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QNA
Doha
Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al Sada has announced the launch of the expansion of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) economic zone by 825,000 square metres, including infrastructure and basic services needed for industrial projects.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held to honour the owners of Qatari factories and companies, who contributed to country's growth by increasing production and launching new products.
The event was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani, in Doha on Thursday.
Sada said the expansion of basic facilities of SME zone will be completed during the first quarter of next year, bringing the total area to more than 11 million square metres.
The minister said 98 factories have begun actual production after an year of the unjust blockade, compared to 55 before the blockade. He said the total number of factories in the country has reached 812.
Sada said since the beginning of the siege, the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, for the industrial sector were clear and decisive.
The directives were to boost Qatari industries, especially SMEs, developing the new industrial zone further, building ready-made industrial facilities for the private sector and providing them with the latest services and basic facilities, facilitating procedures, self-sufficiency and economic openness.
Sada said the government immediately translated the directives into a set of measures and practical steps and started to implement it.
Sada also hailed the spirit of many businessmen, who expanded production at their factories or opened new production lines to keep abreast with local commodity needs in various sectors, particularly in the food sector.
The minister said the products from these factories soon replaced the goods that were being imported from blockading countries, with higher quality and competitive prices.
"There is nothing better than relying on the national industries and seeking self-sufficiency and sustainable development,"Sada pointed out.
The minister also 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.
Sada said that today's ceremony was not only to honour factory owners but also for promoting the"Made in Qatar"slogan.
The state will continue to provide incentives and support to all businessmen and investors, the minister said.
Sada said the goal of the Ministry of Energy and Industry is to increase the contribution of the private sector to the country's GDP.
Hailing the business owners for the expansion, he said, "It will lead to the prosperity of the Qatari economy."
