The minister said the strategy aims to diversify income and amplify the revenues of non-oil sectors, with a focus on developing the trade and industry sectors and stimulating local and foreign investment, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the Qatari economy in light of global changes.
Also among the points addressed in His Excellency’s presentation were the efforts to develop MoCI’s e-services, including expanding the provision of fully digital commercial licensing and registration services and simplifying procedures to conduct commercial activities, ensuring a conducive and growth-enhancing business environment.
The minister highlighted MoCI’s moves to counter commercial fraud and ensure the protection of consumer rights, through the activation of field and digital monitoring systems and strengthening partnerships with relevant authorities to implement the highest standards of safety and quality in the markets.
He also discussed the ministry’s efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing incentives and facilities that enable entrepreneurs to engage in the market and enhance their competitiveness.
He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to facilitating the business environment and promoting innovation.
Sheikh Faisal explained that the ministry is working to protect intellectual property and develop legislation related to patents and trademarks, contributing to the consolidation of a culture of innovation and encouraging creativity within the country.
He stressed the ministry’s dedication to protecting Qatari products and promoting national industries through technical and marketing support programmes, developing supply chains, and providing internal and external marketing outlets that help local products reach new markets.
He also addressed the ministry’s policies related to regulating fees and privileges related to commercial activities, explaining that these policies are subject to continuous review with the aim of striking a balance between encouraging investment and sustaining resources.
The Shura Council speaker emphasised the pivotal role played by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in supporting the pillars of the national economy and promoting economic diversification through policies aimed at empowering the private sector, developing the business environment, and stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing global economic challenges through integrated strategic plans that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
Following the presentation, members of the Shura Council lauded the ministry’s efforts in developing the commercial and industrial sectors, enhancing the investment and entrepreneurship environment, and supporting national industries, thus contributing to achieving national development goals. They emphasised the importance of continuing these efforts to strengthen Qatar’s economic position and achieve society’s aspirations.
The members raised a number of questions, focusing on the need to strengthen the country’s position as a regional and global centre for trade and industry, attract foreign investment, open new markets for local products and services, and support Qatari companies in their global expansion.
Their remarks also addressed overseeing e-commerce, facilitating procedures for investors and entrepreneurs, supporting national SMEs, and ways to support farms and national production projects.
They emphasised the importance of the strategy, including practical programmes to support producers and ensure the smooth flow and quality of goods in the local market.
They highlighted the important role played by the “One-Stop Shop” in facilitating company establishment procedures. They also emphasised the importance of developing some technical and logistical aspects to speed-up and enhance user experience, thus supporting the country’s business environment.
They also stressed the importance of protecting consumer rights, combating commercial fraud, and taking measures that reduce the cost of commercial and industrial activities, thus contributing to the provision of products and services at competitive prices.
Shura Council members addressed the ration card, emphasising its importance in supporting citizens’ basic food needs and its role in enhancing food security for Qatari families.
They called for reconsidering the possibility of increasing the number of items included in the ration card and improving the support mechanism provided to meet the needs of Qatari families and price changes in the markets.
For his part, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, praised the proposals and observations presented during the session, stressing that the ministry is working to develop its tools in coordination with various entities.
He added that the next phase will witness the launch of new initiatives that serve the development of the national economy and contribute to raising market efficiency and achieving market balance, which will reflect positively on citizens’ well-being and quality of life.
