Locally made: Qatar sees 17% increase in number of factories

The ministry of commerce and industry said there has been an increase of 17% in the number of factories operating in Qatar compared to 2017.

The number of factories in Qatar now stands at 915, the ministry of commerce and industry reported during an online forum on Tuesday, a 17% increase from 2017.

The announcement was made at a virtual forum dubbed ‘Supporting Local Manufacturers’, which was hosted by the Public Works Authority [Ashghal] in collaboration with Qatar Chamber, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as Qatar Development Bank.

The event discussed a range of investment opportunities offered to local manufacturers, especially in the construction sector. This includes options for local industrialists to participate in various governmental projects and initiatives, including the development of schools, health institutions, highways, infrastructure, and different other beautification projects.

“The forum represents a chance to highlight the great investment opportunities that the state offers to national companies and corporations in all sectors,” Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry said.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohamed Hassan Al Malki said more than 100 factories will benefit from initiatives currently underway, including events and workshops that will see local manufacturers fulfil the needs of Qatar Airways.

“Qatar’s focus on encouraging the growth of local industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and increasing its contribution in the implementation and development of several economic projects has reflected positively on the industrial sector,” Said Al- Malki during the forum.

He added that the ministry is making efforts to organise meetings with different ministries, along with different agencies to enhance the competitiveness of national products by aligning with the specifications of the newly launched “Qatar Quality Mark” system.

The event comes as Qatar continues to undergo huge developments and expansions in preparation for Vision 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Since the illegal 2017 air, land and sea blockade imposed on the country by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, Qatar has shifted its reliance on imported goods to local production. To sidestep the blockade, Qatar — which previously imported 80 percent of its food — opened its first dairy and meat farm and massively expanded trade relations with Turkey and Iran.

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