The Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-2016, a first for the country and prepared to set a path towards achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, was launched yesterday. During the five-year period, total gross domestic investment could reach QR820bn, the document revealed. In the presence of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani launched the NDS at a ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries at Sheraton Doha. HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emiri Diwan Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah and General Secretariat for Development Planning Secretary General Dr Ibrahim Ibrahim were among those present. Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad said the National Strategy was prepared under the directions of the Emir who has laid down Qatar’s National Vision which reinforces the relation between economic development and growth of human resources. “The exceptional economic growth experienced by Qatar has brought forth new challenges and the National Development Strategy aims to take a more integrated approach for development of all the sectors,” he explained. The NDS provides ways to achieve a balanced sustainable development and responsible use of resources. In line with QNV 2030, it envisages to diversify the economy and create more opportunities for Qatari youth. “The strategy will work towards creating a balance between the Arab culture and modernity, preservation of our values and traditions and invest in sectors including education and healthcare.” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, who is also the head of the Supreme Oversight Committee for implementing QNV 2030, reminded that every citizen and institution had a role to play in implementing the NDS. While thanking Dr Ibrahim for his efforts, the Heir Apparent revealed that Dr Ibrahim had asked for permission to retire after Qatar achieved the NDS. “I told him that it is something to be decided by HH the Emir himself,” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad added while lauding again Dr Ibrahim and all concerned at the General Secretariat for Development Planning. In his foreword to the NDS document, the Heir Apparent stressed “the National Strategy deepens our commitment to increasing the well-being of all Qatari citizens and lays out a carefully designed programme to continue providing the best education, healthcare, social protection and employment opportunities in a prosperous, stable and secure society that nurtures its members and preserves and protects family cohesion.” A product of consultations with all segments of Qatari society, including the private sector and civil society, the strategy takes into account Qatar’s cultural and religious values as well as the needs of future generations, covering all aspects of social, economic and environmental activity. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad pointed out that balanced and sustainable growth required continuous modernisation and development of public institutions to ensure good programme management and high-quality public services. “This strategy also highlights our competitive position in the international economy and reminds us of the effective role we must play at both the regional and international levels.”

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