Latest news with #NationalDevelopmentStrategy
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Qatar records $137m budget deficit in Q1, ending 3-year surplus streak
RIYADH: Qatar posted its first budget deficit in more than three years — a 500 million Qatari riyal ($137 million) shortfall in the first quarter of 2025, the Ministry of Finance reported. Ministry figures show the same period last year registered a 2.06-billion-riyal surplus. This comes as Doha undertakes a cautious fiscal recalibration mid-way through its Third National Development Strategy, relying on conservative oil-price assumptions, program-based budgeting, and a long-anticipated value-added tax rollout to diversify revenue. In a series of posts on X, the ministry stated: 'The State Budget recorded a deficit of QR 0.5 bn in Q1 2025, and the deficit was financed through debt instruments.' It added: 'The value of contracts with foreign companies reached QR 1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 50 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year.' The budget figures showed that revenue fell 7.5 percent year on year to 49.4 billion riyals, with hydrocarbons supplying 42.5 billion riyals while non-oil receipts held at 6.9 billion riyals. Spending slipped 2.8 percent to 49.9 billion riyals, comprising 6.9 billion riyals for salaries and wages, 18.5 billion riyals in other current costs, and a combined 14.3 billion riyals for major and minor capital projects. Despite the tighter envelope, procurement remained brisk: state entities awarded about 6.4 billion riyals in tenders and auctions, including 1.5 billion riyals to overseas contractors — up 50 percent on the same period last year. The ministry's Sector Business Index showed the busiest spending concentrations in municipality and environment, health, energy and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The International Monetary Fund's February 2025 assessment said Qatar's economy was moving past the post-World Cup slowdown. Real gross domestic product is expected to grow about two percent in 2024-25, then average roughly four-and-three-quarters percent once the planned expansion of liquefied natural gas output and the early reforms of the Third National Development Strategy take effect. Inflation should fall to 1 percent this year and settle near 2 percent over the medium term, it added. Lower hydrocarbon prices cut the 2023 current-account and budget surpluses to 17 percent and five-and-a-half percent of national output, with a further easing underway; however, both balances should remain positive as gas export volumes rise. Banks remain sound, holding capital equal to about one-fifth of risk-weighted assets, while problem loans stay below four percent and are well provisioned. The IMF urged Doha to introduce a value-added tax, adopt a medium-term budget anchor, sharpen the efficiency of public spending, deepen financial-sector oversight, and accelerate private sector-led diversification to secure long-run resilience.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Ministry workshop discusses final draft of national strategy, action plan to combat desertification
QNA Doha The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change launched the second workshop to discuss the final draft of the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification in the State of Qatar. The workshop, which will be held on May 20 and 21, features the participation of several national entities and a select group of experts and specialists. The workshop is held under the patronage of Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and is part of the country's efforts to promote environmental sustainability and address the challenges of land degradation through a comprehensive national strategy that aligns with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) and seeks to integrate with the country's developmental, economic, and social trajectories. In his opening remarks, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Musalmani, who serves as Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves at the Ministry, emphasised that the national strategy being prepared in cooperation with relevant authorities reflects Qatar's commitment to combating desertification and drought from a sustainable development perspective. This strategy involves conserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, achieving optimal land use, and updating relevant legislative and executive frameworks. Al Musalmani noted that Qatar, since joining the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in January 1999, has continued to support international efforts in this field by developing environmental policies and legislation and strengthening cooperation with international partners. For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the ministry Yousef Ibrahim Al Hamar noted that the workshop represents an advanced step toward adopting a comprehensive national program to combat desertification, based on technical and field consultations, most notably the workshop held last July to discuss the initial draft. He added that the preparation of the national programme falls within the framework of the third National Development Strategy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its environmental pillar, which aims to achieve a balance between economic and social development and environmental protection. Al Hamar highlighted the importance of adopting an integrated national approach and close cooperation between all relevant parties, emphasising that the success of the strategy depends on effective institutional partnerships during both the preparation and implementation phases. The workshop featured a presentation by expert Bilal Qteishat on the general framework for preparing the international strategy to combat desertification, as well as a review of the achievements made in preparing the national draft, within the context of efforts to reduce land degradation and strengthen the country's environmental commitments at the regional and international levels.
