WT/TPR/M/408  
21 May 2021  
(21-4203) Page: 1/46 
Trade Policy Review Body   
6 and 8 April 2021  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
QATAR 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
  Chairperson: H.E. Dr. Athaliah  Lesiba  Molokomme  (Botswana)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR  ................................ ........  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
5  REPLI ES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ............  40 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  45 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Qatar  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 408/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 2 - 
 
  1  INTRODUCTORY R EMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Qatar  was held on 6 and 8 April 2021. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Dr. Athaliah  Lesiba  Molokomme (Botswana) , welcomed the delegation of Qatar , headed by 
H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari , Minister of Commerce and Industry ; H.E. Ambassador 
Mr. Ali Khalfan Al -Mansouri, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the WTO ; the rest of the 
delegation from Doha;  and the discussant H.E. Ambassador Mr. Tan Hung Seng  (Singapore) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in a ddition to physical presence, the meeting also benefit ted 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Doha given the current circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by Qatar  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/40 8, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document s WT/TPR/S/40 8 and WT/TPR/S/408/Corr.1 . 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Turkey; 
Oman; Brazil; Canada; Japan; Singapore; the European Union; Chile; the Dominican Republic; 
Ukraine; and the United States . The following delegations submitted wri tten questions after the 
deadline: Argentina; the Philippines; Thailand; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Indonesia; and China . 
1.5.  At the time of its previous Review in 2014, Qatar had been congratulated by Members for 
having experienced high GDP growth, and for having weathered the global economic and financial 
crisis well. Members had noted that Qatar's narrow economic and fiscal base could expose the 
country to vulnerabilities, and they had appreciated Qatar's investment in down -stream industries 
for diversific ation. Members had paid attention to, inter alia , customs procedures and tariffs, 
intellectual property rights protection, government procurement, SPS, services and investment, and 
notification s and transparency.  
1.6.  The Chairperson focused on developments si nce the previous Review. According to the 
Secretariat report, Qatar experienced three economic shocks during the review period: the decline 
of natural gas prices in 2014; the diplomatic rift in 2017; and the COVID -19 pandemic in 2020. The 
Government respon ded to these shocks by taking measures to: rein in government expenditures 
and maintain fiscal discipline; tap into its sovereign wealth fund to deal with urgent situations; 
diversify its import sources; and adopt several mitigation measures.  
1.7.  Qatar contin ues to improve its trade and investment environment by, inter alia , increasing 
transparency through the e -government, legal, and e -commerce portals; restructuring the ministries 
and agencies related to trade and investment; and amending and revising legisl ation on foreign 
investment, intellectual property rights protection, anti -money laundering, and incentive schemes. 
Qatar promotes e -commerce, through measures to strengthen the regulatory framework, enhance 
delivery, enable e -payment, and empower e -mercha nts. 
1.8.  Qatar is an active participant in WTO activities, and it ratified the TFA in 2017. According to the 
Secretariat report, Qatar maintains an open trade and investment regime. The simple average 
applied MFN tariff rate was 5.1% in 2020 . The tariff struct ure is rather simple, and all tariff lines are 
bound. The new law on FDI allows foreign ownership of up to 100% in almost all economic sectors.  
1.9.  Other issues highlighted in the WTO Secretariat report are the following: Qatar notified to the 
WTO that it does  not maintain any state -trading enterprises, although the State grants exclusive 
rights to some enterprises to import or export certain products. Its public procurement regime 
underwent significant changes, as the new law on public procurement decentralize d the tendering 
process. Despite reforms to its IPR protection system, the number of patent and trademark 
applications filed by Qatari residents remains low, and the implementation of the Copyright Law has 
been delayed.  
1.10.   In its Government report, Qatar exp lained that it had to deal with a continuously evolving 
economic and political landscape. In response, the Government has been expanding Qatar's export 
and import markets, establishing new shipping routes, developing domestic markets, implementing 
further trade  facilitation measures, supporting and promoting foreign investment, and continuing to WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 3 - 
 
  implement  the multilateral trading system through regional and bilateral cooperation agreements. 
Members wish ed to know more about these policies and their effectiveness through their discussions.  
1.11.   In addition, a quick survey of the advance questions  submitted for t his Review showed  the 
wide range of topics of interest to Members regarding Qatar's trade and investment regimes, such 
as customs procedures and trade facilitation; tariffs and other duties and charges; import restrictions 
and licensing; incentives; state -trading, state -owned enterprises and privatization; SPS and TBT 
measures; government procurement; protection of IPRs; mining and energy; financial, 
telecommunications, courier, transport, and tourism servic es; investment promotion; and 
e-commerce developme nt. 
1.12.   In total, Qatar received 272 written ques tions from 17 Members for this R eview, of which 
171 were sent within the established deadline, covering a broad range of topics. Prior to this 
meeting, Qatar had already provided written replies to most of these  questions , and the Chairperson  
looked forward to hearing Qatar's updates on these issues on the first - or second -day session.  
1.13.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importanc e to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for Qatar to update the membership on the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on its 
economy , and measures it had  taken in response, given that the d ocumentation prepared for this 
Review might not have cover ed the latest measures taken. The Chairperson looked forward to a 
fruitful exchange.  
1.14.   The Chairperson closed her introductory remarks by wishing Qatar a very successful third 
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 4 - 
 
  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR  
(H.E. MR. ALI BIN AHMED AL KUWARI ) 
2.1.  Good morning. I would like to begin by thanking the Director General of the World Trade 
Organi zation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala, and the WTO Secretariat for the work pursuan t to this Trade 
Policy Review. Most of it was undertaken last year under severe restrictions during the worst of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. We value the Secretariat’s effort and leadership in bringing this exercise to a 
fruitful conclusion, in passing, allowin g Qatar to continue to honour its commitments. In particular, 
we extend our gratitude to the Trade Policy Review Director, Mr. Willy Alfaro, for his leadership 
during these trying times.  
2.2.  Our appreciation also goes to the Permanent Representative of Singapo re, His Excellency 
Ambassador Tan Hung Seng, whom we are honoured to have as our discus sant, as well as to the 
Chair  of the TPR Body, the Permanent Representative of Botswana, H.E. Ambassador Athaliah 
Molokomme. We congratulate Ambassador Molokomme for her  recent appointment and wish her the 
best in her new ro le as Chairperson to this Body. We commend them both for their work and guidance 
in making this TPR — Qatar’s third exercise — a successful one.  
2.3.  Qatar ascribes high value t o the Trade Policy Review Mec hanism as it supports  direct and 
transparent  approach to clarifying Members’  policies, options and positions whilst, at the same time, 
provides valuable information to the private sector. The speed of change in the world economy, 
whether brought about by u nforeseen events or emerging economic and financial trends, makes this 
exercise a fundamental tool for everyone. Qatar remains committed to the rules -based system of 
trade, not only due to our core belief in the need for transparency and predictability in international 
trade, but also because we will continue to make extensive use of its practices and disciplines as we 
move forward to meet our development goals, as stated in Qatar National Vision 2030.  
2.4.  Since our last Trade Policy Review in 2014, Qatar has relied extensively on the multilateral 
trading system to resolve the challenges we faced. Our actions were not just about the practicalities 
of implementing changes to our trade policies but also included a more engaged use of the rules and 
conventions  available to us. Indeed, since we last met here, Qatar faced a number of difficult 
situations, some of them decidedly serious, that were overcome by placing trade policy at the core 
of our response. These experiences convinced us ever more deeply of the m erits and the need for 
the multilateral trading system, particularly, in the mechanisms available to resolve trade -related 
disputes, provide quick policy responses to the private sector and continue to foster economic 
development through trade facilitation  and investment promotion. In this sense, our experiences 
over the past seven years have made it clear to us that the WTO continues to provide opportunities 
and value to small, open economies such as ours.  
2.5.  A case in point was Qatar’s move to simultaneously  expand our import markets whilst 
streamlining procurement rules and import procedures. In the latter case, this was done by 
deepening our use of electronic platforms, something that colleagues can expand on in both the 
Secretariat and Government reports. The decision allowed us to move on without interruption or 
delays with major infrastructure projects, despite the very real diff iculties we faced at the time. One 
such example was the Doha Metro, which was delivered ahead of schedule, as well as the variou s 
sporting arenas that will be used for the FIFA World Cup Finals next year, an event that we are 
honoured to host and that, of course, we hope that all of you can attend in person.  
2.6.  Having witnessed the initial success of the policy initiative, we realized  that we could make 
international trade work even more for Qatar’s future development. Thus, we proceeded to further 
liberalize our domestic markets to foreign investors across the eco nomy, particularly in 
knowledge -intensive areas and real estate. The Sta te of Qatar took many steps to achieve these 
objectives, including the creation of an investment promotion agency, overhauling our public 
procurement framework, enacting a new foreign investment incentives law, and amending our free 
zone regime. The result s so far have been very encouraging: we are witnessing a consistent 
reduction in transaction costs across the economy — one of our core economic development 
objectives — which complements the trade and investment facilitation measures already in place.  
2.7.  Since our previous Trade Policy Review in 2014, Qatar has consistently reiterated its position 
to work alongside all WTO Members States with a view to resolve the outstandi ng issues that are 
facing this O rganization. Consistent with this, we have, since 2014,  taken an active role in a host of WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 5 - 
 
  working groups that included the WTO’s response in agricultural trade during the COVID -19 
pandemic and the recent call not to impose export prohibitions or restrictions on agricultural 
foodstuffs purchased by the World Fo od Programme.  
2.8.  Qatar also contributed actively in other areas of work such as the structured discussions as 
part of the group of Friends of Investment Facilitation for Developmen t, the joint initiative as a 
co-sponsor to finalize a multilateral agreement o n e-commerce, our participation in the work of the 
Friends of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, our ongoing and active participation in the 
negotiations to reach an agreement on fisheries subsidies, an issue, no doubt, close to the heart of 
some of our c losest trading partners.  
2.9.  Being a net importer of foodstuffs, and thus relying on international trade to meet our food and 
water security needs, Qatar also takes a keen interest in the WTO workings towards the elimination 
of hunger throughout the world. We  view the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, 
particularly regarding the zero -hunger objective, as an opportunity to leverage our O rganization’s 
potential as a force for good in the world. We encourage all WTO Member States that have not yet 
committed to provide unrestricted access to the World Food Programme to do so immediately. At 
stake, there are, according to the World Food Programme, around 690 million people that already 
experience some form of hunger, that is, approximately 8.9% of our pl anet’s population, with an 
additional 130 million at risk of doing so due to the COVID -19 situation.  
2.10.   The WTO has a unique opportunity to implement concrete actions in this regard, something 
that Qatar very much believes it can achieve.  
2.11.   Qatar also shares th e concerns of the international community concerning climate change. 
We believe that less harmful alternative sources of energy, such as natural gas, can act as a 
bridgeway towards renewable energies. Consistent with this view, we made natural gas and its 
related products the main tool in our strategy to combat the effects of climate change. To bring 
action to our words, Qatar Petroleum moved to implement different initiatives to meet these 
objectives, including CO 2 reinjection projects at Ras Laffan, r ecovery of the Jetty Boil -off Gas during 
Liquefied Natural Gas loading operations, flare reduction, various energy efficiency enhancement 
projects and projects to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Qatar Petroleum also entered into 
a strategic joint venture with companies specialized in renewable energy production to deliver 
around 1600 megawatts in Qatar.  
2.12.   Esteemed colleagues, as I am sure you have noticed, the past seven years have also 
witnessed an unusual stream of elevated risk that is now threate ning to become a permanent fixture 
in international trade. For our part, we have had to deal with, amongst other situations, two down 
cycles in world LNG prices, the first one leading to fiscal deficits starting in 2015 that reached 6.6% 
of GDP in 2017, wi th prices remaining at about a quarter of their 2014 level until the winter months 
pulled it up to records highs at the end of 2020. During this time, we also had to realign our 
traditional import markets, find new trade relationships as well as adjust our  general exchange and 
investment regime to the emerging realities in international commerce.  
2.13.   As the COVID -19 pandemic and the lockdown measures continue to place further strains on 
the global economy, the State of Qatar faced a steep decline in  net interna tional trade flows during 
2020, 41.3% according to preliminary estimations. In particular, our tourism sector was significantly 
impacted as air travel came to a near halt. Despite this, however, occupancy rates in Qatar showed 
one of the best performing le vels throughout the Middle East during this past year. Our Government 
responded immediately to protect public health and the economy with a series of monetary and 
fiscal measures that included, amongst other actions, a QR 75 billion aid package, the postpo nement 
of QR 30 billion in unawarded capital expenditure projects, a six -month deferral for payments on all 
loans with Qatar Development Bank, re -estimating the public budget with the price of oil now 
assumed at USD 40 per barrel, temporary custom duty  exemption on food and medical supplies and 
increase oversight to curb monopolistic pricing practices. We hope, as I am sure everyone else in 
this forum does, that we can return to a known normal as soon as possible so that the economy can 
once again start del ivering value to everyone, including our tourism sector, one of the pillars of our 
economic development agenda.  
2.14.   These difficulties, however, have only served to strengthen our Government’s resolve to move 
forward with our national development goals. To thi s end, we updated our National Development WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 6 - 
 
  Strategy document for the period 2018 -2022 to introduce more realistic assumptions and refine the 
focus of our development plans at the sector level, in light of the assessment reviews previously 
undertaken and pu blished by the Pla nning and Statistic Authority. The Review also served to further 
align our development goals with UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
2.15.   As part of the process to lay the ground for future economic development, our labour laws 
were c ompletely reviewed to provide more security and guarantees to workers through concrete 
steps. These included, amongst other initiatives, the establishment of a non -discriminatory minimum 
wage for all workers, the right to freely change jobs for workers alr eady in Qatar,  the establishment 
of Joint Labour Committees to ensure proper workers representation and the creation of dispute 
settlement processes that guarantee workers’ rights to compensation regardless of the outcome of 
the dispute.  
2.16.   We also substitut ed the sponsorship system with a contractual employment relationship 
system that recognizes workers’ rights, including family visa regulations. We are sure that these 
changes, the details of which you can find in the Government report, will foster the emer gence of a 
more competitive domestic labour market in Qatar.  
2.17.   New institutions were also created, and others eliminated in order to further rationalize the 
use of our resources — four cases are worth mentioning. First, a new Food Security Department was 
established within the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to oversee the implementation of 
Qatar’s food strategy. The strategy aims to increase agricultural production in areas where Qatar 
has comparative advantages, the output is not suitable for long -term storage and producing it does 
not deplete the country’s groundwater sources. Secondly, the General Tax Authority was established 
to handle all tax -related matters in Qatar, including the implementation of the Value -Added Tax. 
Third, the Central Tender  Committee was eliminated as part of our general overhaul of our public 
procurement framework, thus, putting each agency in charge of their own process. Finally, as 
mentioned previously, a new investment promotion agency was created, called Investment 
Promotion Agency Qatar, to streamline all our investment promotion efforts through a single entity. 
We highly encourage anyone interested in investing in Qatar or engaging with the public sector to 
seek out the details of the new regulatory frameworks in both the Government and Secretariat’s 
reports.  
2.18.   The fact that Qatar is an economy that imports most of what it consumes and exports most 
of what it produces means that trade policy plays a uniquely crucial role in our overall development 
strategy. In this sense,  the emergence of widespread knowledge -based activities in Qatar’s domestic 
production landscape, a goal that we view as fundamental to our development aspirations, has led 
us to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights. We have thus updat ed our legislation 
on trademark protection, enforced existing laws on protection of trade indications, trade names, 
geographical and industrial designs and templates , as well as implemented electronic patent 
registration to streamline the process. The priv ate sector and foreign investors wishing to establish 
themselves in Qatar, can make use of information technology tools, biotechnology and artificial 
intelligence in their production process across all sector of the economy. For our part, we will make 
sure that the necessary business -friendly ecosystem is in place.  
2.19.   At the same time, we continued to implement measures to facilitate trade with several Service 
Level Agreements with domestic agencies to streamline the issuing of technical, health and 
environmen tal approvals on imported goods as well as the implementation of platforms and 
processes to handle the submission of do cumentation over the Internet. Furthermore, we are 
working on several additional measures to further facilitate trade flow and boost inve stment that 
include an import to re -export system; the acceptance of electronic certificates of origin and 
electronic certification of invoices associated with imports; accepting commercial invoices issued 
from a non -export or production country; the use o f private customs warehouses; updating the 
customs refund process; the use of the ATA Carnet; the implementation of a new risk management 
system; industrial exemptions; the implementation of pre -clearance of shipment s; and the use of 
authoriz ed economic op erators.  
2.20.   Moreover, and in recognition that the bulk of Qatar’s major infrastructure projects is coming 
to an end, a new foreign investment law was enacted in 2019, the details of which can be found in 
both reports. The new statute extends foreign participa tion to all sectors except for banks and 
insurance companies (apart from specific cases allowed by the Council of Ministers) and commercial 
agencies.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 7 - 
 
