The committee concerned with studying obstacles faced by the private sector discussed the financial and economic stimulus package provided to support the private sector, under the directives of H.H. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and included a number of initiatives to support vital economic sectors like the health and food security sector, tourism, education, contracting, banking, investment and manufacturing.

During its meeting, which was chaired by H.E. Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and in the presence of the Chairman of Qatar Chamber H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani and the participation of private sector representatives, the committee expressed its appreciation for the keenness of H.E. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, to follow up on the economic and commercial conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the private sector and the appropriate solutions to overcome them during the meeting held by His Excellency on May 7, 2020 with a number of representatives of the Chamber and Qatari Businessmen Association.

The committee reviewed ways to meet the challenges facing the private sector in light of the economic repercussions caused by the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). It reviewed a number of important topics, including the support packages received by the private sector and the mechanism to implement them. It also discussed the proposed initiatives by H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry in this context and the Ministrys efforts to address the obstacles facing the private sector, future plans that it intends to implement in the field and the follow up on complaints. In addition to that, it highlighted the efforts of the Qatari Businessmen Association and Qatar Chamber and the challenges facing a number of key sectors.

The committee also reviewed the measures taken by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ensure the flow of food and drug commodities and all medical supplies in order to meet the needs of citizens and residents in line with preventive measures aimed at limiting the spread of coronavirus. The committee also discussed the exemption of food and medical goods from customs duties for a period of six months, which reflected positively on prices, as well as the support provided to the private sector by exempting electricity and water charges for a period of six months.

The meeting also dealt with the initiatives to support the contracting sector as the Ministry issued Circular No. (1) for the year 2020 regarding the exemption of the contracting and construction sector from the decision to specify working hours of commercial activities. Additionally, the meeting discussed the developments that have been made regarding the acceleration of company payments due to the government.

Also, the meeting highlighted the initiative supporting car dealerships, including Circular No. (17) for the year 2020 regarding the exclusion of the activities of car maintenance workshops from the decision to specify working hours of commercial activities as well as the regulation of entry and exit from the Industrial Area in order to ease restrictions on the owners of the establishments working there and facilitate the entry and exit of materials and equipment in line with the precautionary procedures and the requirements of the relevant authorities.

The agenda of the meeting also included a review of the challenges monitored by Qatar Chamber and ways to enhance cooperation between the government and private sectors to tackle them and consolidate the strength of the national economy.

Source: Qatar News Agency
Image credit: ILO Qatar

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