The Permanent Population Committee (PPC) marked Qatar Population Day yesterday.
The event also saw the presentation of the committee’s first report since the implementation of the population policy last year.
PPC chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin Jassim al-Thani said the population policy report put focus on bringing a balance between the population growth and sustainable development.
“The committee is currently working on the implementation of the Doha Declaration agreed upon at the Arab population and development conference last year,” he said.
National Strategic Development Bureau director Saleh al-Nabet said the strategy for 2011-2016 would see new initiatives.
“The strategy considers the family as the basis of the Qatari society,” he said.
He further explained that the strategy is to encourage the local workforce to work in the private sector and undertake investment projects.
“A special programme will be dedicated to personal investment projects by youths and women,” he stated.
PPC deputy chairman Hassan al-Muhannadi presented the population report, and referred to the improvement in the maternity care at Hamad Medical Corporation and also steps taken to reduce the
mortality rate.
“The report also points out the risks of delayed marriages,” he said.
“There are also problems resulting from lack of co-operation among different institutions which have set up funds for marriages.”
Al-Muhannadi said the report highlighted the need for campaigns to encourage the employment of male and female expatriates to bridge the gender gap.
“The report also observes that the private sector is still relying on cheap labour, rather than on the local Qatari workforce,” he said.
The report recommends more marriage and child support funds to be set up, as well campaigns against high dowries.
“The report says funding for education, curriculum development and scientific research is already in place,” he said.
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