  2.21.   The new law also allows foreign ownership up to 100% of shared capital, mandates due 
process of law to all  investors in all processes and makes investment incentives available to foreign 
investors. These include, tax and custom duty exemptions, allocation of land, favo rable remittance 
conditions, right to transfer shares and due process under the law in the ca se of expropriation and 
compensations. Legal certainty regarding dispute resolution processes and the application of permits 
is now guaranteed as well.  
2.22.   The new investment law also expands foreign investment in real estate with Real Estate 
Investment Trusts  now permitted to operate in Qatar from Qatar Financial Centre.  
2.23.   The assets available for foreign investors include land, buildings, structures, residential units 
and detached units in residential complexes, with freehold ownership and usufruct rights, thr ough 
leasehold rights for 99 years, in almost all commercial real estate markets in Qatar.  
2.24.   Another area of investment, which we believe will be key to Qatar’s future infrastructure 
development and management, are private -public partnerships. A new law was enacted to bring 
legal certainty to this important area of our economy and promote competition, increase private 
sector participation in infrastructure development and management and encourage the public sector 
to adapt new strategies that decrease public expenditure whilst increasing efficiency in project 
delivery and management.  
2.25.   The law provides for the following modalities: allocation of land, build -operation -transfer, 
build-transfer -operation, build -own-operate -transfer, operation and maintenance or any  other 
arrangement sanctioned by the Council of Ministers. The law also stipulates the awarding criteria 
and procedural aspects.  
2.26.   The policy measures put in place, coupled with the efforts to modernize our institutional 
landscape, have so far had an encoura ging impact on the economy’s performance, given the events 
and risks that I have mentioned, with one key indicator continuing to excel our expectations. In 
effect, economic activity has continued to diversify away from mining and quarrying activities, one 
of our fundamental economic development goals, with the non -mining and quarrying sector 
capturing 74% of GDP in 202 0 Q3. This is a plateau that we look forward to consolidating as we 
move into the next decade.  
2.27.   In closing, dear and honourable guests, we very much look ahead  to the next Ministerial 
Conference, as we look forward to the possibility of achieving concrete outcomes in fishery subsidies, 
e-commerce, investment facilitation, as well as other areas of wo rk taking place in the WTO. I 
reiterate our willingness to actively engage with all Members in order to realize these outcomes for 
the benefit of all WTO Member States. Indeed, regardless of our differing positions, I am sure that 
we can all fully agree on  one thing: all challenges bring about opportunities for renewed consensus. 
Thank you very much and I look forward to listening to all of you in order to convene a successful 
third Trade Policy Review for the State of Qatar.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 8 - 
 
  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Thank you C hair. Good morning, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Let me begin by extending 
a very warm welcome to the Qatari delegation led by Minister of Commerce and Industry H.E. Mr Ali 
bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari and Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri. I wou ld also like to congratulate 
Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme on her appointment as the new Chairperson of the Trade Policy 
Review Body (TPRB). It is an honour  for me to act as the discussant for Qatar’s 3rd Trade Policy 
Review.  
3.2.  In preparation for today’s  Review, I have found the detailed reports prepared by Qatar and the 
Secretariat to be insightful and invaluable to gain a better understanding of Qatar’s trade policies. I 
must also thank Minister Al  Kuwari for his comprehensive overview of Qatar’s trade and  economic 
policies during the period under review.  
3.3.  I would like to structure my comments around three broad questions, which I hope will help to 
facilitate our discussion by providing a connection between the last TPR in 2014 and today’s TPR.  
3.4.  First, how has Qatar performed since its last TPR in 2014? The short answer is that Qatar has 
performed very well since 2014, especially in its responses to three economic shocks. According to 
the Secretariat report, Qatar experienced three economic shocks during the  period under review, 
including a sharp decline in energy prices in 2014, the 2017 measures which lasted for almost four 
years until January 2021, and most recently, the COVID -19 pandemic. For the first two crises, Qatar 
responded adroitly and effectively by reining in government expenditure and exercising fiscal 
discipline while in 2017, Qatar tapped into its s overeign wealth fund to stabiliz e the economy. The 
impact of the crises has also been cushioned, to some extent, by the large -scale construction of 
infrastructure for the staging of the FIFA World Cup 2022, which provided a major economic 
stimulus. As the COVID -19 pandemic is still unfolding, its full impact on Qatar’s economy and trade 
will become clearer at the next Trade Policy Review.  
3.5.  Against thi s challenging backdrop, I must commend Qatar for its resilience and for turning 
adversity into opportunities. Notably, in its national report, Qatar said that “the challenges fast 
tracked changes, revamped and streamlined regulations and oversight practice s, created priorities, 
focused public policy to more actively manage existing resources and just as importantly, created 
the need to actively manage and mitigate risks”. For example, following the measures, Qatar 
increased the number of shipping routes fro m 2 to 23, which has helped to improve its global 
connectivity. Qatar has also stayed the course to improve its business environment, expand its 
export and import markets and strengthen the flow of forei gn investment into the country.  Qatar 
has also enhanc ed its investment regime by revising and amending legislation to allow 100% foreign 
ownership and establishing the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) to enhance its attractiveness as 
a destination for foreign investments.  
3.6.  Such steps have improved the busin ess environment and earned Qatar a spot among the top 
20 global business environment improvers, according to the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 
2020 Report. Additionally, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2020 ranked 
Qatar among t he top 10 countries in adopting information and communication technology (ICT).  
3.7.  Consequently, Qatar’s economic performance over the review period has been credible. 
According to Qatar’s G overnment report, real GDP grew between 1.5% and 4% during the perio d 
from 2014 to 2018, although real GDP growth fell by 0.2% in 2019 due to a slowdown in the 
hydrocarbon sector. Like all of us, Qatar has also not been spared the effects of the pandemic, and 
the first two -quarters of 2020 saw real GDP growth drop to 0.04%  and minus 6.1% respectively.  
3.8.  Second  question:  how has Qatar responded to the issues raised at the 2014 TPR? During the 
last TPR, Members observed that Qatar faced a number of key chal lenges. These included its 
over-dependence on oil and gas, the major ro le played by state -owned enterprises (SOEs) in the 
economy, its investment restrictions, and its dependence on foreign workers.  
3.9.  In this context, Qatar has taken concrete steps to address some of the challenges, although 
there are some structural challenge s that are more intractable. For example, given its small 
indigenous population, Qatar continues to be highly dependent on about 1.9 million foreign workers, 
who represent 95% of the economically active population.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 9 - 
 
  3.10.   In terms of economic diversification, Qa tar has invested considerable efforts to build an 
economy that is less reliant on hydrocarbon resources and with a larger private sector. In fact, 
economic diversification is a key priority of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Declining energy prices 
have ad ded impetus for the Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018 -2022 to “develop a 
policy framework to diversify the sources of fiscal income and incentivise private sector investment”. 
These efforts have borne fruits as the proportion of non -mining an d quarrying activities has grown 
from 44% of GDP in the 1st quarter of 2014 to 66% in the 1st quarter of 2020.  
3.11.   As mentioned earlier, Qatar has undertaken several measures to promote foreign direct 
investment. However, the World Bank has also noted that whi le Qatar performs well in some areas 
such as registering property and dealing with construction permits, it needs significant improvement 
in protecting minority investors, resolving insolvency and securing credit.  
3.12.   Reforms have also taken place in relation  to SOEs, especially the entry into force of the 
Public -Private Partnership Law (PPP Law) No. 12 of 2020, which aims to increase the private sector’s 
participation in major infrastructure proj ects. However, the Secretariat r eport notes that “SOEs still 
play a major role in the economy, and dominate sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, 
postal services, civil aviation and transportation, minerals, manufacturing, and public utilities, 
including water and electricity distribution”.  
3.13.   Qatar ha s also responded to feedback at the last TPR concerning the importance of 
maintaining prudent immigration policy, improving the system of labour relations, and protecting 
migrant worker’s rights in order to maintain its economic success. As a result, Qatar  has established 
Qatar Visa Centres (QVC) in major source countries. The objective of these centres is to facilitate 
visa procedures and implement best practices to ease the burden on migrant workers. Qatar has 
also signed a number of Memorand ums of Unders tanding with source countries to enhance 
cooperation and develop domestic practices that will protect labour standards. This issue continues 
to be of interest to Members and a few questions have been raised again at this TPR. It is positive 
that Qatar is r eady to engage on this issue and shed more light on how it intends to further improve 
its labour market conditions.  
3.14.   Third question:  what are the key issues that have been highlighted at this year’s TPR? On the 
basis of the more than 270 questions that have  been submitted to date, it is clear that Members 
continue to be interested in largely similar issues, which include Qatar’s efforts in pursuing ec onomic 
diversification, privatiz ation and the role of SOEs. Members have also continued to enco urage Qatar 
to further liberaliz e its investment regime, for example, by allowing foreign investors to invest in the 
banking and insurance sectors. Another area of interest is Qatar’s intellectual property (IP) regime, 
with some Members seeking clarifications on how Qat ar intends to implement key measures, such 
as the Copyright Law.  
3.15.   As requested by a few Members, it would be helpful for Qatar to sh are more details of its 
privatiz ation roadmap. As Qatar is not a member of the plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procureme nt, some Members have also encouraged Qatar to join the GPA in order to improve 
transparency on the operations of SOEs.  
3.16.   Qatar must be commended for its sterling efforts in implementing the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. One particular area of interest for m any Members is the operation of Qatar’s National 
Single Window. Members are keen to learn more about how Qatar conducts inspections of imports, 
and the rationale behind the restrictions and import requirements for certain products, including 
agricultural a nd food items. As improving trade facilitation and customs procedures is very much a 
work-in-progress, I would like to encourage Qatar to continue engaging with Members on these 
issues.  
3.17.   Lastly, Members have shown a high degree of interest in Qatar’s e -comm erce regime. This is 
an area where Qatar has made great strides since its last TPR. For example, Qatar updated its 
National E -Commerce Roadmap in 2017. The e -commerce market in Qatar has also grown 
significantly. In 2015, the market value of business -to-consumer (B2C) transaction s stood at 
USD 1.2 billion. Qatar expects this to double to US D 2.4 billion in 2020. It would be useful for Qatar 
to share its experiences in strengthening its regulatory framework and making it more conducive to 
e-commerce.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 10 - 
 
  3.18.   In conc lusion, let me provide three short answers to the three questions that I had raised at 
the outset. First, Qatar has performed very well since the last TPR in 2014 and responded strongly 
to the three crises. Second, Qatar has taken concrete steps to respond  to the many key issues that 
Members had raised in 2014. Third, Qatar has done well in responding to almost all the questions 
that Members have raised at this year’s TPR.  
3.19.   I wish Qatar a successful 3rd TPR and  I thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 11 - 
 
  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
TURKEY  
4.1.  I would like to extend a very warm welcome to H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of 
Commerce and Industry and his delegation.  
4.2.  We thank the Secretariat and the Government of Qatar for their comprehensive reports, as well 
as Ambassador Tan Hung Seng of Sing apore for his invaluable co ntribution to this R eview.  
4.3.  Qatar has encountered serious economic challenges during the review period. However, despite 
decline in natural gas prices, blockade by some regional countries and the pandemic, Qatar was able 
to mainta in its economic stability. Indeed, this was possible thanks to the implementation of 
comprehensive measures.  
4.4.  We are pleased to see progress towards resolution of the Gulf dispute. As reiterated on various 
occasions, Turkey attaches great importance to the security, stability and prosperity in the region 
and will continue to support all efforts in this direction.  
4.5.  As it is indicated in the reports, Qatar continued to transform its economy in line with the Qatar 
National Vision 2030. By doing  so, it has made progress for further economic diversification.  
4.6.  Several steps have been taken to improve trade and investment environment in the country. 
We believe that the launch of e -government portal, legal portal and e -commerce portal will have 
signif icant positive outcomes for trade and investment.  
4.7.  Amending legislation on foreign direct investment, incentive regimes and anti -money 
laundering and restructuring ministries and agencies, indicate that economic transformation is 
clearly reflected at instit utional level as well. In our view, new established entities, especially the 
Investment Promotion Agency and the General Tax Authority, will work as significant building blocks 
of this new institutional structure in Qatar.  
4.8.  We also recognize an increasing potential for tourism sector in Qatar which is wisely guided by 
the Government through “Qatar National Tourism Council”. The successful projects and planning on 
the way to FIFA World Cup 2022 are also steppingstones  in this positive outlook.  
4.9.  In the review period, various reforms were also introduced to strengthen intellectual property 
rights’ regime in Qatar. New legislation on the protection of industrial designs, online trademark 
registration system and ratification of several international treaties demon strate strong dedication 
in this field.  
4.10.   We are pleased to see Qatar’s active engagement in the WTO. Ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in 2017 and acceptance of the 2005 Protocol Amending the WTO Agreement 
on TRIPS Agreement in 2016 shows Qat ar’s firm commitment to the multilateral trading system.  
4.11.   Assistance to SMEs and investments in free zones by providing incentives in the form of fiscal 
and financial support and promotion of e -commerce by the Government are fully in line with the 
WTO’s pri orities during the pandemic.  
4.12.   Turkey and Qatar enjoy special relations based on strong political, economic and cultural ties. 
Turkey sees Qatar as a key strategic partner in the region.  
4.13.   Throughout the review period, especially during the Gulf dispute, Tur key stood in solidarity 
with Qatar and cooperated in every possible field. We are pleased to see that this stance is always 
reciprocated by Qatar.  
4.14.   As a result, since 2014, bilateral trade volume between the two countries increased around 
66%, amounting to USD 2.2 billion in 2019.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 12 - 
 
