Doha, October 25 (QNA) – HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani appreciated the speech delivered by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the 51st annual session of the Shura Council, saying that His Highness’ speech outlined the features of the coming period in light of the recent achievements.
His Excellency said that the speech showed the great interest that HH the Amir attaches to the national economy, stressing that the economic aspects dominated the speech.
His Excellency pointed out that HH the Amir stressed the strength of the Qatari economy, which continued to grow during the current year after it declined in 2020, with the preliminary data indicating a 4.3 percent GDP growth during the first half of this year, supported by a 7.3 percent growth in non-oil sector – a large percentage amid the current international circumstances.
His Excellency hailed His Highness’ keenness to bolster the contribution of the private sector in economic activity and the partnership between the public and private sectors.
His Highness stressed in the speech the importance of activating the provisions of the law regulating partnership between the public and private sectors in all related projects, especially in the health, educational and tourism sectors, the Qatar Chamber Chairman said.
His Highness also highlighted the In-Country Value Program, which gives preference in tenders and bids to companies that further depend on local economy than others to procure goods and services to the public sector, His Excellency added.
The private sector values and appreciates His Highness’ keenness to develop and maximize its role in development, His Excellency added, noting that the Qatari private sector saw great development in recent years and has become a responsible partner of the public sector in implementing economic development projects.
His Excellency said that the private sector can play an important role in achieving the comprehensive economic development, which tops the State’s goals as HH the Amir affirmed.
The State is steadfastly proceeding in fulfilling the requirements of comprehensive development at all levels, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its desired objectives, His Excellency added.
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani pointed out that HH the Amir’s speech dealt with boosting the investment climate in Qatar, by amending the legislation governing foreign investment to remove obstacles facing that investment, and to highlight Qatar as a global incubator for international direct investment and improve the investment environment.
His Highness also called for allowing GCC citizens to launch trade activities including shipping services, advertising, stock trading, company establishment, and spoke about working on developing the energy sector and expanding gas production in the North Field, His Excellency noted.
All these directives confirm that the Qatari economy will see further development and growth in the coming years, His Excellency said, highlighting His Highness’ statements on a QR 47.3 billion budget surplus triggered by energy price rises, in the first half of the year, despite speculations of a deficit at the beginning of the year.
His Excellency also highlighted His Highness’ statements that the budget surplus will be directed to reduce the public debt and increase the State’s financial reserves, and that Qatar will also diversify sources of public revenue so that the public budget will not be vulnerable to energy price fluctuations.
(QNA)