Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: Mwani Qatar has activated an exceptional package of facilitations in port tariffs aimed at supporting the logistics sector and facilitating operational activities in Qatar with a focus on enhancing and supporting supply chains. In a post on its official X platform, yesterday Mwani Qatar said “In view of the exceptional circumstances currently impacting supply chains and the resulting operational and logistics challenges, Mwani Qatar announces amendments to certain provisions of the Port Tariffs.” The facilitation comes as part of the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to support the private sector and strengthen partnerships. And within the framework of Mwani Qatar’s commitment to reduce financial burdens on customers, providing suitable and flexible storage options that meet the needs of various sectors, and ensuring the continuity of import, export, and supply chain operations during the critical period, it added. The decision shall remain in effect throughout the exceptional period until further notice, it noted. In an info graphic shared the post further explained the exceptional package facilities by Mwani Qatar and the proposal outlining enhanced package facilities which aim at improving operational efficiency and reinforcing the country’s role as a regional logistics hub. Under the proposal, storage periods across multiple cargo categories would be significantly extended. Empty containers for import and export would have a proposed storage period of up to 30 days, compared to the current period of 5 to 7 days. For empty containers under transshipment the proposed period would increase from 15 days to 60 days. Full container exports would have a proposed storage period of up to 30 days replacing the current 10-day limit, while full container transshipment would see an increase from 15 days to a proposed 30 days. Containers related to the energy sector, including those for QatarEnergy/Qatalum, would have a proposed storage period of up to 60 days, doubling the existing 30-day period. The proposal also addresses roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo operations. RoRo import cargo, including vehicles will have a proposed storage period of 15 days, up from the current 7 days. RoRo transshipment would increase from 15 days to a proposed 30 days. Meanwhile the Transit which covers containers, RoRo, cargo would have a proposed storage period of up to 30 days, compared to the current 7 to 10 days. In addition to this the proposal includes cost incentives. Stevedoring and Handling charges for RoRo transshipment cargo would be reduced to a 50 percent compared to the current 30 percent reduction. For long-term storage requirements including open yards, dry warehouses, and refrigerated warehouses customers are advised to coordinate directly with port operations, subject to applicable terms and conditions, the post stated. The proposed changes are designed to provide greater flexibility for port users, ease operational pressures, and support the growth of maritime trade through Qatar’s ports. Qatar’s main gateway to the world trade, Hamad Port is the main driver of economic activity related to maritime trade, and goes beyond the needs of the local market. It plays a pivotal role in stimulating various economic activities, especially industry, warehousing and logistics services, while adhering to the highest environmental and development standards. Its proximity to industrial and economic zones contributes to reducing transportation costs

Qatar Business

Doha: The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) decided on Wednesday to maintain the current interest rates for QCB Deposit Rate (QCBDR), QCB Lending Rate (QCBLR), and QCB Repo Rate (QCBRR) following an assessment of Qatar's current monetary policy. In a statement published on its official X platform, the QCB confirmed that it will keep the QCBDR at 3.85 percent and the QCBLR at 4.35 percent, and QCBRR at 4.10 percent.

Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) yesterday organized a roundtable meeting with heads of foreign chamber of commerce and international business councils operating in Qatar, in the presence of representatives from several affiliated companies. The meeting comes as part of QBA’s commitment to fostering cooperation with Qatar’s private sector and the country’s business community. The meeting was chaired bySheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Vice Chairman of QBA, and attended by representatives from France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.Sara Abdullah, QBA General Manager, also attended. At the beginning of the meeting, the QBA Vice Chairman welcomed the heads of foreign chambers of commerce and representatives of business councils operating in the country, affirming that the State of Qatar has implemented all necessary measures and effective initiatives to maintain economic stability and ensure business continuity under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar. Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani stressed that Qatar continues to reinforce its position as one of the most stable and attractive investment destinations in the region. He noted that the country’s strong economic fundamentals and institutional stability provide a secure environment for both local and international investors, despite prevailing global conditions. The coordination meeting discussed avenues to enhance joint economic cooperation and expand partnerships between the local private sector and foreign companies, in a way that supports sustainable growth and strengthens confidence in the Qatari market. Sheikh Dr. Khalid added that private sector companies represent a key pillar of the national economy, benefiting from a business environment characterized by transparency, regulatory stability, and advanced infrastructure. For their part, several heads of chambers of commerce in Qatar affirmed that the Qatari economy enjoys a high degree of resilience and adaptability to global developments, supported by strong financial reserves, high credit ratings, and an advanced logistics system that ensures the uninterrupted flow of goods and services and the continuity of supply chains. Representatives of the business councils also noted that Qatar remains a preferred investment destination for them, emphasizing that their affiliated companies continue to operate on a daily basis without disruption. The chambers of commerce expressed their appreciation to QBA for its engagement and ongoing communication, aimed at unifying both foreign and local private sector stakeholders in a way that serves shared interests and supports development in Qatar. Ongoing Cooperation In this context, participants agreed to develop a joint action plan for sustained cooperation with chambers of commerce and business councils through workshops, including the organization of regular sessions and specialized joint economic forums with foreign chambers and their affiliated companies. This aims to enhance partnership opportunities between Qatari and foreign firms, build long-term economic relationships, support market stability, and strengthen confidence in the business environment. Both the Qatari Businessmen Association and the international chambers of commerce in Qatar affirmed that this step represents a practical platform for integrating the local and foreign private sectors, contributing to reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for business and investment.