18-03-2020
In line with the Qatar Chamber’s keenness to follow up the updates of the outbreak of Coronavirus in the world countries, the Qatar Chamber Board of Directors held irregular meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting, chaired by QC Chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, aimed to identify the proactive measures taken by the Chamber to join hands with the Government in curbing the outbreak of the virus and minimize its negative impacts.
Addressing the meeting, Sheikh Khalifa expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani for his directives to the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to provide financial and economic incentives amounting to QR 75 billion to the private sector.
He praised the Amiri directives to direct banks to postpone installments, exempt some sectors from electricity and water fees and exempt from rents for the logistical areas and small and medium industries for a period of six months.
SheikH Khalifa also extended his sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir, and His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and all relevant ministries and agencies that dealt with the crisis with a great degree of professionalism and responsibility.
Based on the importance of allowing the private sector to be more active and cooperative during the crisis, the Qatar Chamber’s Board of Directors decided the following:
First: The Chamber’s Board of Directors is considered to be in permanent convention until the crisis ends.
Second: Forming an emergency committee to follow up on all developments at the level of all economic sectors and to serve as a focal point between companies and government agencies.
Third: The Council called on all business owners to facilitate defaulters, especially SMEs, whether by exempting the rental value or postponing the dues until the crisis ends.
Fourth: Contacting with the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to allow the Chamber offer everything it can do to help counter the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Board also stressed that the Chamber and the private sector is fully prepared to make use of its potentials to help in accomplishing the Government’s goals in facing this crisis.
It also stressed the necessity of enhancing coordination between all concerned parties to ensure the smooth and continuous provision of food products and goods in the local market.
The Board of Directors also expressed its readiness to receive all initiatives proposed by private sector businessmen, whether they are material or moral aids or ideas, to contribute to overcoming this crisis.
It thanked all businessmen and companies that voluntarily offered assistance and initiatives to overcome this crisis.
The Board affirmed that the Chamber would continue to provide services to businessmen and members to avoid disrupting their businesses.
The Chamber allocated hotlines to answer any inquiries from merchants and businessmen on (44559122), sectorial committees on (44559187), media on (44555803), member’s affairs, certificates of origin and certifications on (44559118)’.
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