Qatar exports 17 non-petroleum products

There are currently 17 non-petroleum products exported by Qatar, a recent study has revealed. About 30% of these exports are concentrated in the plastics industry, the report said.

The study also specified 17 other items produced and marketed locally, but not exported. The comprehensive study of the Qatari market was conducted by the Qatar Export Development Agency (Tasdeer) that pertains to the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in collaboration with Avalon Consulting. It sought to identify products currently exported, products which can be exported in the future as well as to devise standards and strategies to enable companies in Qatar to make their products more competitive in international markets.

The study was presented at a forum on “The Strategy of Tasdeer to Help Non-Petroleum Companies to Compete Internationally” on Thursday, jointly organised by Tasdeer and the Qatar Chamber (QC).

Remi Ruhani, QC director general and a number of board members attended the forum. Hassan Khalifa al-Mansouri, executive director of Tasdeer, headed the Tasdeer team.

Al-Mansouri pointed out that HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani inaugurated Tasdeer last October during ‘Made in Qatar’ exhibition to help non-petroleum companies in Qatar to compete internationally and export their products to new markets. The study targeted 801 local companies to classify their capabilities to export and to identify obstacles that impede exporting. Accordingly, strategies needed for each company would be determined to help them promote their products.

The study indicated that exports reached QR1031mn in 2010 and QR2777mn in 2012. The figure is expected to touch QR3769mn in 2016, and QR7824 in 2020. Non-petroleum companies’ participation was around 5.1% of 2010 exports and it is expected to rise to 12.3% in 2016.

The study targeted small and medium enterprises and maintained communication with 400 companies to focus on their exporting strategies.

Al-Mansouri called on all companies to benefit from the data base and other indicators emanating from the study to improve their competitiveness. Tasdeer, with qualified staff, can offer practical assistance to the companies and businessmen to improve their exports. It has also formed a committee to monitor the implementation of the recommendations in the study, he said.

Tasdeer provides local companies with various services to enhance their export potential by conducting training, field studies and helping out exporters to take part in international exhibition, al-Mansouri said.