  4.15.   Qatari investment in Turkey amounts to USD 22 billion. More than 180 Turkish companies 
operate in Qatar and the total value of projects undertaken by Turkish contractors is more than 
USD 18 billion.  
4.16.   As a proof of our further stren gthening bilateral and economic relations, Turkey and Qatar 
signed an agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs and a double taxation 
agreement in 2016. We are looking forward to further develop our economic ties.  
4.17.   Before concluding, we wan t to thank Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al  Mansouri and our colleagues 
at the Permanent Mission of Qatar for their active contributions and constructive engagement in the 
negotiations at the WTO and their close cooperation with our delegation.  
4.18.   We wish Qatar a ve ry successful Review.  
OMAN  
4.19.   It is a great pleasure for the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the third 
Trade Policy Review of the State of Qatar.  
4.20.   We commend H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the 
State of Qatar for the excellent and comprehensive opening stat ement. We also welcome H.E. Mr.  Ali 
Khalfan Al  Mansouri, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar in Geneva.  
4.21.   The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar enjoy deep -rooted fraternal, histor ical, and 
economic relations. Both countries are members of the GCC, the Arab League and the OIC.  
4.22.   Qatar faced a number of important challenges since 2014 (for example, the decline in energy 
prices, the consolidation of renewable energies as strategic energ y sources throughout the world, 
regional instability, COVID -19) which forced the Government to take decisive actions quickly. Qatar's 
Government placed trade policy at the centre of its overall policy response.  
4.23.   Oman congratulates Qatar's efforts to achieve economic diversification under the National 
Vision 2030, seeking to build an economy less reliant on petroleum resources with a larger private 
sector involvement.  
4.24.   Despite the three economic shocks during the review period, the Qatari Government 
succeeded to stabilize the economy through the measures taken and continued to move forward 
with its economic development agenda.  
4.25.   We are glad to note that Qatar continues to improve its trade and investment environment 
by, inter alia, increasing transparency through the launch of the e -government portal, the legal 
portal, and the e -commerce portal; restructuring the ministries and agencies related to trade and 
investment; and amending and revising legislation on foreign direct investment (FDI).  
4.26.   Qatar expanded  its foreign investment regime to include further overall participation as well 
as real estate (REITs are now allowed) and a new PPP regime (as way to create long -term 
engagements for the private sector in infrastructure management and development).  
4.27.   Qatar  established a formal investment promotion agency to channel all public investment 
promotion efforts.  
4.28.   Oman commends the State of Qatar on the steps taken after the last Review on implemented 
reforms to its IPR protection system, which was done to promote the development of a knowledge 
economy, and the expansion of the services sector to achieve diversification of its economy to 
promote itself as a premium tourism destination. Changes in Qatar's labour and immigration laws 
have greatly improved the conditio ns of expat workers in Qatar.  
4.29.   In 2008 , Qatar launched National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), to transform Qatar into an 
advanced country capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for 
all of its people for generations to come by 2030.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 13 - 
 
  4.30.   Qatar seeks to develop an economy that is diversified and thus less dependent on 
hydrocarbons, with investment moving towards knowledge -based industries and a private sector 
that is growing in importance.  
4.31.   Qatar proactively responded to the COVID  pandemic by supporting the private sector and 
protect public health. This led to further streamlining of trade facilitation measures. Qatar has almost 
finished all the required infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in spite of the various difficulties 
it faced .  
4.32.   In 2001 , WTO Members have agreed to launch a new round in Doha, known as the "Doha 
Development Agenda DDA ". Since then, Qatar has actively been engaged in WTO activities and has 
been committed to the multilateral trading system. Qatar made commercially  meaningful 
commitments in agriculture, goods, and services. Qatar bound 100% of its tariff lines at an average 
bound rate of 15.9%, which is twice the simple average applied MFN rate of 5.1%.  
4.33.   Qatar continued to implement its trade policies consistent wit h its WTO obligations, and its 
policies and practices have a positive impact on the functioning of the multilateral trading system. 
Qatar deepened its participation at the WTO on different fronts, discussion groups, negotiations, and 
dispute settlements.  
4.34.   In conclusion, the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman wishes the delegation of the St ate of 
Qatar a very successful t hird Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.35.   I extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, 
Minister of Co mmer ce and Industry an also to the Q atar’s del egation in Geneva. I thank the Q atari 
Government and the Secretariat for their reports, as well as you, Chair, for your opening remarks, 
and our discussant today, Ambassador Tan (Singapore), for his exhaustive comments.  
4.36.   Brazil attaches great importance to this Trade Policy Review of Qatar. Even though our 
countries have a longstanding political and economic relationship, our partnership is at an auspicious 
point, since President Jair Bolsonaro made an official  visit to Qatar in October 2019.  
4.37.   The 2019 presidential visit culminated the process of strengthening our bilateral relations, as 
evidenced by official  visits from our Minister of Science and Technology, Marcos Pontes, and 
congressman Rodrigo Maia, then spo kesperson of Brazil’s congress, in June and September of the 
same year.  
4.38.   Our partnership has also evolved with intensity in economic issues. Bilateral trade exchanges 
have intensified significantly since 2000, from US D 27 million to US D 1.3 billion in 2015 , only 
decreasing bellow 1 billion USD in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic on international 
trade.  
4.39.   There is immense potential for increasing commercial relations due to the complementa rities 
of our economies, being Q atar a significant suppl ier of oil and petrochemicals to Brazil and an 
important market for Brazilian alumina, poultry, and meat, among other agriculture products.  
4.40.   Bilateral investments also have great untapped potential. Qatar already has significant 
investments in Brazil, mainl y in the petrochemical  sector. Also releva nt are investments in sectors 
such as air transport, banking, agriculture, editorial and education There is potential for increased 
Qatar investments in fields such as energy, rail, oil and gas in Brazil.  
4.41.   Since the  last TPR of Qatar, Brazil has been following its progress in numerous economic and 
social aspects. Despite the impacts of the COVID -19 in the global economy, there are solid grounds 
for optimism based on sound macroeconomic policies, steady economic growt h from 2015 to 2019, 
deepening of trade liberalization and continuous efforts by the Government in achieving better 
governance and promoting important reforms. Brazil commends Qatar’s efforts to implement its 
National Vision 2030, pursuing economic diversi fication and the development of knowledge -based 
industries.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 14 - 
 
  4.42.   This review exercise is also a valuable opportunity for Members to identify the areas in Qatari 
trade policy framework  where  further improvement would be beneficial to the system.  
4.43.   From the Brazili an perspective, agriculture is an area that comes to the forefront of our 
concerns. We welcome the enaction of trade facilitating measures such as the food registration 
system, which, as highlighted by Secretariat report, allows companies to register impor ted/exported 
food products electronically before importing/exporting, and a registration notice is given for each 
food product. Brazil would welcome, however, further trade facilitating measures regarding SPS and 
TBT requirements.  
4.44.   I conclude by thanking Qa tar for the written responses to our questions, which will be carefully 
reviewed in Brasilia.  I also take the opportunity to express our confidence that Qatar will host a 
great FIFA World Cup next year.  
4.45.   I wish the Qatari delegation a very successful and p roductive Trade Policy R eview.  
CANADA  
4.46.   May I start by saying how delighted I am to see you as the Chairperson of the TPRM and you 
can count on Canada’s support during your entire year. I would also like to extend a warm welcome 
to Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwar i and thank Ambassador Tan for his insightful comments. I would like 
to begin by acknowledging Qatar’s economic diversification plans as set out in Qatar National Vision 
2030. Efforts by Qatar to modernize and streamline its business policies and practices  are welcomed.  
4.47.   Canada notes Qatar now ranks 77th in the world for ease of doing business according to the 
World Bank Group’s 2020 annual survey , an improvement of six places from 2019. We note , 
however , that Qatar only ranked 101st for trading across borders, with no change in ranking from 
2019. Efforts to significantly improve this metric would greatly facilitate trade and encourage greater 
participation in commercial opportunities by Canadian SMEs in p articular, who face challenges in 
understanding and navigating the various export requirements and regulations.  
4.48.   The establishment of special economic zones, the loosening of foreign investment rules, 
implementation of progressive incentive programs as a me ans of diversifying the economy, 
developing domestic capacity in strategic sectors, and attracting foreign investment and 
international partners are commendable. Canadian companies have taken note of these 
improvements in Qatar and are continually explorin g new opportunities for commercial engagement. 
We look forward to building our bilateral trade and creating the conditions to allow trade ties to 
flourish in the future.  
4.49.   We encourage Qatar to continue to enhance its rules -based trading framework in line wi th its 
WTO obligations as this will support the achievement of long -lasting benefits to its economy.  
4.50.   Canada continues to have  concerns with respect to some of Qatar’s measures affecting trade 
in agriculture. In this regard, Canada is very concerned by Qata r’s 20 February 2020 decision to 
reduce access for Canadian beef which, in Canada’s view, has not been based on international 
standards, guidelines, or recommendations established by the World Organization for Animal Health 
(OIE). Canada is seeking an earl y decision by Qatar to restore full Canadian beef access consistent 
with the OIE.  
4.51.   Canada would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate our strong interest in receiving 
clarification pertaining to Qatar’s shelf -life requirements for paneer cheese. We continue to 
encourage Qatar to notify this measure and to address other outstanding notifications to the WTO, 
including on agriculture domestic support and agriculture export subsidies, and on subsidies more 
generally —even if it is only for making a Nil  notification as done in 2015. These notifications are 
critical for providing transparency and predictability to all Members.  
4.52.   To conclude, Canada welcomes Qatar’s participation in the WTO’s Micro, Small and 
Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Informal Working  Group and the joint statement initiatives on 
electronic commerce and on investment facilitation. Moving forward, Qatar could also consider 
joining the joint statement initiative on services domestic regulation as it would contribute to 
enhanced predictabi lity and transparency for services suppliers. We would also encourage Qatar to WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 15 - 
 
  consider supporting the Buenos Aires Declaration and to engage in discussions on how trade can 
help advance women’s economic empowerment.  
4.53.   We have submitted a number of questions  touching on the themes just mentioned. We thank 
Qatar for the responses received, which we will review carefully. We look forward to a constructive 
exchange of views on all aspects of Qatar’s trade policy.  
JAPAN  
4.54.   First, let me congratulate you, Chair, for your appointment as the new Chair of the TPRB. Let 
me first  extend a warm welcome to this t hird TPR meeting to the distinguished delegation of Qatar 
headed by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce  and Industry. We sincerely 
appreciate the dedicated efforts made by Qatar and the WTO Secretariat to prepare the insightful 
reports shared with the Members in advance of today's Review. We are also grateful to the 
discussant, H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an, Ambas sador of Singapore, for his insightful remarks.  
4.55.   Qatar is an important trading partner for Japan. In 2020, trade between our two countries 
reached a value of USD 10.2 billion in total. We look forward to the success of the multiple reforms 
and economic poli cies Qatar is currently pursuing, regardless of the negative impacts from the 
declining oil price and the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.56.   Japan appreciates Qatar’s joining of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2017 and its 
participation in the Joint Statement In itiative (JSI) on e -commerce, investment facilitation and 
MSMEs towards further trade facilitation. We expect Qatar to continue actively engaging in both 
multilateral and plurilateral frameworks under the WTO to further strengthen the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.57.   When it comes to domestic measures for trade facilitation, Japan commends the introduction 
of the single window system established during the review period. However, we note that the 
certification requirement has a negative effect on trade efficien cy when we export to Qatar.  
4.58.   With regard to initiatives for the promotion of FDI, Japan welcomes the fact that up to 100% 
foreign ownership has been allowed in all economic sectors under the new FDI law. We also welcome 
the establishment of the Investment P romotion Agency (IPA) as another important initiative to 
promote FDI.  
4.59.   In conclusion, Japan appreciates Qatar making this TPR meeting possible in spite of the 
current situation with the pandemic. Japan highly commends Qatar’s efforts for the improvement of 
its trade environment since the previous Review. We wish Qatar a succe ssful and productive TPR.  
SINGAPORE  
4.60.   The Singapore delegation warmly welcomes the Minister of Commerce and Industry, 
H.E. Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari, and the rest of the Qatari delegation. We thank Qatar for its 
Government report and statement. We also than k you, the TPRB Chair, the Secretariat, and the 
discussant Ambassador Tan for your invaluable insights.  
4.61.   At the outset, I would like to highlight that Singapore and Qatar enjoy robust economic 
relations. In 2020, our bilateral trade totalled S$5.75 billion Singapore dollars, making Qatar 
Singapore’s third largest trading partner in the Middle East and 23rd largest trading partner globally. 
The two -way flow of investments is also healthy and has continued to grow, with the stock of foreign 
direct investment ( FDI) from Qatar in Singapore standing at S$2.02 billion Singapore dollars, and 
the stock of direct investment abroad (DIA) from Singapore to Qatar amounting to S$320 million 
Singapore dollars. Singapore companies have invested in Qatar, and vice versa, par ticularly in the 
oil and gas, digital and hospitality sectors. The GCC -Singapore FTA has also contributed to 
strengthening trade and investment linkages between Qatar and Singapore.  
4.62.   As Qatar looks ahead to its next phase of growth, Singapore hopes to stren gthen our economic 
and trade ties. Allow me to highlight three points.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 16 - 
 
  4.63.   First, Singapore commends Qatar’s commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system as embodied by the WTO. Qatar has been a constructive WTO Member and has co -sponsored 
initiat ives that seek to strengthen the multilateral trading system, including the joint statements on 
COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System and Prohibiting Export Restrictions Relating to 
Purchases made by the World Food Programme. Despite challenging tim es, Qatar has kept its 
markets open and continued to foster economic development through trade facilitation and 
investment promotion. For example, Qatar accelerated its implementation of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and established a single window electronic customs clearance system, 
Al-Nadeeb, which would help to expedite trade between Qatar and its trading partners.  
4.64.   Going forward, it would be useful for Qatar to continue to improve the transparency of its 
trade regime in order to further facilita te trade. The Secretariat’s report noted that a number of 
notifications require updating or renewal, including in the areas of import licensing procedures and 
quantitative restrictions. Members have also sought clarifications on the import requirements for  
some products, such as beverages. We would like to encourage Qatar to submit the relevant 
notifications and engage these Members constructively.  
4.65.   Second, Singapore commends Qatar’s resilience in responding to the various challenges 
during the period of th e review. In addition to addressing pressing challenges brought about by 
declining oil and gas prices as well as the Covid -19 pandemic, Qatar has steadfastly pursued 
economic diversification, which has borne fruits. For example, the substantial growth in p roportion 
of non -mining and quarrying activities from 44% of GDP in 2014 to 66% in 2020 is evidence of 
Qatar’s success on this front. We would like to encourage Qatar to press on with its plans to further 
diversify the economy under the Qatar National Visi on 2030 and Qatar Second National Development 
Strategy 2018 –2022. 
4.66.   Third, we welcome Qatar’s ongoing efforts to improve its trade and investment regime under 
the review period. A good example is the progress that has been made in Qatar’s digital economy, 
including the implementation of digital payment gateways and expansion of its e -commerce market. 
We also welcome Qatar’s efforts to strengthen the flow of foreign investment into the country, 
including by allowing 100% foreign ownership in many sectors and e stablishing the Investment 
Promotion Agency (IPA). We would also encourage Qatar to consider becoming a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) given that fair and transparent government 
procurement regime can contribute to attracting foreign i nvestment.  
4.67.   To conclude, Singapore looks forward to exploring new opportunities to deepen Singapore -
Qatar economic relations. We wish Qatar every success for its third TPR.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.68.   On behalf of the E uropean Union, I would first like to welcome the delegation of Qatar led by 
H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry. I would also like to thank the 
WTO Secretariat and Q atar for their reports and the discussant, H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an of Singapore  
for the introductory remarks.  
4.69.   The EU welcomes the useful insights that this Review has provided regarding Qatar’s 
moderni zation and diversification strategy and the measures taken by the Government to mitigate 
the impact of a challenging economic situation, particularly starting from 2017. The latest 
developments in the GCC region, with the recent Al Ula Declaration in January 2021 are promising 
in terms of helping to intensify intra -regional trade as well as trade with other parts of the world.  
4.70.   As an open economy dependent on interna tional trade, Qatar is well -placed to play an active 
supportive role to the multilateral trading system. In this respect, the EU works with Qatar in the 
WTO in important areas such as WTO reform, the joint statement initiatives on e -commerce and on 
investm ent facilitation, which constitute important and forward -looking agenda for the international 
trade and for this Organization. We would like to encourage Qatar to also join the Joint Statement 
Initiative on Domestic Regulation on Services as well as the Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.71.   We would like to congratulate Qatar for the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
2014 and for the acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement in 2016. However, we 
invite Qatar to submit and updat e notifications in the areas of agriculture (domestic support and WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 17 - 
 
