National Day/ Qatar Chamber Chairman: National Day's Coincidence with Qatar World Cup Strengthens Our Pride and Belonging

Doha, December 18 (QNA) - HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani underlined that Qatar National Day is an annual celebration of the principles of solidarity, cooperation, loyalty, and unity established by the founder, and an occasion to highlight the accomplishments made during the past year and to plan for future achievements, in order to maintain the country's prosperity and welfare. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of Qatar National Day, HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber extended, in his name and on behalf of all members of the Board of Directors of Qatar Chamber and the private sector, sincerest congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, and to the people and residents of Qatar on this precious occasion, praying to Allah Almighty to perpetuate the blessings of security, peace, prosperity and development under the wise leadership and the tireless efforts of the esteemed government. His Excellency said that the National Day's coincidence with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the unparalleled success achieved by Qatar World Cup - which is considered the best tournament in the World Cup history according to the testimony of many - make the people of Qatar extremely proud because they recall belonging and loyalty to the homeland and the wise leadership while at the same time celebrating the achievements and the success made by Qatar, noting that Qatar World Cup adds to the State's accomplishments list, which will continue under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani noted the great support given by the wise leadership to the Qatari private sector as a true partner in the development process, pointing to the speech of HH the Amir at the opening of the Shura Council session in October, when His Highness stressed the importance of activating the provisions of the law regulating partnership between the public and private sectors in all relevant projects, which confirms the keenness of HH the Amir on enhancing the participation of the private sector in the economic activity. Highlighting the achievements of Qatar Chamber in 2022, HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani underlined that Qatar Chamber has maintained its pioneering role in supporting and developing business sectors in the country, encouraging investment and facilitating its growth, promoting the Qatari economy and introducing the investment climate in the country. He noted that Qatar Chamber adopted in 2022 a number of important initiatives that benefit the Qatari private sector. The Chamber joined the United Nations Global Compact, which is considered the largest global initiative for corporate sustainability, based on its belief in the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact in four main axes: human rights, labor, environment, and development. Qatar Chamber also launched a platform for recycling labor in the private sector in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, which aims to help companies obtain employment from within the Qatari labor market, thus saving time and effort and enhancing the progress of projects in the country. The Chamber opened an office at its headquarters for the Ministry of Labor to provide services to business owners and company managers, with the aim of facilitating procedures and accelerating the completion of tasks. His Excellency pointed out that the Chamber also contributed to facilitating the use of Carnet ATA for television broadcasting equipment during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in coordination with the General Authority of Customs. The Chamber also issued the Qatar Economic & Commercial Activity Guide 2022, in order to promote the Qatari economy during the World Cup, as it is considered a comprehensive guide on establishing business in Qatar. It aims to introduce the Qatari economy, investment elements in the country, business sectors and economic and commercial activities in the country, in addition to the most prominent laws and regulations that regulate the investment process and the steps for establishing companies. HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani pointed out that from the beginning of this year to Oct. 31, 2022, the Chamber concluded 49796 electronic transactions, in addition to 23161 non-electronic transactions, adding that the number of members affiliated with the Chamber reached 75016. He said that the Chamber issued more than 49576 certificates of origin for private sector exports, of which 37237 are electronic certificates, in addition to 3 temporary entry cards for goods and commodities and 5 TIR books (the international customs transit system for transporting goods across international land borders). His Excellency pointed out that the Chamber has strengthened its digital structure this year and worked to further develop the services provided to the business community in order to assist its members and companies and institutions affiliated with it, in addition to providing all possible means to communicate with them and complete their transactions with ease and professionalism. He noted that in line with the economic renaissance taking place in the country, the Chamber continued to equip its new headquarters in the commercial street 'Darb Lusail' in Lusail City to be in line with the services provided by the Chamber to the Qatari private sector. The Chamber is expected to move to the new building next year, HE explained. His Excellency added that the Chamber continued its meeting with various ministries and government agencies through joint committees, as all matters related to the Qatari private sector were discussed. Additionally, the obstacles facing the sector were resolved in order to ensure that it plays its role in the national economy, he said, noting that the Chamber organized more than 190 activities, both at its headquarters or remotely. Furthermore, the Chamber also participated in the support, sponsorship and opening of about 10 exhibitions and organized and participated in more than 9 seminars and conferences, in addition to more than 27 external participations and about 70 meetings with senior officials and Arab and foreign delegations and 9 joint business forums, as well as initiatives, training and arbitration activities, various publications, economic studies, memoranda of understanding, business councils, and the activities of the International Chamber of Qatar. His Excellency explained that the Chamber hosted during the first 10 months of 2022 around 70 trade delegations, including delegations accompanying heads of state, heads of government, ministers, government officials, representatives of international institutions and chambers of commerce from different countries. During these meetings, they discussed strengthening cooperation between Qatari businessmen and their counterparts in various countries of the world. These meetings also reflected great international interest in the investment climate in Qatar and high confidence in the Qatari economy. The Qatari side was briefed on the investment opportunities available in these countries, and these delegations were also briefed on the investment climate in Qatar and the available opportunities. The Chamber participated in more than 27 external events, both remotely and through direct visits. HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani indicated that during 2022, the Chamber signed 7 agreements and memoranda of understanding with a number of Chambers from different countries with the aim of enhancing prospects for commercial and economic cooperation between Qatar and those countries and forming a joint business council. The Chamber also signed an agreement with the Free Zones Authority to enhance bilateral cooperation to achieve common strategic goals and support the economic diversification plans of the State of Qatar. His Excellency pointed out that the Chamber also held a number of training courses, participated in a number of local and international exhibitions, and issued a number of studies related to the private sector, noting that the sectoral committees in the Chamber continued to hold their meetings and discuss the obstacles facing each sector and ways to solve them in coordination with the concerned authorities. (QNA)