11-6-2017
Companies importing primary materials to Qatar have reached out to neighbouring countries for alternative sources of raw materials amid a blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain.
The move was announced at a Qatar Chamber meeting held on today, bringing together representatives of import and storage businesses.
Engineer Eisa al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), said the company’s strategic inventory, including gabbro, fine sand and limestone, is sufficient for one year.
Hammadi said QPMC was in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to issue special tenders for private companies to recycle construction waste and drilling products into usable materials.
Importers of building materials called for facilitating import and storage procedures, allocating a logistical land to store goods and reviewing storage charges.
Qatar Chamber (QC) Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Twar al Kuwari said Qatar has several options to meet the needs of the local market, be it foodstuffs or primary construction materials.
He pointed out that the launch of two new direct shipping services between Hamad Port and the ports of Sohar and Salalah in Oman would help boost the movement of Qatari imports from around the world, thanks to their close position to the Silk Road, which links China with Asian and European countries.
He called on Qatari businessmen to invest in Omani ports and import goods through them, stressing that Omani private sector was keen on entering into investment partnerships with Qatari businessmen.
“The opportunity is now available to build partnerships with Omani businessmen, especially in Omani ports,” he said.
“The strength of the Qatari economy and the awareness of businessmen are crucial factors to prevent demand-supply gap in the domestic market,” he added.
Ali Abdul-Latif al Misnad, member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber and Honorary Treasurer, said the Qatari economy was not affected by the boycott and showed great strength and cohesion following the break of diplomatic ties by the three GCC countries.
Food imports to the Qatari market continued at a faster pace through the contracts of traders with exporters from other countries, he said, adding that daily food products have arrived from Turkey and other markets.