  export subsidies), import licensing procedures, quantitative restrictions, customs valuation, 
subsidies, state -trading enterprises, and GATS.  
4.72.   As regards the EU’s bilateral relationship with  Qatar, trade, investment and economic dialogue 
form an important part of the bilateral agenda. The EU is  Qatar’s fourth largest trading partner, at 
11.5% of Qatar’s global trade and we have a robust investment relationship, with total bilateral FDI 
stock exceeding EUR 38 billion. While the negotiations for an EU -GCC FTA were suspended in 2008, 
the EU remains open to engage in a dialogue on how to bring the trade and investment partnership 
forward.  
4.73.   The Government has made significant efforts to diversify th e economy ( inter alia  leading to a 
66% share of the non -mining sector at the beginning of 2020). Nonetheless Qatar remains heavily 
dependent on the energy sector, which suffered the largest contraction of demand in history due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic, gen erating a significant drop in Qatari GDP last year.  
4.74.   At the same time, and this is a clear priority from the EU’s perspective, the crisis also provides 
an opportunity and a strong incentive to accelerate the transformation of the economy towards a 
more sust ainable model, also reflecting the commitments under the Paris Agreement which Qatar 
ratified in June 2017.  
4.75.   As the written questions demonstrate, WTO Members have a number of questions and 
concerns on important areas essential for smooth trading and inves tment relations with Qatar. From 
the EU perspective these concern, among others, the areas of customs valuation and procedures, 
regulation on the conditions of non -Qatari investments, the system of standards and technical 
requirements, SPS requirements not ably for milk and cheese products, the new tendering 
requirements in public procurement and the various questions related to the important area of IP 
protection and reforms to labour law, namely the kafala system.  
4.76.   While the EU acknowledges that Qatar has u ndertaken significant initiatives to facilitate trade 
and foreign investment, it is our view that further efforts are necessary to enhance trading 
conditions, in particular in the above -mentioned areas.  
4.77.   On behalf of the EU, I wish Qatar a very productive and successful Review.  
CHILE  
4.78.   We welcome the delegation of Qatar, led by H.E. Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Trade 
and Industry, and congratulate Qatar on its presence in this new version of the WTO Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.79.   We also extend our greetings to Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al  Mansouri and the Members of the 
Permanent Mission of Qatar to the WTO, and acknowledge the work achieved.  
4.80.   We should also like to extend our thanks to the Ambassador of Singapore, Tan Hung Seng, 
for his presentation, a nd for the excellent work by the Secretariat and the Government of Qatar in 
preparing their respective reports.  
4.81.   This year marks the 20th anniversary of the WTO's Fourth Ministerial Conference (MC4) in 
Doha, Qatar, in November 2001. We recall the WTO's Doha  Round of multilateral negotiations as an 
important and significant step in the collective and incremental effort to reduce barriers to trade and 
to champion international trade as a driver of countries' sustainable development.  
4.82.   Diplomatic relations betwee n Chile and Qatar were established in 1982 and since then political, 
economic and trade ties have increased, with a sense of collaboration and understanding.  
4.83.   There are many similarities between Chile and Qatar, born of common outlooks and public 
policies t hat share a similar viewpoint as to the benefits of economic openness and free trade.  
4.84.   In this Trade Policy Review, we would like to draw attention to the visit of a trade delegation 
by the Vice Minister of Trade of Chile, Mr Rodrigo Yáñez, to Qatar, just a  few weeks ago, on 
25 February 2021.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 18 - 
 
  4.85.   The Chilean Vice Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador of Chile to the United Arab 
Emirates, concurrently assigned as Ambassador to Qatar, and the Director of the Chilean investment 
promotion agency (Invest Chile),  Mr Andrés Rodríguez, as well as Chilean trade experts.  
4.86.   The visit to Qatar came under the priority set by the Chilean Government to strengthening 
economic ties with Gulf countries, given the great potential of Chile and the Gulf region for bilateral 
trade and mutual investment.  
4.87.   The visit highlighted Chile's role as a focal point for trade in the Latin American region, through 
its extensive network of trade agreements, which includes 30 agreements with over 65 economies, 
allowing preferential access to over 88% of global GDP.  
4.88.   The Chilean Vice Minister, Mr Rodrigo Yáñez, arrived in Qatar from Riyadh where, in addition 
to meeting with the local authorities, a memorandum of understanding between Chile and the 
Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab S tates of the Gulf (GCC) was signed. This 
memorandum opens a new chapter of cooperation between Chile and the Arab States of the Gulf, 
including Qatar and is aimed at establishing a consultation mechanism on matters of common 
interest.  
4.89.   During his mission to  Doha, the Chilean Vice Minister of Trade met with his counterparts from 
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmad Hassen Al -Hammadi and from the Ministry of Trade, 
undersecretary Sultan bin Rashid Al -Khater.  
4.90.   The Chilean and Qatari authorities highlighted the friendly ties between the two countries and 
the great potential to establish public and private partnerships to boost bilateral trade.  
4.91.   The Chilean Vice Minister of Trade emphasized the complementarity between the two 
economies and the role that Chile c ould play as a major supplier of food to the world, under Qatar's 
proposed food security strategy.  
4.92.   The delegation of Chile was also received by Mr Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al -Mahmoud, from the 
Qatar Investment Authority, with whom they discussed investment opportunities.  
4.93.   Trade between Chile and Qatar amounted to USD 9 million in 2020, mainly comprising Chile's 
exports to Qatar. There is therefore huge potential to increase bilateral trade. In the area of 
investment, Qatar Airways owns 10% of LATAM , Chile's main airline.  
4.94.   Finally, Chile raised a number of questions during this Trade Policy Review and is grateful for 
the answers. We wish Qatar a successful Trade Policy Review at the WTO.  
UKRAINE  
4.95.   On behalf of the Ukrainian delegation, I would like to w armly welcome the distinguished 
delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry and 
express our appreciation to the delegation of Qatar for  the comprehensive Government report.  
4.96.   We would also like to acknowled ge the WTO Secretariat’s work and efforts put in the 
preparation of its Report and  the thoughtful presentation made today by H.E. Ambassador T an Hung 
Seng.  
4.97.   The third Trade Policy Review of Qatar offers a good opportunity to deepen the understanding 
of the trade and economic policy developments occurred since the previous Review in 2014.  
4.98.   Ukraine acknowledges the efforts of the Government of Qatar undertaken to improve its trade 
and investment environment and to tackle challenges created by the various situat ions, including 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Ukraine believes that adapted measures will enable Qatar to meet its 
strategic development goals set in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and to minimize the adverse 
impact of the pandemic.  
4.99.   At a multilateral level, Ukrai ne recognizes Qatar' s strong commitments to the multilateral 
trading system and active participation in the WTO activities. Ukraine welcomes the acceptance of WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 19 - 
 
  the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement and the ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement.  
4.100.   In terms of bilateral relations, the State of Qatar is a prospective partner of Ukraine. We 
believe that the recent visit of the President of Ukraine to Qatar will give additional impetus to the 
bilateral interaction in the different areas.  
4.101.   In such challenging time s both for Ukraine and Qatar, as well as for the whole world, we 
continue to develop our trade and economic relationships.  
4.102.   Last year was marked by a substantial increase in the dynamics of Ukrainian -Qatari trade. 
This is the highest volume  of bilateral trade in the history of the Ukrainian -Qatari cooperation. In 
2020, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Qatar increased by 69.2% and amounted to 
USD 139,2 million.  
4.103.   In the context of a pandemic, the Government of Ukraine clearly understands the importance 
of ensuring food security in the world. Ukraine, as a reliable trading partner and exporter of 
agricultural products, makes every effort to guarantee uninterrupted supplies of raw materials and 
food products to foreign markets.  
4.104.   Ukraine' s agricultural sector has significant potential in the production of food and 
agricultural raw materials and needs to attract both domestic and foreign investment. In this context, 
the development of investment cooperation, which would consider the  interests and benefits of both 
countries, can give additional impetus to trade and economic cooperation in the agricultural sector 
between our countries.  
4.105.   The reports prepared by Qatar and the WTO Secretariat stimulated questions in a number 
of areas – as detailed in Ukraine's written submissions to this Review. The main themes addressed 
were: measures aimed at the development of Qatar' s agricultural sector; import restrictions; trade 
contingency measures and decision -making procedures; investment promotion ; tax exemptions in 
the free zone; intellectual property rights regime; regulation of fintech companies’ activity; results 
of implementation of the E -Commerce Trustmark (Theqa) programme , etc.  
4.106.   I would like to express our gratitude for the responses to our questions and wish the 
delegation of Qatar a successful TPR.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.107.   I would like to extend my congratulations to you, Chair, and your appointment as 
Chairperson of the TPRB and we look forward working with you. The United States is pleased to 
welcome H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari , Minister of Commerce and Industry,  and the rest of the 
delegation from Qatar to the third Trade  Policy Review (TPR) of Qatar. We welcome the Secretariat 
and Government r eports and appreciate the opportun ity to gain a clearer sense of the changes to 
Qatar’s trade and investment policies since its last Review in 2014.  
4.108.   Qatar is an important economic partner of the United States, and we look forward to 
increased engagement on trade issues. While Qatar has rea son to be pleased with the results of its 
efforts to date, the United States would like to highlight several areas that we believe need greater 
attention and a focus on swift resolution.  
4.109.   In particular, Qatar has yet to notify to the appropriate WTO Committ ee regarding a 2019 
regulation establishing onerous shelf -life, fat content and other requirements for dairy products, 
despite requests from the United States and several other WTO Members to do so. The United States 
and several other WTO Members have also  repeatedly requested that Qatar explain the objective of 
this regulation, provide a science -based explanation of how the requirements achieve its objectives, 
and work with trading partners to develop a solution that addresses the current restrictions to t rade.  
4.110.   The United States remains disappointed that Qatar continues to require authentication of 
Certificates of Origin and Commercial Invoices at Embassies and/or Consulates prior to importation 
into Qatar. The United States has continuously questioned the  necessity of any such requirements, 
since we cannot see any trade purpose such requirements serve. We would like to understand the WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 20 - 
 
  trade purpose this practice serves, particularly in light of Qatar’s obligations under the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement.  We also note that Qatar has yet to provide updates on its import, export and 
transit requirements, to the WTO Secretariat, the deadline for which was February 2017.  
4.111.   Also of note, the United States understands that Qatar is currently considering revisions to 
the excise tax on beverages. We and other WTO Members have raised concerns in several fora about 
the implementation of this tax, and we have asked for an opportunity to consult with Qatar on 
necessary revisions, including switching to a graduated tax ba sed on sugar content, ensuring that 
the tax covers all beverages in which the total sugar content – from either natural and/or added 
sugars – exceeds a minimum threshold, exempting low -calorie beverages and those with no added 
sugars, and ensuring that the re is no discrimination between energy drinks and other beverages 
that have similar amounts of sugar.  
4.112.   The United States has also raised questions in a few other areas, including the transparency 
in the Qatari Quality Mark. ensuring recognition of exporting  countries’ health certificates to ensure 
food safety, proper notification of certain government programs under the Agreement on Subsidies 
and Countervailing Measures, the process and benefits of obtaining a copyright registration 
certificate, and how debt  issuances are used by local state-owned enterprises.  
4.113.   In addition, as a wealthy nation, we call on Qatar to no longer seek special and differential 
treatment in current and future WTO negotiations. By taking this step, Qatar would make a 
significant contri bution to ensuring that the WTO remains a viable forum for meaningful trade 
negotiations.  
4.114.   Qatar is a valued trading partner of the United States, and we hope that Qatar will find this 
Review to be useful in its reform efforts. We thank the Government of Qa tar in advance for its efforts 
to respond to our questions and concerns, and we plan to review its responses carefully and to 
request clarifications as necessary over the next two days.  
ARGENTINA  
4.115.   We would like to associate ourselves with Members who have welcomed the delegation of 
Qatar, led by H.E. Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Trade and Industry. We extend our 
congratulations to the incoming Chair, and our appreciation to the Mission of Qatar and its 
Ambassador in Geneva. We also appreciat e the detailed reports prepared by Qatar and by the 
Secretariat.  
4.116.   Qatar and the Argentine Republic maintain a smooth trade relationship. Our country exports 
to Qatar articles of iron or steel; meat and edible meat offal; pharmaceutical products; oil seeds a nd 
oleaginous fruits. From Qatar, we mainly imported liquefied gas, plastics and articles thereof; salt; 
sulphur; earths and stones; plastering materials, lime and cement; and miscellaneous chemical 
products.  
4.117.   Argentina admires Qatar's successful circumvent ion of the various economic upheavals 
during the review period. During the most recent, the COVID -19 pandemic, the authorities of Qatar 
have taken steps to boost the private sector and to facilitate liquidity and low -interest credit. We 
trust that these me asures will help address the pandemic and further strengthen Qatar's economy.  
4.118.   Worthy of note, also, are efforts to promote the objective of economic diversification and to 
reduce the high dependency on oil resources, which was particularly visible in 2014 when oil and 
gas prices declined. Our country is pleased to learn that non -oil industries, mainly manufacturing 
and construction, have been driving Qatar's economic growth over the past three years.  
4.119.   On trade facilitation, it should be noted that Qatar rati fied the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
in June 2017, approved all the provisions under section 1 of the Agreement, save one clause, and 
the Category A commitments. In the same vein, it is worth mentioning that Qatar has fulfilled all its 
obligations under t his Agreement following the launch of the authorized economic operator (AEO) 
programme in early 2019.  
4.120.   Qatar is a committed member of the multilateral trading system. During the review period, 
it deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Protocol amendi ng the Agreement on Trade -Related WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). While it has a number of outstanding 
agriculture notifications, import licensing procedures, subsidies, state -trading enterprises and 
services, it is also true tha t Qatar has submitted notifications on a wide range of topics, as reflected 
in table 2.2 of the Secretariat's report.  
4.121.   In the framework of this Trade Policy Review, we have submitted questions to Qatar relating 
to changes in its government procurement regim e, amendments to its intellectual property system 
and the development of new special free zones under the Qatar National Vision 2030. We shall be 
grateful to receive Qatar's replies . 
4.122.   In conclusion, we should like to express our great appreciation for this new opportunity to 
address Qatar's trade practices and policies.  
4.123.   We wish your authorities a successful Review.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.124.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of Qatar led by 
Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ambassador Ali 
Khalfan Al Mansouri  of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the WTO on their third Trade Policy Review. 
We also thank Ambassador Hung Seng T an of Singapore for his insightful comments as discussant, 
and the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.125.   The Philippines enjoys a longstanding bilateral relationship with Qatar. To further strengthen 
the ties between the two countries, an Agreement on Economic, Commercial and Technical 
Cooperation was signed i n March 1997 establishing a Joint Ministerial Commission for Bilateral 
Cooperation (JMCBC), which provides a mechanism to regularly review economic and other aspects 
of their bilateral relations.  
4.126.   In April 2017, the Philippines and Qatar signed several agreements related to investments, 
health, culture, and technical education cooperation during the Visit of Philippine President Rodrigo 
Duterte's to Doha, Qatar. Among these is an Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection 
of Investment s. 
4.127.   Qatar is the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council with 
total bilateral trade between our two countries amounting to US D 214 million in 2019. In 
February  2020, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry led an Outbound Business Matching 
Mission to Doha to promote more Philippine food products in Qatar. Among the top exports of the 
Philippines to Qatar are bananas, breads, sauces, and parts of machinery equipment. Conversely, 
top imports from Qatar to the Philipp ines include urea, liquefied butane, polyethylene, and semi -
finished products of iron or non -alloy steels.  
4.128.   The Philippines notes from the Secretariat report that Qatar is a hydrocarbon -rich country 
with a small indigenous population relative to its expatr iate community. Some 1.9 million foreign 
workers constitute approximately 95% of the economically active population. Qatar is one of the top 
destinations of overseas Filipino workers, most of whom working in the nursing and services sector. 
Considering the  large number of Filipino workers in Qatar, with more than 250,000 population 
residing in the country, a Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Labour Matters was established to 
constructively discuss labo ur concerns and issues related Filipino expatriate worker s in Qatar. The 
fourth and most recent JCM was held in Qatar in February 2019.  
4.129.   The Philippines recognizes the Qatar National Vision 2030, which sets out the fundamental 
policy framework for the country's strategic socioeconomic and human development. We al so 
acknowledge the ongoing Second National Development Strategy (NDS -2) 2018 -2022 which aims 
to sustain the country’s economic prosperity through economic diversification, infrastructure and 
private  sector development, and natural resources management. The  NDS-2 sets targets to diversify 
production through increasing public investment in infrastructure, promoting private investment, 
establishing industrial and service zones, and supporting the development of small - and 
medium -sized enterprises (SMEs).  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 22 - 
 
