Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday inaugurated the first session of the country’s first elected Shura Council, a milestone in Qatar’s history. The country recently held its first ever Shura Council elections, as per the State of Qatar’s Permanent Constitution issued in 2005, which lays down the basis of democratic rule in the country.
Addressing the Shura Council session, H H the Amir congratulated the members for winning the voters’ confidence, and termed the occasion a historic moment witnessing the completion of the institutions stipulated in the Constitution by establishing the elected legislative authority along with the executive and judicial authorities.
“I am also confident that you are aware of the great national responsibility that rests on your shoulders upon carrying out your legislative duties and consolidating cooperation with the Council of Ministers to achieve the country’s higher interests,” H H the Amir said. The Amir also lauded the role of the previous Shura Council for its efforts in terms of legislation, expression of responsible opinion and sincere advice to the government. The Amir also praised the successful organisation of the Shura Council elections.
Amir also highlighted State’s progress and achievements over the past years, especially in the food security sector, in which the government policies have resulted in significantly increasing self-sufficiency in a number of commodities, while also enhancing the storage capacity and strategic goods stockpile. On the economic front, laws have been amended to enhance competition, protect the consumer, encourage industrial investment, increase direct foreign investment by allowing foreign investors to own 100% of some companies capital, and support the competitiveness of national products.
On the financial front, Qatar Central Bank was able to maintain the international reserves growth and sustain the Qatari riyal exchange rate amid the global COVID-19 crisis. Qatar has maintained its high credit rating with international credit institutions and a stable outlook for its economy. “Qatar occupies a notable position and high ranks in some important components of global competitiveness indicators such as low unemployment rate, annual inflation rate, financing technical development, cybersecurity, sustainable development, and others,” the Amir said.
On transition towards clean and renewable energy, Qatar is Increasing liquefied natural gas production, and reducing the emissions resulting from its production by using state-of-the-art technologies, while at the same time also increasing the use of solar energy.
As per Qatar’s Constitution and the vision of the country’s leadership, the new Shura Council will have important duties to perform. Being the legislative authority, the Shura Council will approve the general policy of the government and the budget, and will also exercise control over the executive authority as specified in the Constitution.
