QNA
Doha
Qatar has increased direct imports of essential goods from around the world to 97 percent in November from 82.8 percent in May, reaching a new milestone in opening up to international markets.
Chairman of the General Customs Authority (GCA) Ahmed Abdullah al Gammal said this reflects the ability of the government to protect the Qatari economy from shortage of goods and meet the market requirements in full coordination with importers, which led to diversifying sources of high-quality imports with suitable prices from other countries.
The GCA has also deployed qualified personnel at sea port and airport to ensure quick release of goods, especially perishable ones, while ensuring the safety of society.
He said with the start of the unjust siege, the GCA has speeded up customs procedures, which helped the local companies to diversify the sources of direct imports.
"When it comes to foodstuffs, Qatar has managed to flood the local market with commodities of better qualities and varieties at competitive prices, compared with the items earlier imported from the blockading countries.
He stressed that the customs facilities for the import of food commodities and the availability of suitable alternatives, permanent and direct coordination with importers and partners from government departments have contributed significantly to the stability of food prices in the country.
On the imports of building materials, he said the competent authorities in the country have provided suitable alternatives, both in terms of prices and quantities, in a manner that led to stability in prices and availability in good quantities in the local market.
The opening of local companies to the international markets and direct import have helped to keep all state and World Cup projects progressing at the same pace, demonstrating the ability of Qatar and the flexibility of its procedures to make available these commodities aplenty.
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