Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani said today that 2016 was filled with events where it tried to promote a bigger role for the private sector in the economy, in line with the vision of the country’s wise leadership of diversifying the economy.
This came during the second meeting of the general assembly of Qatar Chamber, which was held at its headquarters. The meeting discussed a report on the activities of 2016. It also discussed the audit report of 2016 and ratified the budget of 2017.
His Excellency said that the main goals of the chamber for 2016 was to grow the private sector and improve its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was done through coordinating with different ministries and forming committees to implement public-private partnerships on the ground, in line with the directives of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The Chairman of Qatar Chamber stressed that the aspirations of the private sector still tops the priorities of QC. His Excellency added that their achievements in 2016 was a result of their commitment to enhancing the role of the private sector.
His Excellency added that Qatar Chamber is working hard on understanding the challenges facing the private sector. QC chairman added that they conducted a number of studies and surveys on the challenges and present solutions for them to the designated authorities. The chamber also continues to work on encouraging investments and market local industries abroad.
Chairman of QC HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani said QC has followed the directives of its board of directors regarding the importance of strengthening the communication with all members of the business community by organizing different meetings and seminars throughout the past year.
The communication also continued through the QC invitations to the members and urging them to attend all activities and participate in surveys regarding the obstacles they face or their suggestions to benefit the Qatari private sector.
The chamber has prepared an economic study regarding the issues that affects the private sector, in addition it set solutions through various sectorial committees and marketing for investment opportunities, His Excellency added.
QC has worked on developing the economic and trade relations between Qatar and the rest of the world, it has also worked on bridging the gap between the local business community and the international business organizations and institutions, His Excellency said.
His Excellency added, this year, QC has developed its services by providing a number of e-services to help undergo the biggest number of procedures through the internet making to save the members time and effort. At the general assembly of QC, the members requested that QC becomes more involved in economic events and activities held nationally and internationally and they urged the chamber to organize more exhibitions and forums to improve the private sector’s performance.
The members also called on international companies and trade delegations to visit Qatar and meet with local businessmen to exchange views and to benefit from international companies’ expertise in the local market.
QC should speed up the process of completing the construction of its permanent building to match the status of Qatar and its economic reputation regionally and internationally, as it receives a large number of trade delegations and its considered the face of Qatar’s private sector.
