables offered in consumer complexes, compared to only 36% for imported vegetables, given that before the program, the percentage of local vegetables in the complexes did not exceed 5%. Among the gains are the rehabilitation of a large number of Qatari farms, which reached 105 that can supply their production of high-quality vegetables to consumer complexes on a daily basis, and many farms have also purchased refrigerated transport vehicles to transfer production to consumer complexes, which is positively reflected in the low percentage of loss and damage of local vegetables to the minimum possible. Sustainable National Agriculture The Agricultural Research Department of the Ministry of Municipality revealed the development of a new farmingmethod, the firstof its kind, that combines several agricultural methods. It is called Sustainable National Agriculture for its contribution to achieving sustainable food security in Qatar, by adopting a method based on local resources. Investment Projects for Food Security Within the framework of efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural products and commodities, the Ministry adopts several targeted initiatives in this regard, such as introducing strategic projects to achieve food security by providing opportunities for private investors in the agricultural field, including the launch of four large strategic projects for the production of vegetables with an area of one million square meters per project.
24 49 Qatar Economic & Commercial Activities Guide The World Travel and Tourism Council expects Qatar to receive 6.24 million tourists by 2028, with spending on the sector reaching 102.7 billion Qatari riyals, an increase of 9.1 percent annually until 2028. The data of the National Tourism Council indicate that the incentives for investment in tourism are represented in a package of facilities provided by the State to investors in addition to the great return achieved in the sector, especially since the State of Qatar enjoys a strategic geographical location that allows easy access to it from various countries of the world. This is in addition to the country’s rapid economic growth and the comprehensive tourism and cultural offers, as well as the government’s focus on supporting the tourism sector, hotels and high-level facilities that provide opportunities to host the best events in the world, such as the 2022 World Cup. The local high income that provides high purchasing power enhances the appetite for domestic tourism, in addition to exempting citizens of 88 countries from entry visas into Qatar as well as the global best performance of both Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport. Tourism Sector... Qatar is the Land of Tourism Investment Opportunities Qatar Incentives and Investment Opportunities Qatar appears to be the land of investment opportunities in the tourism sector as a result of enjoying a rare competitive advantage availed to investors; to become among the first pioneers of a fast-growing market. In addition to supporting investment, the Qatari government intensifies its efforts to attract foreign investments. To that end, it offers incentives and new forms of facilities for foreign business owners, in addition to establishing a department to coordinate between local and international investors on the one hand and government agencies on the other hand. The authorities in charge are also working hard on developing a new licensing system that will speed up the licensing process for tourism companies. Qatar also provides foreign investors with a stable investment environment, especially with Qatar already investing nearly $200 billion in the infrastructure that supports the tourism sector, through projects including Hamad International Airport, Qatar Rail Project, Msheireb Downtown Doha Project, Qatar National Museum and Hamad International Airport. The leadership of the tourism sector in Qatar is also working with the competent authorities to develop data that will enhance Qatar’s openness to tourists and investors in the tourism industry. Among the incentives provided by the government to foreign investors under the Foreign Investment Law is the allocation of land for business activities under longterm lease contracts of up to 50 years, as well as exemption from income tax for up to 10 years in some sectors and permission to import necessary materials from for investment projects, in addition to many of the incentives that we discussed in the first chapter of this book, for further details. Tourism
25 Investment Sectors | Tourism 50 Hotel sector One of the reasons that promote the tourism sector in Qatar to be the best destination for investment is that Qatar ranked second in the Middle East and North Africa and 51st globally in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum “Davos”, which includes 140 countries. This means Qatar has surpassed 89 countries around the world, and Qatar has a thriving hospitality sector. With its huge infrastructure, luxury hotels and resorts and charming nature, Qatar Tourism announced the opening of 50 hotels before the World Cup, where 3.1 million hotel nights were sold until June 2022, while the supply of rooms is steadily increasing, as it recorded 30 thousand rooms until mid-March. 2022. The tourism strategy set by the State aims to increase the number of visitors to six million visitors annually by 2030. Application for a Tourist License for a Hotel Establishment Entities may submit an application to Qatar Tourism to issue a tourism license for a hotel establishment under classification. Online Application: Log into the Qatar Tourism e-services portal using the login credentials of the National Authentication System “Tawtheeq”. Details of the basic data of the hotel establishment. Entering the organizational structure of the hotel establishment and adding the data of the General Manager. Enter basic facility data. Attach the following documents: A copy of the trade license A copy of the commercial register A copy of the building completion certificate A copy of the civil defense certificate A copy of the security systems certificate A copy of the establishment's registration A copy of the general liability insurance policy A copy of the establishment's insurance policy Copy of proof of registration in the Performance Statistics Program (STR) Acknowledgment of the validity of data, and submission of the application for validation. Payment of the prescribed fees after approving the application. Submission of Application in Hardcopy Visit the "Qatar Tourism" service counter. Submit all the required documents mentioned above. Pay the prescribed fees. Service outlets The main office of "Qatar Tourism" (see Google Maps)
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