Qatar's Minister of Energy and Industry Announces Expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises Zone

Doha, September 13 (QNA) - HE Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, announced on Thursday the launch of the expansion of the Small and Medium Enterprises economic zone to about 825,000 meters squared, including infrastructure and basic services needed for industrial projects. The announcement was made during a ceremony recognizing a number of owners of Qatari factories and companies who have increased the products of their companies or added new products. HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, in his speech at the ceremony, which was held under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, said that it is scheduled to complete the expansion of the basic facilities during the first quarter of next year, bringing the total area to more than 11 million square meters, to contribute with the economic zones and free zones in support of industrial development in the country. His Excellency added that one year after the start of the unjust blockade and the implementation of the decisions of the government, 98 factories began actual production compared with 55 factories in the year preceding the blockade, and the total number of factories in the country reached 812. HE the Minister said that since the beginning of the unjust and illegal blockade imposed by neighboring countries on Qatar, the directives issued by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for the industrial sector were clear and decisive, which were to support the Qatari industry, especially SMEs, further developing the new industrial zone, building ready-made industrial facilities for the private sector, providing them with the latest services and basic facilities, facilitating procedures, self-sufficiency and economic openness. His Excellency added that immediately, the government translated the directives into a set of measures and practical steps and follow-up their implementation on the ground, pointing out that in the spirit of responsibility and patriotism, many businessmen owners of factories expanded production or opened new production lines to keep abreast local commodity needs in various sectors, particularly in the food sector. His Excellency also said that the products of these factories soon replaced the goods that were imported from blockading countries, with higher quality and competitive prices, pointing out that there is nothing better than relying on the national industries and seeking self-sufficiency and sustainable development. HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada announced the launch of the industrial database, an interactive electronic platform that will have strategic importance in the field of industrial planning. The platform will enable policy makers and investors alike to make the appropriate decisions regarding their projects. Al Sada praised, in his speech, factory owners who increased their production and added new lines since the beginning of the unjust blockade, saying their efforts helped meet the demands of the local market as the State of Qatar continues to strive for self-sufficiency. His Excellency said that today's ceremony was an initiative by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani to recognize these owners, not just for their increased activity, but for promoting the "Made in Qatar" slogan. HE The Minister of Energy and Industry said that the event reflected an appreciation to all businessmen and investors in the State of Qatar, stressing that providing incentives and support to that vital group will continue. HE the Minister said that the goal of the Ministry of Energy and Industry is to increase the contribution of the private sector as a percentage of the GDP. His Excellency addressed business owners and said that their expansion will lead to the prosperity of the State of Qatar's economy. His Excellency added that it is likely that there were more factories that expanded their production recently, in addition to the 45 recognized today. His Excellency called on factories' managements to provide the ministry with accurate and up-to-date data, so that it can be aware of the latest developments. (QNA)