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tariffs, geopolitical tensions: IMF warns Pakistan of rising external risks
ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that external risks are increasing, notably from the economic and financial impact of the April 2 US tariff announcements and subsequent market reaction, broader geopolitical tensions and elevated global economic policy uncertainty, with potential spillovers to (already tight) global financial conditions and commodity prices. The Fund in its latest report also stated that domestic political economy pressures to unwind and delay reforms remain present and may intensify, which would quickly eviscerate Pakistan's hard-won economic stability. Uncertainties around the impact of recent tariff announcements on Pakistan's economic and financial conditions are significant, with risks skewed to the downside. Trade tensions to affect Pakistan more in region: IMF More broadly, geopolitically driven increases incommodity prices, tightening in global financial conditions, weakening of remittances, or higher trade barriers in other trading partners could adversely affect external stability. The other main immediate risk relates to policy slippages given pressures to ease policies and provide tax and other concessions and subsidies to connected interests. The report further noted that an intensification of political or social tensions could also weigh on policy and reform implementation. Finally, climate-related risks are substantial, driven by both Pakistan's high exposure to natural disasters and large adaptation and mitigation needs. Amid an increasingly uncertain external environment, geopolitical frictions could adversely impact external stability via higher commodity prices, a tightening in global financial conditions, or greater protectionism in key trading partners. Considering Pakistan's high exposure to natural disasters, weather-related events could further elevate fiscal and external pressures. In view of this, it is critical that policy and structural reforms are implemented consistently, and delays or slippages are avoided as they could jeopardize the nascent economic recovery and the path to debt and external sustainability, and could adversely impact the external financing outlook, including from bilateral partners, it added. IMF further stated that part of Pakistan's challenge is a lack of policy consistency and continuity. Policies, budgets, and programs related to climate risk have thus far been subject to changing political currents. As a result, although climate-change issues have featured in Pakistan's overall development policies since the 2012 National Development Strategy (NDS), specific actions or implementation steps have been lacking. The first National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2012) provided guidelines for developing national adaptation and mitigation plans across sectors, but in practice, it had little impact on sectoral programs. Three years later, in its first Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC 2015), Pakistan made a handful of very limited commitments to mitigation and adaptation but has not moved significantly beyond that point. One reason is that government ownership of climate change policy and responsibilities for action has been fragmented. For the past several years, this responsibility has shifted between different institutions and levels, with blurred lines of responsibility and weak forms of accountability. Additionally, challenges exist in transferring environmental, water, agriculture and climate-change policies and programs from the national level down to the provincial level, and across sectors. With the advent of devolution in Pakistan, the provinces became responsible for sectoral policies and implementation within their respective jurisdictions. As a result, although the Ministry of Climate Change has the overall mandate for climate change policy, each province has its own Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responsible for environmental policy and programs within that province. This includes climate-change mitigation and adaptation measures. Two provinces have also set up climate-change centres under their EPAs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tariffs, geopolitical tensions: Fund warns of rising external risks
ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that external risks are increasing, notably from the economic and financial impact of the April 2 US tariff announcements and subsequent market reaction, broader geopolitical tensions and elevated global economic policy uncertainty, with potential spillovers to (already tight) global financial conditions and commodity prices. The Fund in its latest report also stated that domestic political economy pressures to unwind and delay reforms remain present and may intensify, which would quickly eviscerate Pakistan's hard-won economic stability. Uncertainties around the impact of recent tariff announcements on Pakistan's economic and financial conditions are significant, with risks skewed to the downside. Trade tensions to affect Pakistan more in region: IMF More broadly, geopolitically driven increases incommodity prices, tightening in global financial conditions, weakening of remittances, or higher trade barriers in other trading partners could adversely affect external stability. The other main immediate risk relates to policy slippages given pressures to ease policies and provide tax and other concessions and subsidies to connected interests. The report further noted that an intensification of political or social tensions could also weigh on policy and reform implementation. Finally, climate-related risks are substantial, driven by both Pakistan's high exposure to natural disasters and large adaptation and mitigation needs. Amid an increasingly uncertain external environment, geopolitical frictions could adversely impact external stability via higher commodity prices, a tightening in global financial conditions, or greater protectionism in key trading partners. Considering Pakistan's high exposure to natural disasters, weather-related events could further elevate fiscal and external pressures. In view of this, it is critical that policy and structural reforms are implemented consistently, and delays or slippages are avoided as they could jeopardize the nascent economic recovery and the path to debt and external sustainability, and could adversely impact the external financing outlook, including from bilateral partners, it added. IMF further stated that part of Pakistan's challenge is a lack of policy consistency and continuity. Policies, budgets, and programs related to climate risk have thus far been subject to changing political currents. As a result, although climate-change issues have featured in Pakistan's overall development policies since the 2012 National Development Strategy (NDS), specific actions or implementation steps have been lacking. The first National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2012) provided guidelines for developing national adaptation and mitigation plans across sectors, but in practice, it had little impact on sectoral programs. Three years later, in its first Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC 2015), Pakistan made a handful of very limited commitments to mitigation and adaptation but has not moved significantly beyond that point. One reason is that government ownership of climate change policy and responsibilities for action has been fragmented. For the past several years, this responsibility has shifted between different institutions and levels, with blurred lines of responsibility and weak forms of accountability. Additionally, challenges exist in transferring environmental, water, agriculture and climate-change policies and programs from the national level down to the provincial level, and across sectors. With the advent of devolution in Pakistan, the provinces became responsible for sectoral policies and implementation within their respective jurisdictions. As a result, although the Ministry of Climate Change has the overall mandate for climate change policy, each province has its own Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responsible for environmental policy and programs within that province. This includes climate-change mitigation and adaptation measures. Two provinces have also set up climate-change centres under their EPAs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Buthaina honours Shafallah Center graduates
QNA Doha Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Social Development and Family HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi honoured the graduates of Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, at the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2025. The 29 graduates received specialised educational and rehabilitation services in accordance with the highest international standards, with the aim of developing their individual capabilities, enhancing their skills, and supporting their integration into society. Executive Director of Shafallah Center Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi expressed pride in graduating a new class of members, affirming that their achievement reflects resilience and the ability to excel despite challenges. She said the presence of these graduates is living proof that disability does not mean inability; it's a motivation for success and excellence. She added that they are proud of the graduates and their accomplishments, and they remain committed to supporting and empowering them across various fields. Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the centre's commitment to providing comprehensive training and rehabilitation opportunities for all groups, and to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote access to training, employment, and empowerment opportunities in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of social justice and human development. 'As part of the State's commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development, relevant entities have confirmed that employing persons with disabilities is a key pillar of the National Development Strategy (2022-2027), in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,' she noted, adding that the State is working to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market through specialised training and rehabilitation programmes, the provision of inclusive work environments, and support for the public and private sectors through legislation and national initiatives that promote fair, non-discriminatory employment. Al Suwaidi said the centre is also working to empower persons with disabilities economically and socially, and to create equal opportunities that ensure their active participation in nation-building, highlighting new policy developments in support of this direction, along with launch of vocational and technical training programmes and the provision of necessary institutional support. In line with Qatar's commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities was established in 1999 to provide model services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism under the age of 21.
