Qatar keen on promoting CSR activities: Minister

25/11/2015 07:47 AST

Qatar is keen on promoting CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities and bolstering sustainable development efforts, said Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, yesterday. Speaking at ‘CSR Qatar 2015’ forum, he said that Qatar has made significant progress in terms of diversifying its economy and boosting the private sector’s competitiveness.

The minister added that the contribution of the non-hydrocarbon to GDP has risen by about 11 percent, a trend that is forecast to continue in 2016.

He inaugurated the two-day forum, being held at Hilton Hotel, titled “Transforming CSR to Support a Socially Responsible and Sustainable Economy,”. It brought together CSR experts, corporate executives and government officials along with representatives of non-governmental organisations and universities from across Qatar.

He said the government will pursue efforts to further bolster the private sector’s contribution to sustainable development through the ratification of new laws such as the commercial companies’ law.

The law streamlines companies’ incorporation procedures and provides integrated investment solutions for businessmen and investors.

The minister highlighted that the government is also working on the development of logistics areas, south of Qatar. The logistics zones represent one of the largest economic projects currently under development in Qatar. The ministry has also expanded its service offerings to support investors and businessmen through the launch of a basket of smart electronic services.

He added that the new service offerings reflects the ministry’s commitment to providing quality and added value services to the business community in Qatar with the aim of bolstering the country’s investment friendly environment and encouraging the private sector to further contribute to sustainable development efforts.

The forum aims to familiarise companies with the latest global trends in terms of CSR concepts and will contribute to the promotion of socially responsible business practices in Qatar.

He added that the ministry’s decision to sponsor the forum reflects its commitment to developing the business sector and providing companies the opportunity to become key partners in the development of a strong domestic economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The incorporation of CSR strategies into the daily operations of companies and their activities in Qatar will lead to tangible positive results within the Qatar society and will have a positive impact on the private sector practices, he added. The forum, which will include several workshops on a number of CSR-related topics such as sustainable development, labour rights and social responsibility in the field of sports, will feature the distribution of awards to companies, who have incorporated CSR strategies into their business operations.

The Peninsula