QATAR

Ministry of Economy and Commerce

www.mec.gov.qa

 The ministry represents the body responsible of the development of the programs necessary for carrying out the policies of promoting the business and trade sector, supervising commercial activity and lining it with the requirements of national  development, proposing and implementing the policies and programs that aim to attract investments, supporting export development, developing the methods and procedures of the provision of public services for the business and investment sector and overseeing the practices of the commercial professions.

Foreign Trade

The European Union group is the most important trade partner of Qatar as the relative share ratio of the Qatari imports from this group holds the first position among the county's export from all other economic blocs. Qatari exports from north American countries, most of which come from the United States of America, take the fourth place in terms of their relative ratio.

Exports

The States’ exports have shown positive growth due to high oil prices. Commodities necessary to industrial infrastructure, food products and personal belongings are exempt from customs duties. Only 4% import tax is imposed on most of the other commodities. In addition, protection fees are imposed on products that compete with locally manufactured commodities; and these include 20% on imported iron and steel and 30% on urea. Customs duties on tobacco are 50%, and on CDs and musical instruments are 15%; and commodities imported from the GCC country are exempted from customs duties.

QATAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (QCCI)

www.qatarchamber.com

Qatar chamber of commerce and industry was established in 1963. The members of the board of directors were appointed by an Emiri decree until the law No 11 for 1966 was issued to stipulate that these members be chosen by free direct ballot.

The chamber is concerned with the collection of information and statistics of interest to those working in the field of trade, industry and agriculture, and with providing government authorities with the required data and information on trade, industry and agriculture. Moreover it provides consultations about the establishment of stock markets and the organization of trade, industrial and agricultural exhibitions and markets.

As a committed member of the World Trade Organization and international financing organizations, Qatar has completed its integration in the international free trade and economy order. It does not levy personal income taxes or export fees. Customs duties are as low as 4%. With a distinguished banking system and no restrictions on the movement of capitals from the country, the whole of Qatar represents a free economic zone in which investors can make considerable gains.

Qatar fully integrates into the international free trade and economy system, and represents a committed member to the World Trade Organization, in addition to being a member of the international financing bodies. Qatar is distinguished by having a good banking sector, as there are no restrictions on the transfer of capital abroad; making it a free trade zone that investors can make significant financial profits from.