Qatar Chamber (QC) reported that it processed a total of 154,778 transactions, encompassing both electronic and non-electronic formats, marking a 67 percent increase from the 92,529 transactions recorded in 2023.
According to a statement from QC, these transactions comprised 50,262 certificates of origin, with 49,405 being issued electronically. This represents a rise from 46,984 in the previous year, reflecting a seven percent growth.
Activities and initiatives in 2024
The year 2024 was characterized by a multitude of activities, accomplishments, and initiatives across diverse sectors, all designed to boost the national economy and propel the state closer to realizing the goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, the statement indicated.
The QC underscored its ongoing commitment to enhancing and supporting the business environment within the country over the past year. It also highlighted its advocacy for the interests of Qatar’s private sector, promoting a favorable investment climate and opportunities, thereby strengthening Qatar’s stature as a global leader in investment, business, and trade.
These milestones are in harmony with the nation’s dedication to sustainable development, especially following the introduction of the third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), which emphasizes sustainable economic advancement.
Reduction of service fees
In 2024, QC implemented a reduction in its service fees in line with Cabinet Decision No. 19 of 2024, which amended certain fees for services offered by the QC. This move aimed to ease the financial burden on Qatari businesses, foster business activity, and stimulate investment.
The Chamber also prioritized enhancing collaboration with relevant organizations to tackle issues and challenges faced by the private sector, working towards viable solutions. This included hosting multiple open dialogues with officials from various agencies.
Throughout the year, QC launched several notable initiatives at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) level, including the “Made in the Gulf” initiative, aimed at fostering economic integration and supporting industrial progress.
Proposed studies on carbon tax
During a consultative meeting involving Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry, along with the Heads of unions and chambers of commerce in the GCC nations, the Chamber suggested conducting a study to evaluate the potential impacts of a carbon tax on the economies of the GCC member states.
Key appointments in 2024
In 2024, His Excellency QC Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani was appointed First Vice President of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa). QC Board Member and President of the Qatar Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics (QAFL), Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Mesned, was elected Vice Chair for the Region Africa and Middle East (RAME) within the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). Additionally, QC Board Member and President of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Arab Women Investors Union and designated as a consultant to its Supreme Trade Committee.
Moreover, former QC General Manager Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi was named Secretary-General of the Federation of Chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (FGCCC).
Read more: Qatar: Private sector exports hit $701.6 million in Q3 2024
Establishment of QAFL
Over the past year, the Chamber introduced the Qatar Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics (QAFL), which represents the freight forwarding sector in Qatar. QAFL acts as the official representative of FIATA in the country and serves as a liaison between businesses and relevant authorities.
The Chamber’s sectoral committees consistently engaged with business owners and company representatives to gather their insights and recommendations, identify sector-specific challenges, and work towards effective solutions.
Furthermore, QC enhanced its digital infrastructure to modernize the services it offers to the business community, facilitating transactions for its members, affiliated companies, and institutions. It also prepared its new headquarters at the “Boulevard” in Lusail.
Additionally, the Chamber issued 13 ATA carnets and 10 TIR carnets (Transports Internationaux Routiers or International Road Transport). By the end of December, the total number of Chamber members reached 66,771, with 1,400 new affiliates joining.
Events and meetings hosted
Throughout the year, the Chamber organized and participated in over 280 events and hosted around 80 meetings with foreign trade delegations. It also took part in more than 44 external events, organized or participated in over 26 forums and conferences, held 13 business meetings, and signed Memoranda of Understanding with 15 entities and counterpart chambers of commerce.
Sectorial committee meetings
The Chamber’s sectorial committees convened 27 meetings to deliberate on the critical issues and challenges facing each sector, continuing their collaboration with relevant authorities to tackle and resolve these challenges.
Training initiatives implemented
In terms of training initiatives, QC organized numerous courses and workshops on a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and learning disabilities in 28 schools. Additionally, it provided training for customs brokers and representatives, as well as a food handler program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, alongside various courses for the Chamber’s employees.
Participation in exhibitions
In 2024, the Chamber sponsored and participated in several prominent exhibitions, while ICC Qatar hosted a variety of events, including the Qatar Digital Trust Roadshow 2024 in partnership with the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Achievements in arbitration
Concerning arbitration, the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration achieved several significant milestones throughout the year. It managed 66 arbitration cases and four conciliation requests, successfully facilitating three settlement processes. The Center issued 24 arbitral awards and organized the fifth edition of the ‘World Conference on International Arbitration,’ which was highly successful, attracting participation from leading international arbitrators and legal experts.