  4.130.   The Philippines appreciates Qatar’s strong commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and its active engagement in the WTO, including its participation in the discussions on investment 
facilitation for development, electronic commerce, MSMEs, WTO reform , and the rules of fisheries 
subsidies.  
4.131.   The Philippines commends the significant developments in Qatar’s economic policies, and we 
look forward to learning more about these policies through this trade policy review process. Our 
delegation has submitted so me advance written questions on the TPR reports,  and we thank the 
delegation of the Qatar for their prompt replies which we have transmitted to our capital for 
consideration.  
4.132.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually bene ficial 
economic relations with Qatar in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
THAILAND  
4.133.   Thailand welcomes the opportunity to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of Qatar. 
We wish to extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Mr. Ali bin Ahme d Al Kuwari, Minister of 
Commerce and Industry, and his delegation to this virtual TPR.  
4.134.   In this Trade Policy Review, Thailand would like to thank you, Chair, for your in -depth 
summary and opening remarks, the Secretariat and the Government of Qatar for a high-quality 
report, as well as the discussant, Ambassador Hung Seng T an from Singapore,  for his insightful 
analysis of Qatar’s trade policy.  
4.135.   Thailand and Qatar enjoyed strong engagement in a range of areas : trade, culture, tourism, 
and development. Econo mic and trade relations between Thailand and Qatar steadily expanded since 
the last Review. Total merchandise trade between the two countries has reached approximately 
USD 4.0 billion in 2019. We believe that our trade relationship will further be strength ened through 
this strong business connection.  
4.136.   Qatar is considered as one of our important sources of energy products. Thailand’s major 
exports to Qatar include jewellery , automobiles, machinery and mechanical appliances, plastic, 
rubber, and food items. We  are pleased to highlight that, among the GCC members, Qatar is 
Thailand's third most important trading partner, while Thailand is the second largest trading partner 
of Qatar in ASEAN.  
4.137.   Amid global and regional economic challenges, Qatar’s real GDP has grown at an average 
annual rate of approximately 1.2% in 2018, and 0.8% in 2019. It is highly commendable that sound 
macroeconomic policies and various mitigation measures have contributed to stable inflation, 
moderate public debt, and greater resilience t o external shocks.  
4.138.   Thailand is also pleased to learn that Qatar has implemented National Vision 2030 with the 
ultimate objective to pursuing economic diversification, restructuring an economy to be less reliant 
on the energy sector, as well as moving towar ds knowledge -based industries with a greater 
participation of the private sector.  
4.139.   Moreover, Thailand commends Qatar’s consistent efforts in improving its regulatory 
framework, trade and investment environment, as well as promoting trade facilitation. We be lieve 
that these efforts and the National Vision 2030 would greatly support Qatar’s economy, on course 
to an advanced, resilient, and sustainable economic growth, providing a higher standard of living for 
future generations.  
4.140.   Thailand welcomes Qatar’s activ e engagement in the multilateral trading system and WTO 
activities. In 2017, Qatar ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Also, it has actively participated 
in many emerging discussions including investment facilitation, e -commerce, and WTO reform. 
Though Qatar has performed well in its notification in areas of SPS and TBT agreement, further 
improvement in areas of agriculture, import licensing procedure, quantitative restrictions, and 
subsidies would ensure greater transparency in the application of tr ade and related policies.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 23 - 
 
  4.141.   In this Review, Thailand submitted questions covering specific aspects of Qatar’s trade and 
economic policies, including custom system, financing program, Geographical Indications (GIs), 
investment and digital trade policies. Thai land would like to thank Qatar for its timely response to 
our questions and will study them in detail with great interest.  
4.142.   In closing, Thailand wishes Qatar a highly successful Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE ARAG  GROUP  
4.143.   First, we would like to congratulate you , Chair,  for your nomination in the post of the 
Chairperson of this important B ody. We assure you our support and positive contribution.  
4.144.   We would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Qatar headed by His 
Excellency Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry.  
4.145.   We thank the Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.146.   Being the largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas in the world, Qatar's trade policy is 
essentially focused on creating a m odern and liberal economy. This is reflected in its promotion of 
investment (both domestic and foreign), its trade diversification programs at the regional and 
international levels and membership in several organizations.  
4.147.   Since Qatar’s last TPR in 2014, th e global economy has been facing new challenges, in 
particular the spread of the COVID -19 around the world. Despite these challenges, Qatar’s economy 
has shown its resilience and ability to cope with these daunting circumstances due to the strength 
of its economic fundamentals. Qatar is to be commended for its large -scale monetary and fiscal 
stimulus to help protecting businesses and consumers facing the impact of COVID -19 and to support 
the economic activity.  
4.148.   According to the World Bank 2019 report, trade represents 90% of Qatar's GDP. 
Hydrocarbons represented over 85% of the country’s exports in 2019 (mainly natural gas, followed 
by crude and other oil products), while imports were led by manufactured products 78.6%.  
4.149.   The Arab Group praises Qatar for its N ational Vision 2030 and for its ambitious Second 
National Development Strategy 2018 –2022 and trusts that all these hard efforts will contribute to 
further diversifying the Qatari economy, promoting a larger private sector and achieving sustainable 
economic  development for the direct benefit of its population.  
4.150.   The Arab Group welcomes the efforts of Qatar in sustaining macroeconomic stability and 
pursuing an open and transparent business environment and investment regime. The World Bank's 
Doing Business 2020  report shows that Qatar ranked 77 out of 190 economies.  
4.151.   To conclude, Qatar proved its commitment to support the world trading system and the WTO 
and demonstrated its desire to continue to play an active role in the promotion of free and open 
trade.  
4.152.   In this regard, the Arab Group appreciates the active role of H. E. Mr. Ali Al Mansouri 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN, WTO and other International 
Organizations in Geneva and his experts in WTO negotiations.  
4.153.   We wish Qatar a ve ry successful Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.154.   First of all, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Qatar’s delegation led by H.E. 
Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry. Let me also thank the discussant, 
H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an from Singapore for his contribution to this Review, as well as to the 
Government of Qatar and the Secretariat for their insightful and comprehensive reports. Secondly, 
I would like to congratulate H.E. Ambassador Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme as the newl y elected 
Chair.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 24 - 
 
  4.155.   Indonesia and Qatar have a long history of friendship and cooperation. With nearly 45 years 
of diplomatic engagements, the two countries’ relationship has been progressing well, but there is 
still much room for improvement to strengthen t he relationship. Between 2014 and 2020, the total 
bilateral trade showed a dynamic trend and reached USD 895.11 million in 2020, decreased by 
19.7% from the previous year that reached USD 1.115 billion.  
4.156.   During the review period, Qatar experienced several e conomic shocks. The first shock began 
in 2014, as declining oil prices had a knock -on effect on the price of natural gas, Qatar's main export 
and source of government revenue. The second and most recent worldwide shock, the COVID -19 
pandemic, also affected  Qatar. Supported by Qatar’s economic position as one of the largest gas 
producers in the world, Qatar has been able to demonstrate its success in overcoming those shocks 
and continues to develop Qatar National Vision 2030 program, particularly in the fiel ds of food 
security, energy, renewable energy, the issuance of new investment policies, and economic 
diversification.  
4.157.   Indonesia commends Qatar for its success in dealing with the COVID -19 pandemic through 
strict quarantine measures which caused many busin esses to close temporarily or operated with 
reduced capacity during 2020. Qatar is also considered ready to recover its economic thanks to 
economic policies, including a QAR (Qatari Riyals) 75 billion stimulus package for the private sector, 
capital inject ions in the stock market, and additional liquidity to the banking sector to facilitate new 
lending and the postponement of loan repayments.  
4.158.   The Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country by 2030, 
capable of sustaining its d evelopment and providing a high standard of living for its population and 
future generations. Qatar seeks to develop an economy that is diversified and therefore less 
dependent on hydrocarbons. These objectives are achieved through the four interconnected pillars: 
human development, social development, economic development and environmental development. 
Those pillars provide a significant cooperation opportunity between Qatar and Indonesia. The efforts 
to synergize Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and Indonesia ’s Vision 2045 can be encouraged as a joint 
effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation.  
4.159.   In terms of bilateral relation, the COVID -19 pandemic has resulted in delays in Qatar's 
bilateral cooperation with Indonesia. Plans for various investment projects in the tourism sector, 
strategic industries, energy, and others had to be postponed. Indonesia believes that as the situation 
improves, both countries will be able to implement the deferred plans.  
4.160.   Indonesia has submitted a set of questions, covering policies and measures of our interests, 
some of the questions including Qatar’s halal certification procedures. Indonesia is interested in 
expanding its market and obtaining a greater market share in the halal industry. We also submitted 
questions about import proh ibition policy where we seek clarification on whether the Government of 
Qatar prohibits the importation of nutmeg and the rationale behind such approach. Other issues that 
we also raised in our written submission were regarding preferential tariffs, invest ment regime 
particularly on e -commerce, standards and technical requirements as well as other measures which 
we think are excessive and could deter imports.  
4.161.   In conclusion, Indonesia believes that this TPR could address our concerns as well as enhance 
trade  and economic cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar. We appreciate the responses 
provided by Qatar to our written questions and will consider them carefully. On behalf of Indonesia, 
I wish Qatar a very productive and successful Review.  
CHINA  
4.162.   China welcom es the delegation of Qatar, led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister 
of Commerce and Industry, to this Trade Policy Review and would express appreciations to 
Ambassador T an for his enlightening discussant insights. My thanks also go to the Chair a nd to the 
Secretariat’s efforts and contributions to make this Review happen.  
4.163.   China and Qatar are strategic partners. Over the past three -plus decades since the 
establishment of bilateral ties, Sino -Qatar exchanges and cooperation have grown across the boa rd 
and yielded tangible outcomes. The two sides signed agreements on trade, investment protection, WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 25 - 
 
  avoidance of double taxation, etc. In the review period, the two sides continued to enhance trade 
and investment relations in spite of various shocks Qatar h as gone through.  
4.164.   The two countries have enjoyed a steady growth in terms of bilateral trade volumes prior to 
the pandemic. Notably, in 2018, according to our statistics, the two sides embraced a sharp increase 
of 43.9 % of import and export, with the total  trade values being USD 11.62 billion. We imported 
9.14 and exported 2.48 among them. Even with the development of the COVID -19, the two sides 
only saw a minor decrease of bilateral trade of less than 4 %. I am sure, with four “C”s - confidence, 
consolidati on, collaboration and cooperation  – that the two sides will have further already -good 
cooperation in ending the pandemic and achieving economic recovery.  
4.165.   Coming to the multilateral front, China commends Qatar’s deepened engagement in the 
multilateral tradi ng system and  in the  WTO activities. Particularly, in 2016, Qatar deposited its 
instrument of acceptance of the 2005 Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement, and in June 2017 it 
ratified the TFA. All provisions in Section 1 of the TFA, except for Article 7.7 , were designated as 
Category A commitments.  
4.166.   It is also applaudable that Qatar continues to improve its trade and investment environment 
by various means, including the launch of the e -government portal, the legal portal, and the 
e-commerce portal; restru cturing the ministries and agencies related to trade and investment; and 
amending and revising legislation on foreign direct investment. The law on FDI was repealed and 
replaced by Law No. 1 of 2019, which allows foreign ownership of up to 100 % (up from 49 %) in 
almost all economic sectors.  
4.167.   Nevertheless, up to now, the lack of implementing provision makes the effects of the new 
law unknown. WTO Members are still waiting and watching as we need information and specific 
cases in the real implementation process of the new law. We encourage Qatar to share more in this 
regard.  
4.168.   We recognize Qatar’s vision to pursue economic diversification in the comin g decade. As 
stated in the Government report, Qatar’s economy continued to diversify away from oil and gas with 
the proportion of non -mining and quarrying activities going from 44 % of GDP in 2014 Q1 (measured 
in nominal terms) to 66 % in 2020 Q1. Further, s ervices is a sector that can help. The services sector 
accounted for 42 % of GDP, employing 43.9 % of the total workforce in 2019.  
4.169.   However, Qatari Government departments and SOEs currently only accept letters of 
guarantee from banks registered with the Qata r Central Bank, not those with the Qatar Financial 
Center. Further, complains indicated that, when participating in bidding for government projects, 
there are, in some cases, the requirements of local content like local suppliers or local products, or 
favorable treatment to local companies. It happens either under written provisions or in real 
practices. We hope Qatar has the plan to take measures, resolving such issues to make the economy 
more transparent, open, diversified and sustained.  
4.170.   For the purpose o f this Review, China has submitted questions to the Qatar and looks forward 
to Qatar’s early responses.  
4.171.   Finally, we wish this Trade Policy Review a great success.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.172.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu,  we 
would like to congratulate on your appointment as the TPRB Chairperson, you have our full support 
on this important work. Now, let me extend our warm welcome to the delegation of Qatar led by 
H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari  for its t hird Trade Policy Revie w. I would also thank the d iscussant 
H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an (Singapore) for his insightful remarks, and the WTO Secretariat for its 
comprehensive report.  
4.173.   My delegation is pleased to note that Qatar's economy has adjusted successfully to the dual 
shocks of lower oil prices (2014) and the diplomatic rift (2017), assisted by a prudent fiscal policy, 
an appropriate monetary anchor, sound financial regulation an d supervision frameworks, and 
considerable buffers. We also note Qatar’s cognizance of effects caused by COVID -19 in 2020 on its WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 26 - 
 
