Saleh bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, Director-General, Qatar Chamber • Interview
What is your growth plan in the medium term in terms of new services, and how do you expect these initiatives to increase your member base, particularly among SMEs?
As part of its accelerated efforts to support its members, the chamber launched a host of services and initiatives that are of significant advantages to the interests of the private sector. In 2020, we launched many electronic services on the chamber’s website such as issuing certificates of origin and document attestation. We also will focus more to intensify efforts played by the chamber’s sectorial committees with relevant bodies in the state to address all issues related to the private sector and find solutions for obstacles faced by our members. Due to the importance of SMEs in economic development, the chamber attaches special interest to this sector. We have ongoing coordination and cooperation with the relevant agencies that provide support SMEs such as QDB and other bodies.
How will the PPP Law enhance private-sector participation in Qatar, and what other regulatory and institutional efforts do you consider necessary to complement it?
The law will certainly contribute to accelerating the country’s massive infrastructure development and providing greater support for the private sector and foreign investments. It paves the way for the launch of several investment projects in Qatar in various sectors including healthcare, sports, tourism, and education. The involvement of the private sector in PPP projects will be greater, given that the private sector enjoys substantial support from the wise leadership and the government, especially since the law enables benefitting from the private sector’s administrative and technical competencies and financing capabilities in joint projects with the public sector. Overall, the partnership will further foster Qatar’s position as a leading international center for business and investments, as well as support the implementation of projects connected to the Qatar 2030 vision and the 2022 World Cup.