Sunday 24th Sept. 2023
The Qatar Chamber recently participated in the Annual Meeting of State Procurement Program 2024, which is being organised by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Development Bank.
The Chamber delegation was presided over by its Chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani and included board members Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Ansari, and Shaheen bin Mohamed Al Mohannadi.
In statements, HE Sheikh Khalifa said that the forum serves an important platform for SMEs to get acquainted with government purchases and offers an opportunity for cooperation with government agencies in accessing their tenders, noting that the Chamber provides full support to SMEs to facilitate their access into government tenders and contracts.
HE praised organising the forum, stating that it provides the opportunity for SMEs to engage directly with government ministries and bodies to learn about their procurement plans for the upcoming year.
This, in turn, allows companies to be well-prepared for participating in tenders and contracts with these entities, he said, adding that this also reflects the partnership between the public and private sectors and enhances the role of SMEs in the national economy.
Speaking at the forum, Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli underscored the importance of facilitating the private sector’s involvement in government procurement, stressing that facilitating the entry of SMEs and micro-enterprises into government tenders and contracts constitutes a means of supporting and stimulating local industry for production, diversification, development, and marketing of products both domestically and internationally.
Al Obaidli also highlighted the importance of the government directives that require ministries and government agencies to use and purchase local products, provided that they conform to Qatari standards and specifications, and are in accordance with the regulations and policies of the bidding and auction committees in the state.
He explained that facilities include various aspects such as reducing bank guarantees, document fees and tender-related costs, as well as encouraging start-ups and supporting national companies that aim to contribute to the national economy by hosting international conferences and exhibitions in Qatar.
He emphasized the significance of the private sector’s participation in committees focused on the development of tendering, procurement and government contracting systems, as well as the in-country value (ICV) system that has been applied to entities subject to the Tenders and Bids Law since August 2022, stressing that the ICV system aims to provide a competitive advantage to companies based on their contributions to the local economy.
QC board member highlighted the Chamber’s active participation in events and activities aimed at increasing reliance on the private sector, emphasizing the Chamber’s commitment to supporting such directives by strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders in the state, participating in initiatives that involve the private sector in state projects and tenders, and allowing the private sector showcase its products at exhibitions it holds, foremost of which is the ‘Made in Qatar’ expo.