  economy, and took various relief and related trade measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. 
We recognize that Qatar rat ified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation on 12 June 2017. We also 
note that a new FDI law - which permits foreign ownership of up to 100% in most economic sectors 
(up from 49% for most sectors under the repealed law) - has entered into force since 
7 January  2019. We commend Qatar on its successful economic performance over  the past few 
years.  
4.174.   As the Secretariat’s report confirms, the trade policies of Qatar are guided by the rules -based 
multilateral trading system. Qatar grants  most-favored -nation (MFN ) treatment to all its trading 
partners. Since its previous Review (2014), Qatar has made notifications to the WTO in a number of 
areas. In particular, it made 62 regular notifications under Article 7 of the SPS Agreement, and 
192 notifications under Artic le 2.9 of the TBT Agreement. This shows its recognition of the crucial 
importance of transparency. However, we also note that a number of notifications require updating 
or renewal, including those concerning agriculture (domestic support and export subsidi es), import 
licensing procedures, quantitative restrictions, customs valuation, subsidies, state -trading 
enterprises, and GATS.  
4.175.   We encourage Qatar to complete fulfilling its notification obligations and wish Qatar a 
successful Review.  
INDIA  
4.176.   At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on assuming the Chairmanship of the TPRB 
and my delegation would like to pledge our full suppor t to the TPRB work during your Chairmanship. 
My delegation is pleased to participate in the 3rd Trade Policy Review of Qatar. On behalf of India, I 
would like to welcome the delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ahmed A l Kuwari, Minister of 
Commerce and  Industry and the delegation of Qatar to the WTO in  Geneva led by its Ambassador 
and Permanent Representative H.E. Mr Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri and his team for the TPR. We thank 
H.E. the Minister for his comprehensive opening statement, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an of 
Singapore, for his insightful observations as a discussant, and the Secretariat and the Government 
of Qatar for the reports prepared for the Review.  
4.177.   We note from the Secretariat’s report that despite the multiple shocks/set backs  witnessed 
during the review period, Qatar has shown resilience. We are happy to note that Qatar has continued 
to improve its trade and investment environment through enhanced transparency, reforms in the 
areas of foreign investment, IPR protection and anti -money launderi ng measures. We are also 
pleased to note Qatar’s commitment to the multilateral trading system and its active participation 
in WTO activities. We welcome Qatar’s full implementation of the obligations under the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, as well as its regular notifications to the WTO.  
4.178.   India has a long history of friendly relations with Qatar marked by commercial ties and 
extensive people to people contacts. The strong and vibrant Indian community has acted as a 
catalyst for enhanced ties across the spec trum of bilateral relations. There is a growing synergy in 
the hydrocarbon and other sectors. A number of steps have been taken recently to further strengthen 
and expand bilateral relations. These include exchange of high -level visits, cooperation in multi lateral 
institutions and regular political consultations.  
4.179.   India and Qatar enjoy strong economic relations as well. Cooperation in the hydrocarbon 
sector dominates the relationship, with Qatar being the largest supplier of LNG to India. Bilateral 
trade for  the year 2020 has been in the range of US D 9.37 billion. There was a decrease in bilateral 
trade by 13%, compared to 2019, however, we remain optimistic about trade fallowing the positive 
growth trajectory in the current year. In 2020, Qatar’s exports to India was about US D 8.12 billion 
and our exports to Qatar was about US D 1.25 billion.  
4.180.   The volume of bilateral trade has increased in recent years significantly, facilitated by the 
opening of direct shipping lines linking Indian ports with Qatar. Further, liberalization of visa 
regulations, changes introduced to Company Law, labo ur reforms, the new free zone regulations and 
the proposed Permanent Residency scheme for longstanding foreign residents, are some of the 
positive developments that has off ered new impetus and avenues for expanded cooperation between 
the two countries.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 27 - 
 
  4.181.   Following a comprehensive review of bilateral relations by our Prime Minister Modi and the 
Amir of Qatar H.H. Sheikh Tamim in December 2020, a special task force on investment s to facilitate 
investment flows has been set up. Similarly, a special task force on energy has been constituted to 
facilitate investments by Qatar in the energy value -chain in India.  
4.182.   Indian investments in Qatar are expanding. There are over 6000 big and small Indian 
companies operating in Qatar, in the areas of infrastructure, communications, information 
technology, energy, baking and financial services and environmental technologies. Qatari 
investments in India, which is mostly in the realm of Portfolio Investments in India’s stock market 
and estimated at around US D 1.1 billion, is gradually shifting towards more direct investments. In 
this regard, we welcome the interest of Qatari Investment Funds to invest in India’s growing 
economy, infrastructure and consumer markets.  
4.183.   India remains committed to expanding the bilateral cooperation with our friendly partner 
Qatar and in that regard, we welcome the vision envisaged by both Governments to open up new 
avenues for trade and investments, through the bilatera l Joint Working Group on Trade and 
Investments. The interest of the private sectors in both our countries to engage more is also high, 
as seen through the intensified exchange of commercial delegations between the two countries in 
recent years.  
4.184.   Before I c onclude I wish to acknowledge the importance of Qatar at the WTO. India looks 
forward to working closely with them, both bilaterally and at the multilateral fora, including here at 
the WTO. I wish our friends from Qatar a productive and successful TPR.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.185.   Tajikistan is pleased to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of Qatar and would like 
to extend warm welcome to entire delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, 
Minister of Commerce and Industry.  
4.186.   Diplomatic relations betw een the Republic of Tajikistan and the State of Qatar were 
established on 13 December 1994, and , in November 2012 , the Embassy of the State of Qatar 
started functioning in Tajikistan. The Republic of Tajikistan opened its Embassy in the State of Qatar 
in December 2012.  
4.187.   The official visits of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President 
of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon to the State of Qatar on 6-7 May 2007 and 
5-6 February 2017 laid the foundation and considered as an important stages in the bilateral 
relations between the two countries. The legal and treaty basis of the relations between the two 
countries consists of economic, trade, technical, legal, investment and other agreements.  
4.188.   In August 2007 , the Emir of t he State of Qatar,  Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani , paid an 
official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan. Within this visit the both sides agreed to develop and 
deepen mutually beneficial cooperation on various fields.  
4.189.   The State of Qatar is the first Ara b country to invest in Tajikistan with total investment of up 
to USD  300 million for the construction of a residential and commercial complex "Dieri Dushanbe" 
and the largest mosque in Central Asia.  
4.190.   The priority areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and Qatar include , but are not limited 
to construction of hydropower plants and power transmission lines, deep processing of agricultural 
products, raw cotton, mining industry, the creation of joint ventures for the exploration and 
production of minerals, tour ism, etc. 
4.191.   We appreciate the efforts of Qatar and the Secretariat in producing the reports circulated 
well ahead of the meeting and the discussant, Ambassador of Singapore H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an 
for his comments. The Reports provide comprehensive details on the devel opments of the Qatar’s 
economic and trade policy since its previous Review.  
4.192.   The Republic of Tajikistan commends the State of Qatar for all that it has since achieved. 
Important steps have been taken to integrate its economy into the global trading system.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 28 - 
 
  4.193.   We welcome the efforts of Qatar particularly the national programmes that remain the 
fundamental policy framework for the country's strategic socioeconomic and human development, 
including Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar Second National Development S trategy 2018 –2022. 
Construction of infrastructure for the staging of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was a major economic 
stimulus.  
4.194.   My delegation acknowledges the measures taken by Government of Qatar towards economic 
and trade policies to maintain a generally ope n trade regime. Since 2014, GDP growth was mainly 
sustained by non -mining and quarrying activities with an average quarterly rate of 4.1% whilst 
mining and quarrying activities contracted at a 1.1% rate during the same period. Per capita GDP 
amounted to US D 62,800 in 2019.  
4.195.   Qatar is actively engaged in WTO activities and is strongly committed to the multilateral 
trading system. In 2016, it deposited its instrument of acceptance of the 2005 Protocol Amending 
the TRIPS Agreement, and in June 2017 it ratified t he TFA.  
4.196.   To conclude , the Republic of Tajikistan commends the hard work and strong commitment 
and wishes Qatar a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF BAHRAIN  ON BEHALF  OF THE GCC  GROUP  
4.197.   We are delighted to participate in the third Trade Policy Review of the State of Qatar, and 
would like to warmly welcome H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry 
and H.E. Mr. Ali Al -Mansoori, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN, WTO 
and other Internat ional Organizations in Geneva.  
4.198.   We would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in preparing the detailed 
report.  
4.199.   We are delighted to see all the positive transformations and economic growth mentioned in 
both reports. This , of course , comes after the global economy  has faced many challenges during the 
review period, to which the State of Qatar has commendably responded by implementing significant 
changes and placing trade policy at the centre of its overall policy response.  
4.200.   We are pleased that the report shows the various efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar, 
under its National Vision 2030 and Second National Development Strategy initiatives, in advancing 
the country's economic development and diversification agenda – including, among other things, 
through notable efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and gas.  
4.201.   Furthermore, it is worth commending the significant changes taken with regards to the State 
of Qatar’s labour and immigration laws which have greatly impro ved the conditions  of expat workers 
in Qatar.  
4.202.   Looking forward, we view great interest and opportunity in investment in the State of Qatar 
and its potential for attracting foreign direct investment to our region. As the report shows, the State 
of Qatar und ertook significant measures to attract foreign investment during the review period, 
including through the expansion of its foreign investment regime to enhance foreign participation 
and bring transparency and predictability to its existing procedures, as w ell as through the 
establishment of the government's main foreign investment promotion agency – the IPA.  
4.203.   I cannot conclude this statement without highlighting the State of Qatar’s role as a long 
standing and strong supporter of the WTO and the multilatera l trading system. During the period 
under review, the State of Qatar deepened its active participation at the WTO on many fronts 
including discussion groups, negotiations and dispute settlement – thereby attesting to its full 
support and belief in the effe ctiveness of an open and rules -based multilateral trading system in 
contributing to global economic development and prosperity.  
4.204.   Finally, we would like to wish the State of Qatar every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 29 - 
 
  NEPAL  
4.205.   Thank you Chair for giving me the floor. First, my delegation would like to welcome the 
delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, 
and appreciate him for the comprehensive opening remarks.  
4.206.   My delegation thanks H.E.  Mr. Hung Seng T an, Ambassador/PR of Singapore for his insightful 
remarks as a discussant.  
4.207.   Let me congratulate the Government of Qatar for its comprehensive report and commend 
the Secretariat for the detailed report of the Trade Policy Review of Qatar.  
4.208.   We appreciate Qatar’s continuous commitment to rule -based, just and predictable 
multilateral trading system and its contribution.  
4.209.   Expeditious efforts of implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, various 
notifications under different agreements of  the WTO, and other initiatives indicate such commitment 
and contribution.  
4.210.   While going through the reports, it is evident that Qatar has taken wide range initiatives to 
improve its trade and investment regime.  
4.211.   Amendment to legislation on free zones, fore ign direct investment, intellectual property 
rights, anti -money laundering, incentive schemes and income tax, adoption of public -private 
partnership law, increasing transparency through launch of e -government and e -commerce portal, 
restructuring the minist ries and agencies related to trade and investment, and opening trade offices 
in the capital cities of key trading partners, among others are highly commendable.  
4.212.   Qatar National Vision 2030 seems to become a fundamental policy framework for the 
country's st rategic socioeconomic and human development which provides guiding principles for all 
policy initiatives, including trade and economic diversification in the coming decade.  
4.213.   My delegation is pleased to mention  that Qatar’s per capita GDP amounted to USD 62 ,800 
in 2019 which is a remarkable progress in economic development of the country.  
4.214.   A huge number of foreign workers constituting approximately 95% of the economically active 
population in the country is also an important aspect to note where Nepali worke rs have contributed 
at a significant level.  
4.215.   Passing through three economic shocks including the COVID -19 pandemic during the review 
period was not easy for Qatar, but it handled the situation effectively and took initiatives towards 
more diversified econo mies in future with several mitigation measures as reflected in the reports.  
4.216.   Nepal sincerely appreciates the massive reforms carried out in the area of workers’ rights 
and working environment through legislative and institutional reforms, supportive progr ams and 
others including protection of migrant workers.  
4.217.   The monitoring mechanism, establishment of Qatar Visa Centres, awareness of workers’ 
rights through different means, collaboration with the countries of origin, launching of the Best 
Communication In itiative, occupational safety and health, compensation for work -related injuries, 
health care and decent housing, and workers' welfare programme, among others are some notable 
reforms.  
4.218.   Nepali migrant workers have hugely benefitted from these reforms.  
4.219.   Nepal  and the State of Qatar have been enjoying cordial relations since the establishment of 
diplomatic relation in 1977.  
4.220.   Our bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, respect, goodwill, friendship, understanding 
and cooperation.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 30 - 
 
  4.221.   Exchanges of high -level vi sits from both sides including a visit of Nepal’s President in Qatar 
and a visit by Qatar’s Minister for labour and social affairs in Nepal have further contributed to 
deepening our economic and cultural ties.  
4.222.   Nepal and the State of Qatar have modest leve l of bilateral trade. The 2015 earthquakes in 
Nepal contracted the ongoing trade relations. However, trade is gaining momentum back in the 
recent years.  
4.223.   Nepal’s major export items to Qatar include carpets, footwears, spices, W&G cotton jacket; 
garlic; green tea; cotton sacks and bags; yarn and man -made staple fibers; vegetables; and coffee; 
whereas Nepal imports polyethylene ; gold and jewellery of gold, including parts; colour radio 
broadcast receivers; unwrought; blankets and travelling rugs; copper and articles thereof; electrical 
machinery and equipment and parts thereof; iron and steel from Qatar.  
4.224.   People to people relati ons have grown steadily after the arrival of Nepali workers in Qatar. 
Qatar has been one of the popular destinations among Nepali migrant workers over the past two 
decades.  
4.225.   Various bilateral mechanisms such as Agreement on Economic, Commercial and Technic al 
Cooperation, Bilateral Air Service Agreement, MoU on Tourism Cooperation, Agreement on 
Avoidance of Double Taxation, and opening an office by Qatar’s bank in Nepal, among others have 
further contributed to enhancing our relation and harness mutual benef its.  
4.226.   Nepal has been one of the nearest and affordable tourism destinations not only for Qataris 
but also for the large expatriate community residing in Qatar.  
4.227.   Qatar is the first country to sign a labour agreement with Nepal with a view to protecting 
and promoting the interests of the Nepali workers in the State of Qatar and regulating the supply of 
Nepali human resources to Qatar.  
4.228.   Despite coming from a different social, geographical and religious as well as cultural 
environment, Nepalis have been welcomed  by the Qatari people very much due to their dedication 
to work, loyalty, sincerity and integrity.  
4.229.   Nepali community is one of the largest communities in Qatar.  
4.230.   Both the countries have huge possibility of enhancing economic relation through partnership 
mainly in production of organic agriculture products in Nepal and bringing to the Qatari market, 
investment in manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal, among others for 
mutual economic benefits.  
4.231.   My delegation wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review of State of Qatar.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.232.   The Kyrgyz Republic welcomes the delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al 
Kuwari . We thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Qatar for preparing such 
comprehensive and detailed trade policy review reports. We would also like to thank the discussant, 
H.E. Mr. Hung Seng T an (Singapore) for the insightful comments.  
4.233.   Since the beginning of its membership to the WTO Qatar has demonstrated the highest 
dedication to the WTO rules and as it ha s been said at the last TPR of 2014 has convincingly shown 
its commitment to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO 
continuously.  
4.234.   Among many other successful steps on the WTO platform are acceptance of Trade Facilit ation 
Agreement and Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement. Qatar is also the member of the 
Information Technology Agreement.  
4.235.   Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the State 
of Qatar on 3 March 1998, the two States have carried out and developed political and economic WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 31 - 
 
