+ A
A -
Sameh Saied
Doha
Government entities covered under the Tenders and Auction Law awarded contacts worth QR39 billion to private companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), over the last nine months, Finance Minister HE Ali Shareef al Emadi has said.
Speaking at the second edition of the three-day Procurement and Contracting Conference and Exhibition (MOUSHTARAYAT 2017) on Thursday, Emadi said awarding public projects to private companies was aimed at supporting the growth of the non-oil sector in the country.
He said the government has taken several initiatives to establish an appropriate environment for expanding the contribution of SMEs in infrastructure, services and public utilities as part of its strategy to encourage the participation of the private sector in the economy.
"The new Tenders and Auctions Law is one of several steps taken by Qatar to enhance competition, transparency and efficiency in contracting procedures concluded by governmental agencies," he said.
"Qatar's economy is witnessing a significant progress with the implementation of various developmental projects. The continued increase in fund allocations for major projects is generating many opportunities for cooperation between public and private sector companies. The government is committed to enhancing the role of the private sector in development process," the finance minister said.
Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani, the conference was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al Mahmoud.
The conference aims at supporting communication between ministries, government agencies and private sector companies, including SMEs.
Emadi said the conference represents an important opportunity for exchanging views and discussing proposals on ways to enhance business environment and expand the role of the private sector to promote the comprehensive development process in Qatar.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Khalifa said the event aimed at spreading a culture of cooperation among exhibitors from the government and semi-government sectors, private companies, as well as SMEs that face great difficulties in accessing bid opportunities.
He said this year's edition witnessed an increase in terms of the number of exhibitors as it went up from 25 last year to 30 offering at least 2,000 opportunities.
"The conference seeks to complement the efforts being exerted by the Ministry of Finance to open the way for SMEs to communicate directly with public sector companies," he added.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Assistance Executive Director Salem Mohammed al Marri told Qatar Tribune that the corporation always encouraged SMEs to participate in its tenders and auctions.
"There are times when HMC requires purchasing some medical equipment and medicines immediately.
In such a situation, private sector companies come in handy as they provide such products and services quickly," Marri said. Mohamed al Mir, senior procurement specialist at Qatar Airways, said the airline always promoted private companies and SMEs.
"As part of the aviation industry, Qatar Airways has been working for over last two years with several SMEs on a wide range of services and supplies, including catering, cleaning, furniture and maintenance," he said.
