Estimates of the Quarterly Gross Domestic Product

Doha, April 02 (QNA) - Qatar Statistics Authority released the preliminary estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2010. The estimates have been compiled using a revised series of source data relating to the hydro carbon sector, as well as the information collected through the quarterly economic indicator survey.
The quarterly GDP estimates at current prices have reached the amount of 129.67 billion Qatari Riyal in the Q4 of 2010. Compared to the Q4 of 2009 with about 100.74 Qatari Riyal, this represents an increase of 28.7%; also compared to the Q3 of 2010 by about 118.75 billion Qatari Riyal, this represents an increase of 9.2%
An analysis by industry group comparing the performance in the fourth quarter of 2010 with the corresponding quarter in 2009, and with the third quarter of 2010 is given below:
In the Q4 of 2010, the gross value added generated in the Mining and Quarrying sector, which accounts for 53% of GDP, is estimated at 74.42 billion Qatari Riyal. Compared to the level recorded in the Q4 of 2009 with 53.38 billion Qatari Riyal, this represents an increase of 39.4%, and compared to the previous quarter by 65.31 billion Qatari Riyal, it shows a rise of 13.9%. The increase in value is mainly explained by the higher volume of production of Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), Condensates, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); as well as the rise in the prices for Crude Oil and Natural Gas.
The Manufacturing sector registered an increase of 36.6% over the corresponding quarter of 2009, with gross value added estimated at 9.65 billion Qatari Riyal in Q4 of 2010. However, compared to the previous quarter the increase is 3.7%. The coming into operation of a new production unit engaged in the production of refined products and in particular butane and naphtha was the main contributor to the increase.
In Electricity and Water, value added reached 1.08 billion Qatari Riyal in the Q4 of 2010 showing an increase of 33.3% when compared to the Q4 of 2009, but -23.1% over the over Q3 of 2010. This reduction is explained mainly by seasonality.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, Construction picked up and registered an increase for 13.7% when compared to the Q4 of 2009. On a quarter to quarter basis, it has increased by 7.5%.
The industry group of Trade, Restaurant and hotels generated a value added of 7.12 billion Qatari Riyal in Q4 of 2010. Activities in this sector showed an increase of 16.5% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2009, and 11.2% compared to the previous quarter.
The gross value added estimates for the Transport and Communication sector totaled 6.50 billion Qatari Riyal, which represented a rise by 12.7% over the Q4 of 2009, but a decline of 6.9% over the previous quarter.
For Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Business Services, the gross value added was estimated at 12.22 billion Qatari Riyal in Q4 of 2010. The level of activity in this sector has increased by 17.4% when compared to the corresponding quarter but stayed at the previous quarter s level. The main contributor was the financial sector.
The contribution of the General Government sector which includes the provision of public health, education and other miscellaneous services is estimated at 12.66 billion Qatari Riyal in Q4 of 2010, which is 7.7% higher than the Q4 of 2009, and 11% higher than previous quarter.(QNA)