  dialogue through diplomatic missions in the cities of Bishkek and Doha. The parties exchanged 
delegations of various levels, meetings of officials were held within the framework of participation in 
multilateral cooperation through the organizations such as the WTO, the United Nations, the 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, international conferences, etc.  
4.236.   In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cooperation between our countries. 
The cy cle of the visits of the high officials in different spheres laid to the foundation of fruitful and 
mutually beneficial cooperation.  
4.237.   In 2016, the Joint Kyrgyz -Qatari Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and 
Technical Cooperation was established.  The first meeting of the intergovernmental commission was 
held on  14 March 2017 in Doha, during which the parties discussed the volumes of trade and 
investment, stressed the importance of expanding trade and economic relations between the two 
countries. T he parties also highlighted the need to intensify and develop investment cooperation, 
the implementation of regular meetings between representatives of the private sector in both 
countries, as well as the exchange of delegations of entrepreneurs and the or ganization of trade and 
exhibition fairs. An agreement was reached to continue cooperation in the field of investment and 
to encourage the exchange of existing investment opportunities and related information to study 
their profitability. As results of the  first meeting of the Commission, a Protocol was signed, which 
enshrined agreements on the development of cooperation in the spheres of trade and economy, 
investment, agriculture, healthcare, transport, education and culture.  
4.238.   A significant event in efforts  to further expand Kyrgyz -Qatari trade -economic and investment 
relations was the Trade and Economic Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to Doha in April 2017. As a 
result, agreements on the supply of honey, dried fruits and water were concluded, as well as on t he 
research of the prospect of exporting meat products by the Kyrgyz Republic.  
4.239.   Confirming its commitment to the development of trade and economic cooperation with the 
State of Qatar, the Kyrgyz Republic expresses its readiness to hold the second meeting o f the 
intergovernmental Kyrgyz -Qatari Commission on economic, Trade and technical cooperation in the 
second half of 2021.  
4.240.   Our countries have established beneficial mutual trade. The dynamics of trade turnover from 
2017 to 2019 demonstrates the positive ten dency.  
4.241.   Kyrgyzstan's exports from Qatar rose by 48% for the period between 2017 and 2019.  
4.242.   Exports from Kyrgyzstan to Qatar today consist of dried fruits, bean, honey, nuts, woods, 
paintings and others.  
4.243.   The Kyrgyz Republic expresses interest in increasing the export of agricultural products to 
Qatar.  
4.244.   In terms of services, it is worth to note that tourism has the potential to increase its share 
of trade in services.  
4.245.   The Kyrgyz Republic is interested on further fruitful economic cooperation and dee pening 
trade -economic relations with Qatar.  
4.246.   The Kyrgyz Republic wishes a successful third Trade Policy Review to Qatar.  
HONDURAS  
4.247.   We should like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Madam Chair. Please be assured 
of our support and we wish you every success. On behalf of the Republic of Honduras, we welcome 
and congratulate the authorities of the State of Qatar on the occasion of its third Trade Policy Review.  
4.248.   We extend a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation, led by Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al 
Kuwari, Minister of Industry and Trade, and extend our greetings to our colleagues from the 
Permanent Mission of Qatar to the WTO in Geneva.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 32 - 
 
  4.249.   We should like to thank the discussant for the informative analysis, the WTO Secretariat, for 
the quality of the rep ort content, and to the authorities of Qatar for their document presenting their 
policies.  
4.250.   With regard to our bilateral relations, in 2014, the Permanent Representative of Honduras 
to the United Nations (UN) and his counterpart from Qatar, signed a joint c ommuniqué in New York 
on the establishment of diplomatic relations and shared the desire to support one another in efforts 
to address the challenge of climate change and to step up cooperation and investment, particularly 
in respect of energy and the envir onment, among other matters.  
4.251.   With regard to the examined reports, we note that, since the last Trade Policy Review, Qatar 
has continued to take important steps to increase its participation in the multilateral trading system, 
while honouring its WTO obliga tions and commitments.  
4.252.   On examining the reports, we note that Qatar's economy continued to diversify and reduce 
its dependence on gas and oil, and the share of non -mining and quarrying activities rose from 44% 
of GDP in the first quarter of 2014 to 66% in the first quarter of 2020. We also note that per capita 
GDP amounted to USD 62,800 in 2019.  
4.253.   We appreciate that Qatar has undertaken a series of reforms to improve business 
regulations, which, according to the World Bank's report, Doing Business 2020, made it one of the 
top 20 drivers of improvements in the global business environment.  
4.254.   In addition, Qatar has the world's third largest natural gas reserve and ranked 30th out of 
180 economies in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), and 66th out of 190 econom ies in the 
United Nations E -Government Survey.  
4.255.   The reports also indicates that, in 2019, Qatar ranked 65th out of 129 economies in the Global 
Innovation Index (GII), and highlights the collaboration in the field of research between universities 
and industr y, imports of ICT services, software spending, and the manufacture of medium and 
high-technology products, among others.  
4.256.   According to the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, in 
2019, Qatar ranked 51st out of 140 countries and occupied second place among the economies of 
the Middle East. It also points to business events, including meetings, incentives, congresses and 
exhibitions, as one of the tourism industry's most important subsectors.  
4.257.   Lastly, our country congratulates Qatar  on its significant achievements and efforts during 
the review period and wishes it every success.  
TUNISI A 
4.258.   Congratulations on your recent appointment as Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body. We 
wish you every success in chairing this Body that is of consi derable importance to the WTO. You 
make our continent proud, dear sister.  
4.259.   Allow me also to congratulate H.E. Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Trade and Industry 
of Qatar and the delegation accompanying him from Doha to Geneva, for providing an overv iew and 
analysis offering a precise picture of the country's economic and trade policy situation.  
4.260.   I should also like to congratulate the Secretariat for the comprehensive report it has 
submitted for this Review. We would like to thank the discussant, Ambas sador of Singapore, Tan 
Hung Seng, for his insightful remarks.  
4.261.   My delegation wishes to commend Qatar for its considerable efforts to pursue its policy of 
economic and trade liberalization by further opening up its economy, simplifying foreign trade 
procedu res, creating an environment conducive to investment development and expanding and 
diversifying its trade and economic relations with its main partners.  
4.262.   Since its last Trade Policy Review, Qatar has continued its significant economic, human and 
social tran sformations. By investing in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), of which it is now the leading WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 33 - 
 
  exporter, the country has made use of its wealth of hydrocarbon reserves and has developed world -
class infrastructure (ports, airports, road network) and efficient sup porting structures, thereby 
responding to the needs of foreign companies wishing to set up in Qatar and encouraging local and 
international investment.  
4.263.   Furthermore, by relying on a modern and efficient banking system and deploying its strong 
financial reserves, the Government of Qatar has successfully shored up economic activity and coped 
with crises and declining oil profitability. The authorities of Qatar have effectively seized 
opportunities to reform the economy, accelerate independence an d increase the country's 
attractiveness. The Government has also continued to invest enough to achieve the ambitious 
targets set by virtue of its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in its Qatar National Vision 2030, 
which seeks to diversify the income  sources of Qatar’s economy.  
4.264.   The ties between Tunisia and Qatar are an example of successful and developed bilateral 
relations. Qatar thus maintains its position as one of the most important investors in Tunisia and is 
involved in economic and social devel opment projects.  
4.265.   Tunisia attaches great importance to the development of secular cooperation relations 
between our countries and our high -level of coordination reflects our firm determination to 
strengthen and consolidate this cooperation in all areas.  
4.266.   Finally, I would like to congratulate H.E. Ali Khalfan Al  Mansouri, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, and other International Organizations in Geneva, as 
well as his team for their commitment to the WTO and their support for a fair and efficient multilateral 
trading system.  
4.267.   We would therefore like to support Qatar's efforts and wish it every success with its Trade 
Policy Review  
BOLIVARIAN  REPUBLIC  OF VENEZUELA  
4.268.   The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes t o extend warm greetings to 
the delegation of the State of Qatar, headed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ali bin Ahmed 
Al Kuwari, and to thank the discussant, Ambassador of Singapore, Mr Tan Hung Seng, for the 
analysis setting the context for us  and the Secretariat for the organization and documentation.  
4.269.   We should like to begin by highlighting the ties of fraternity and trade cooperation that unite 
us with the State of Qatar. It should be noted that our two countries have bilateral cooperation 
relations in the areas of agriculture and technology that aim to strengthen the country's production 
chains in crops, such as maize, wheat, sugar cane, pulses, coffee, cocoa and rice. We have also 
developed legal and academic partnerships through knowledge -sharing in legal and educational 
skills.  
4.270.   As regards the report by the WTO Secretariat for the third Trade Policy Review of the State 
of Qatar covering the period 2014 -2020, we note many positive points that demonstrate its 
commitment to fulfilling its WTO obl igations by implementing best practices in all areas of 
international trade management.  
4.271.   Despite the three difficulties experienced by the country, including the decline in natural gas 
prices in 2014, the diplomatic conflict in 2017 and the current consequences of COVID -19, Qatar 
continues to promote transparency in trade and has implemented m ore trade facilitation measures, 
including the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2017 and the new investment law.  
4.272.   We wish the State of Qatar a successful Trade Policy Review, and should like to conclude our 
statement by reaffirming our ti es, as well as the shared commitment to the establishment of a 
strong, solidarity -based, fair and predictable multilateral trading system based on common and 
transparent rules.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 34 - 
 
  PAKISTAN  
4.273.   Pakistan warmly welcomes the delegation of Qatar, led by His Excelle ncy Mr. Ali bin Ahmed 
Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, at this Trade Policy Review.  
4.274.   We would also like to extend our gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Hung Seng T an, Ambassador 
of Singapore, for his introduction and analysis, as discussant. We a lso appreciate the Secretariat for 
their professional work undertaken for this Review.  
4.275.   The Islamic Republic of Pakistan commends the State of Qatar for its various policies and 
initiatives during the review period in the context of diversification of Qatar ’s economy, expansion 
of Qatar's trade markets and routes, implementation of trade facilitation measures, and continuing 
to complement the multilateral trading system through regional and bilateral cooperation 
agreements, amongst other initiatives. Qatar’s  full compliance with its obligations under the TFA is 
also praiseworthy. We also note the formulation of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), which 
provides fundamental policy framework for the country's trade and strategic socioeconomic and 
human devel opment and sets Qatar's long -term human, social and economic development goals. 
Pakistan also appreciates the commitment shown by Qatar to contribute to climate conservation 
through the ratification of the 2015 Paris Agreement, and its several other commit ments towards 
reducing the world's carbon footprint.  
4.276.   Pakistan places considerable importance on its relations with Qatar, which are based on 
bilateral friendship and strong foundations of common faith and culture. Both countries are 
cooperating on multiple fronts, including defence, food, and agriculture, amongst other industries. 
These ties can be strengthened through enhanced bilateral economic cooperation.  
4.277.   Around 150000 Pakistani nationals are working in Qatar in various fields. Their remittances  
are a major contribution and a source of revenue for Pakistan’s economy. Pakistan welcomes and 
appreciates the plans of the Government of Qatar of increasing employment opportunities for 
Pakistani workers, from the current number of 150000 to 300000; bene fitting from the FIFA World 
Cup scheduled to be held in Qatar in 2022. Pakistan also appreciates various efforts made by Qatar 
to protect expatriate workers from forced labour and establishment of Qatar Visa Centres (QVC) for 
facilitating visa procedures.  
4.278.   Qatar is one of the major trade partners of Pakistan and the bilateral trade volume is 
approximately USD 1.8 billion for the year 2019 -20. 
4.279.   Pakistan’s exports of USD 138 million to Qatar are concentrated in the agriculture sector, 
which accounts for 56% of Pakistan’s total exports to Qatar. Articles of apparel are the second largest 
in terms of volume, accounting for 12.8% of the total exports to Qatar.  
4.280.   Pakistan’s imports of USD 1.68 billion from Qatar mostly consist of mineral products, with 
89% share follo wed by plastics with 8% share of total imports from Qatar.  
4.281.   Volume of bilateral trade in services between Pakistan and Qatar is US D 282.68 million 
(2017 -18). Exports of services amount to USD 85.79 million, while imports amount to 
USD 196.89  million. Pakist an’s top exports of services to Qatar are transportation services, followed 
by government services and telecommunication services. Likewise, Pakistan’s top services import 
from Qatar includes transportation, telecommunication services and government servic es. 
4.282.   There is an environment of mutual trade and investment cooperation between both 
countries. High -level delegations have met frequently and developed plans to expand this bilateral 
cooperation. The 5th session of Pak -Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission wa s held in November 2019 
at Doha. Pakistan and Qatar also signed an MoU dated 22nd June 2019, establishing Pak -Qatar Joint 
Working Group on Trade and Investment. This is complemented by greater interaction between the 
private and business sectors of both co untries. The inaugural meeting of the Qatar -Pakistan Joint 
Business Council was held on 14th August 2017, between the relevant Chambers of Commerce and 
Industry of both countries. Pakistan and Qatar also held their first Business Conference in Islamabad 
in July 2018 and Pakistan actively participated in the International Product Exhibition and Conference 
(IPEC), organized by Qatar in the same year. We look forward to maintaining the excellent and 
cordial bilateral relations with the State of Qatar.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 35 - 
 
  4.283.   Pakistan  also wishes to appreciate the State of Qatar for their contribution and constructive 
engagement at the WTO through their Permanent Mission. Pakistan and Qatar have worked together 
on many initiatives and look forward to continuing the collective support f or the multilateral system.  
4.284.   In conclusion, we thank His Excellency, the Ambassador of Qatar, Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, 
for his leadership and for the continued support and cooperation here in Geneva. We wish the State 
of Qatar a successful TPR.  
MAURITIUS  
4.285.   Chair, w e are delighted to see you presiding over the Trade Policy Review of Qatar. We 
assure you of our full support.  
4.286.   We warmly welcome the high -level delegation of Qatar led by H. E. Mr. Ahmad Al Kuwari, 
Minister of Commerce and Industry.  
4.287.   We congratulate Qatar for pursuing its third Trade Policy despite the challenges of the 
pandemic.  
4.288.   We also thank the Secretariat for its report and H. E. Mr. Han Hung Seng, Ambassador of 
Singapore for the insightful perspectives he presented as discussant.  
4.289.   For those of us Chair, who were privileged to visit Doha, we know what an impressive country 
Qatar is. The conclusion of the Doha Development Round remains a highlight of the multilateral 
trading system even if we still need to complete the tasks we assigned ourselves in Doha. We remain 
confident that we will do so.  
4.290.   We commend the Qatar authorities for pursuing the implementation of the Qatar National 
Vision 2030. We acknowledge that this remains the country’s fundamental policy framework for 
strategic socio economic  and hu man development. We also commend Qatar for its efforts on 
environmental issues.  
4.291.   It is true that when we think Qatar, we think LPG of which Qatar is one of the highest, if not 
the highest world exporter. We note however that Qatar is pursuing its vision 203 0 and has continued 
diversification of the economy through a transparent investment regime.  
4.292.   While the pandemic has presented huge challenges to many countries in attracting foreign 
investment, Qatar has been able to review its investment regime so as to ma ke it more attractive 
across all sectors including the measures relating to the special economic zones.  
4.293.   This has not been easy no doubt, but the COVID -19 pandemic has also shown us that clear 
policies and guidelines are important to address socio economic  setbacks.  
4.294.   We are further pleased to note that Qatar has developed its Second National Development 
Strategy 2018 -2022 whose objectives are aligned with the SDG goals.  
4.295.   Furthermore, as many tourist destinations are facing unprecedented challenges due to 
various measures put in place to deal with the pandemic, Qatar has, in fact, seen an increase in the 
number of visitors and it is even expected that the contribution of tourism will be around 7.9% of 
GDP by 2025.  
4.296.   We commend Qatar for its pro -active involve ment in and commitment to the multilateral 
trading system, including the WTO. For instance, Qatar’s participation in joint statement initiatives 
at the WTO, in particular in the Structured Discussion on Investment Facilitation, is highly valued. 
We recogni ze here the Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri.  
4.297.   Mauritius and Qatar have always held good bilateral relations and we look forward to 
consolidating these through the African Continental Free Trade Area which has become operational 
since 1 st January of this year. We feel that a lot of opportunities will open up for Qatar to develop 
its trade ties with Africa. We look forward to working with them in that direction.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 36 - 
 
