CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

Qatar, Nato discuss enhancing investment opportunities

Published: 16 Mar 2018 - 10:33 am | Last Updated: 05 Nov 2021 - 04:43 am
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, holding discussion with the parliamentary delegation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), currently visiting the State of Qatar. Discussion

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, holding discussion with the parliamentary delegation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), currently visiting the State of Qatar. Discussion

The Peninsula

DOHA: Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani said that various economic indicators confirm that the Qatari economy has continued its growth process, enhancing its competitiveness and overcoming all challenges by implementing a strategy aimed at diversifying sources of income, stimulating the productivity of non-oil sectors and supporting the private sector to be an active partner in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.
This came during his meeting yesterday with the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), headed by Chairman of the Portugal-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group Vitalino Canas, reported QNA.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest and discussed aspects of joint cooperation, especially in the economic and trade fields, and ways to develop them, in addition to enhancing investment opportunities between Qatar and NATO countries.
The Minister stressed on the close strategic relations between Qatar and NATO countries, and expressed his hope to further enhance cooperation at all levels.
He pointed to advantages of the Qatari economy, saying that, under the leadership of  Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,  Qatar has succeeded in consolidating its steadfastness and promoting its strength and independence in light of various regional and global conditions.
He pointed, in this regard, to the increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Qatar during the year 2017, to reach about $220bn, compared to $218bn in 2016, noting that the real growth rate of GDP at constant prices, has reached about 2 percent in 2017.
the Minister added that according to the latest World Bank reports, Qatar’s real GDP growth is expected to rise to about 2.6 percent this year. In addition, Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani pointed out that the contribution of the non-oil sector to the GDP at constant prices reached 52 percent and that the foreign trade of Qatar witnessed remarkable growth during last year. The trade volume in 2017 increased by 16 percent to reach $103bn, compared to $89bn in 2016.
He pointed out that Qatari exports increased by 19 percent in 2017 to reach $68bn, compared to $57bn in 2016, which is reflected in the total trade balance of the country, that achieved a large surplus of about 40 percent, to rise from $25bn in 2016 to $35bn in 2017.
Commenting on the investment incentives offered by the State, the Minister of Economy and Commerce expressed his full conviction that the successful economic policies adopted by Qatar have greatly contributed to enhancing investor confidence in the national economy.
He added that Qatar is one of the most important countries in the region in terms of encouraging investment, thanks to the balance of its policies and economic decisions, as well as its strategic position that enables it to become a commercial hub for various countries in the region and the world.
The Nato Parliamentary Assembly, established in 1955, is an interactive platform for members of the Nato Parliament to examine key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and support for defence and national security.