12 hours ago
QR270 bn invested to operate 1004 factories in Qatar: MoCI
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) organised a ceremony to honour the companies and entities that contributed to the success of several national initiatives – including the National Product Week, the Foras (Opportunities) Initiative, the Discounted Consumer Goods List for Ramadan, and the Red Meat Support Initiative in Ramadan and Eid al-Adha of 1446 AH (2025).
The event was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development Saleh Majid Al Khulaifi and Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Hassan bin Sultan Al Ghanim along with representatives from participating entities, companies, and factories.
In his speech, Al Khulaifi highlighted the ministry's efforts to empower the private sector as a key partner in driving economic growth and diversification. He noted that Qatar's industrial sector is experiencing rapid expansion, with 1,004 operational factories by the end of 2024 with cumulative investments to the tune of QR270 billion.
Al Khulaifi also referenced the '1,000 Opportunities' initiative, launched in partnership with Qatar Development Bank in 2022. As one of the ministry's key digital tools under the Single Window platform, the initiative helps local investors identify and engage with existing and future investment opportunities, particularly in the industrial sector.
He went on to explain that Qatar's National Manufacturing Strategy (2024–2030) aims to increase the added value of the manufacturing sector to over QR70.5 billion, grow non-hydrocarbon exports to QR 49 billion, and raise industrial investments to more than QR 326 billion by 2030. The strategy also focuses on diversifying manufacturing activities by 50 percent and accelerating the transition to smart, knowledge-based industries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Al Ghanim praised the success of the Discounted Consumer Goods List for Ramadan 1446 AH, describing it as a successful example of public-private collaboration. He noted that the initiative helped ease financial pressure on citizens and residents, while contributing to greater market stability.
He reported that around 18 retail outlets participated in the initiative, offering an average 10 percent discount and generating consumer savings of QR5,317,311 on total estimated sales of QR52,712,765.
Al Ghanim also highlighted that total sales of consumer goods during Ramadan reached QR 47,395,454, reflecting strong demand for discounted products. He added that 2025 saw the highest sales since the initiative was launched, underlining a growing public awareness of the benefits of such national programmes.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative demonstrates increased recognition of the importance of partnership in protecting consumers.
'Consumer protection is not the responsibility of a single entity, but a shared duty that requires coordinated action from all stakeholders,' he said reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and secure consumer environment.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Ahmed Al Buhashem Al Sayyid, director of the National Product Competitiveness Support Department, expressed his pride in the achievements of the National Product Week. He described it as a flagship annual event that showcases the quality of Qatari products and boosts their visibility in the local market.
Al Sayyid noted that the most recent edition saw significant consumer participation, with some outlets reporting up to a 75 percent increase in sales. This, he said, reflects growing consumer confidence in locally made products and increasing awareness of the importance of supporting national industries.
He also announced the launch of a dedicated webpage for Qatari products on the ministry's official website – allowing factories to apply for the 'Qatari Product' label and to file complaints regarding harmful commercial practices and industrial obstacles, reinforcing fair competition.
Reviewing the growth of the industrial sector, Al Sayyid stated that the number of national products has risen to 1,815—evidence of the success of the Ministry's industrial policies in line with Qatar NationalVision 2030.
The ceremony included a video presentation highlighting the ministry's key national initiatives launched over the past year, along with their developmental and economic goals. The event concluded with the formal recognition of participating companies and entities in appreciation of their valuable contributions to national development and community partnership.