  4.298.   Before concluding, I wish Qatar all the best for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We are confident 
that once again we are going to experience a great event that will help boost our morale as we 
struggle out of the pandemic.  
4.299.   I wish the delegation of Qatar a successful Review.  
JORDAN  
4.300.   First, we fully associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia on behalf of the Arab Group. Jordan would like to join other delegations in welcoming 
H.E Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry and his distinguished 
delegation, and to congratulate them for  participation in this important exercise , as well as for the 
efforts of preparing Qatar’s report despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic.  
4.301.   We would like to thank the Secretariat for providing a comprehensive picture of the main 
developments in the Qatar’s economy and trade regime for the period under review. Our appreciation 
is also extended to the discussant, H.E Ambassador of Singapore, for his insightful and thorough 
remarks.  
4.302.   Qatar’s past Trade Policy Review is vital for understanding the progre ss under the current 
review. We’ve noticed that Qatar has made remarkable and commendable progress in its efforts to 
drive the economy to a comprehensive and sustainable development themes in the year of 2030.  
4.303.   Diversification of the economy and trade, digi tal transformation, are the main pillars in the 
National Development Strategy 2018 –2022 as part of Qatar’s efforts to support the 2030 Vision that 
advanc es the sustainable development in the country. Qatar’s efforts in the implementation of its 
commitments  under “Paris Agreement” is a cognizant of the growing national imperative to address 
environmental challenges.  
4.304.   Qatar has been embracing fundamental areas for successful trade and knowledge -based 
economy. The institutional and legal framework covers trans parency procedures to enhance the 
economic activities competitiveness, these areas cover, but not limited to, IP protection, ensure 
better market competition, enhancement of e -commerce security under e-commerce guidelines 
published in 2018, investments sus tainability measures, and export promotion and readiness under 
“Tasdeer” support program.  
4.305.   As a result, Qatar has witnessed an impressive economic performance over the period under 
review in quantitative indicators of progress and shown resilience, as well  as still ranked in high 
positions in different global competitiveness reports.  
4.306.   We acknowledge Qatar’s endeavours  to support the multilateral trading system to tackle the 
pandemic impacts on the global trade , as well as its efforts to amend the legal framework that 
governs cross border trade to comply with the national commitments to the provisions of the WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agreement. Jordan also welcomes Qatar’s participation in several initiatives with 
WTO Members to enhance digital trade, increase MSMEs competitiveness and reduce burden on 
services domestic regulations and investment related procedures.  
4.307.   On the bilateral side, the brotherly and historical relations that Jordan and Qatar enjoy are 
a symbol of a successful and fruitful partnership . Trade between Qatar and Jordan has witnessed a 
remarkable growth, as both countries acknowledge that trade is one of the main means of 
development and to cope with the potentials available in both countries.  
4.308.   To co nclude, Jordan commends Qatar on its achievements and on the relatively open trade 
and investment regime that reflects Qatar’s support to the multilateral trading system.  
4.309.   We wish them a very successful and constructive Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 37 - 
 
  CHAD  
4.310.   Madam Chair, we congr atulate you on your appointment as Chair of the Trade Policy Review 
Body of the WTO. You can count on the support of Chad and the least developed countries (LDCs) 
group to accomplish your mission . 
4.311.   Chad welcomes the delegation of Qatar led by the Minister o f Trade and Industry, and 
expresses its solidarity and congratulations on the occasion of Qatar’s third Trade Policy Review at 
the WTO. We also take the opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Tan Hung Seng, for his analytical 
work as discussant, and the WT O Secretariat for preparing its report. My delegation thanks and 
congratulates the Permanent Representative of Qatar in Geneva and his whole team for its very 
constructive role in preserving and consolidating the multilateral trading system . 
4.312.   Chad highly ap preciates Qatar's commitment to supporting the efforts of the most vulnerable 
countries, to foster their development and integration into world trade in compliance with multilateral 
trade rules . 
4.313.   Chad's level of exports to Qatar is encouraging and is expect ed to be further stepped up to 
the benefit of both countries. Progress remains to be made so that we can export more to Qatar on 
the basis of the preference utilization rate. Qatar is an important partner with which Chad wishes to 
further strengthen its mu lti-faceted relations, particularly as regards trade. Chad appreciates Qatar's 
support for aid for trade, among other initiatives . 
4.314.   Chad welcomes Qatar's vision of multilateral trade rules and its determination to meet 
notification requirements . 
4.315.   We also commend Qatar's strategy for diversifying its economy, making it less dependent 
on oil resources and strengthening the private sector. The construction of infrastructure, including 
infrastructure for staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup, provided a majo r economic stimulus . 
4.316.   Chad welcomes Qatar's considerable efforts  to significantly boost trade and the multilateral 
trading system. My delegation encourages Qatar to continue its efforts and wishes Qatar every 
success with its Trade Policy Review . 
CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.317.   Now, Madam Chair, in our capacity as coordinator of the LDC Group, we should like to thank 
Qatar for the assistance provided to LDCs, to improve their integration into world trade.  
4.318.   We welcome Qatar's response to the COVID -19 pandemi c that has included temporary duty 
exemptions on food and medical products.  
4.319.   It may also be observed from Qatar's extensive and useful report that Qatar applies the Gulf 
Cooperation Council's common external tariff. Almost all tariff lines are subject to ad valorem  duties. 
For the majority of lines, the duty is 5% (87.5% of all tariff lines).  
4.320.   LDCs attach paramount importance to full implementation of WTO decisions relating to duty 
free, quota free market access for LDCs. LDCs are States with significant stru ctural constraints.  
4.321.   From this perspective, we would like to know whether Qatar intends to establish market 
access preferences in its trade policies for products from LDCs? Does Qatar plan to grant preferences 
to LCDs?  
4.322.   The LDC Group is also interested in Qa tar's quite considerable experience as regards its 
electronic commerce (e -commerce) regime. The LDC Group remains open to further bilateral 
discussions with Qatar.  
KINGDOM  OF MOROCCO  
4.323.   Chair, t hank you for your leadership and congratulations for the assumpti on of the 
presidency of this august Committee. At the outset, allow me to extend a very warm welcome to WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 38 - 
 
  the high -level delegation of Qatar , headed by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry. We commend the extraordinary efforts and dedication of H.E. Ambassador Al  Mansouri 
in ensuring a successful Review. The Moroccan delegation wishes to thank both the Government of 
Qatar and the Secretariat for their comprehensive reports. We also thank H.E. Ambassador Tan 
Hung Seng from Singap ore for the relevant comments.  
4.324.   Qatar has mentioned its distinguished economic growth in the past few years, top ping the 
list of the highest developing countries in the world and , despite the global financial crisis that 
negatively affected most of the countries in the world, Qatar was able to develop strategic plans to 
exploit the natural re source s and integrate a development program in the oil, gas and petrol chemical 
industry an d its ga s-to-liquid conversion.  
4.325.   We are delighted to see that Qatar has succeeded in diversifying its economy considerably , 
by launching huge infrastructure development projects .  
4.326.   The Kingdom of Morocco would like to congratulate Qatar for its National Visi on 2030 and 
encourage it to continue its efforts to achieve the objectives contained in its 14th human, social, 
economic and environmental development. We also would express our support to the choice made 
by Qatar to align the Qatar National Vision 2030 wi th the goal s and target s contained in the UN 2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
4.327.   Morocco would like to underscore the importance of the law on public -private partnership , 
which entered into force in 2020 , aiming particularly to increase private  sector  participation in the 
econom y and promote competition.  
4.328.   My delegation wishes to praise Qatar for its ambitious Second National Development 
Strategy 2018 –2022, and welcomes the continued efforts made to further diversify the Qatar 
economy , promoting a large  private sector and achieving sustainable economic development for the 
direct benefit of its population. We highly  appreciate the amendments of Qatar’s investments regime 
to make it more attractive across all sectors, the efforts to improve the labour condition and law s. 
4.329.   We also acknowledge Qatar’s structural reform in different sectors, such as foreign direct 
investment, intellectual property rights, protection, anti-money laundering , taxes, free economic 
zones, partnership between public and pr ivate sector, competition, finance, e -commerce, and 
tourism.  
4.330.   Before concluding , and taking into account the excellent  relationship  between Morocco and 
Qatar, Morocco is looking forward to enhancing  the economic relationship between our two countries.  
4.331.   We wi sh Qatar a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
PANAM A 
4.332.   First of all, I wish to pay tribute to H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Trade and 
Industry of Qatar, and H.E. Ali Khalfan Al  Mansouri, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Qatar 
and the ent ire delegation of Qatar for their outstanding preparatory work. I would also like to 
welcome Ambassador Tan Hung Seng, discussant for this third Review, and thank the Secretariat 
for preparing the reports.  
4.333.   Panama places special emphasis on relations with Q atar. Under the bilateral agenda, we 
have important agreements in areas of common interest, which have grown tremendously over the 
past few years. We currently have agreements on investment promotion and protection, tax matters, 
cooperation and air service s. 
4.334.   We welcome Qatar's participation in WTO activities and its strong commitment to the 
multilateral trading system, including by depositing its instrument of acceptance of the 2005 Protocol 
Amending the TRIPS Agreement and by implementing all its commitments through its ratification of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 39 - 
 
  4.335.   We recognize Qatar's efforts to boost non -hydrocarbon exports through its export 
development agency and its continued interest in stepping up domestic and foreign investment by 
modernizing  its legal framework.  
4.336.   We also note that the Qatar Development Bank offers a wide range of support to Qatar's 
small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) and start -ups, including credit guarantees, export 
financing, export insurance, direct loans and legal ad visory services. This will give Qatar's small 
economies better access to external markets and improve their integration into the international 
economy.  
4.337.   We would like to stress the importance of Members submitting timely notifications to the 
WTO. In the cas e of Qatar, we hope that it will soon update notifications in agriculture, import 
licensing, subsidies, state -trading enterprises and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA).  
4.338.   The most recent event to have global repercussions, the COVID -19 pandemic, has als o 
affected Qatar. In response, the country implemented a series of trade measures over a nine -month 
period in 2020. The authorities also included a stimulus package for the private sector. We thank 
Qatar for the trade -related information concerning COVID -19, listing trade measures taken in 
response to the crisis.  
4.339.   We remain attentive to the development of the discussion during this Review and I reiterate 
that Panama stands ready and willing to strengthen our cooperation with  Qatar, with a view to 
promoting trade and investment between our countries. We wish Qatar every success in this third 
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 40 - 
 
  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF QATAR  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Good morning , distinguished colleagues . Let me first begin by thanking the Trade Policy Review 
Body and its Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme , for their work in bringing Qatar's 
third TPR to a successful closure. Her leadership has allowed us to have a frank and open dialogue 
on Qatar's trade  policies and, more generally, the key issues surrounding the multilateral trading 
system. We also appreciate the valuable and insightful comments from our esteemed discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Tan Hung Seng. Last,  and last,  but certainly not least, we woul d like to take the 
time to recognize the important work done by the World Trade Organization Secretariat to ensure a 
fruitful outcome for everyone involved despite the very real limitations that the COVID -19 pandemic 
continues to impose on all of us.  
5.2.  Being  a small open economy that relies strategically on trade, Qatar deeply values the 
instrumental role that the WTO plays in the structure and workings of the multilateral trading system. 
As such, we welcome any transparent discussion with Members about our t rade policy regime. Qatar 
views the WTO as one of the key pillars of engagement across the globe, something that, by itself, 
should motivate us all to continue to work together to preserve it as one of the core institutions of 
the world's international lan dscape.  
5.3.  To be perfectly transparent: being a small country creates challenges – this is undeniable – but 
it is also a blessing. Indeed, Qatar is in a unique position to mobilize resources to meet unexpected 
challenges much quicker and efficiently than mos t other bigger economies due, in part, to the role 
that trade plays in our economy. The Government's efforts during the challenges of 2017 and the 
COVID -19 pandemic are prime examples of this. A continued and committed engagement at the 
WTO will invariably  support economic and social stability at home and, consistent with this, Qatar 
will continue to view trade policy as one of the keys to its economic development agenda.  
5.4.  As of today, we received over 300 questions, including those submitted to us on Monday . We 
submitted answers to all the initial questions and will be submitting answers to the follow -up 
questions in the next few days. We certainly encourage all delegations to review our answers as we 
will be happy to respond to all follow -up questions.  
5.5.  I would like to address some of the themes that were raised by the Members. To begin with, 
we were asked on the economic impact of the pandemic. As the pandemic is still ongoing, albeit with 
signs of progress through vaccination campaigns, we are yet to determ ine the final impact that it 
has had on our economy. Preliminary estimates for 2020 show that exports contracted by 29.4% 
whilst imports did the same by 11.5%. During this time, Gross Domestic Product contracted by 
0.04%, 6.1% and 4.5% in the first three -quarters, respectively. Early indications suggest that the 
recovery has continued since the end of 2020.  
5.6.  Several Members raised questions regarding the role of trade policy in our economic 
development objectives as well as the scope of our trade policy. Qat ar is indeed interested in forging 
trade relationships with any country as long as these do not breach international law and are 
mutually beneficial regardless of the origin and destination of the merchandise. For our part, doing 
so will deepen our strateg ic reserves, particularly in foodstuffs, and provide our consumers with 
greater choice and value.  
5.7.  Qatar has also continued to develop its trade -related institutions and capabilities. It established 
an investment promotion agency, called IPA Qatar, to stre amline the Government's efforts to 
promote foreign investment in Qatar whilst establishing commercial attaché offices in some of our 
principal trading partners' capitals. Sector -wise, IPA's strategy is focused on tourism, advanced 
manufacturing and infrast ructure, agriculture and technology development, having signed several 
Memorandums of Understanding with other promotion agencies.  
5.8.  Longer term, Qatar continues to update its economic and social development plans in order to 
make the necessary adjustments. The latest reviews reveal that whilst important gains have indeed 
been made in some areas such as economic diversification, others are yet to show the expected 
results. Nonetheless, our development drive has continued with the help of our vibrant expat 
community that up until the onset of the pandemic would remit around USD 11.8 billion back home. 
In fact, precisely in recognition of the valuable contribution that it continues to make, and that our 
future is undeniably linked to our expat community, the Gov ernment introduced a number of WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 41 - 
 
  significant changes to reform our labour and immigration laws. Through them, foreign workers in 
Qatar are provided the legal protection that they need and deserve, consistent with international 
standards.  
5.9.  Qatar sha res the international community’ s concerns on environmental protection and would 
thus like to share with Members some of the steps we have taken in this respect. Firstly, Qatar 
Petroleum has put in place a number of projects to reduce Qatar's carbon footprint, inc luding the 
development of renewable energy production capabilities. Second, agricultural production in Qatar 
has been restricted to protect its water sources as have the importation of goods that could damage 
the environment. Our tourism development strate gy now also includes the promotion of eco -friendly 
activities.  
5.10.   We noted with interest some of the comments made during the opening session on the 
prevailing conditions of Qatar's labour market. Qatar is of the view that a competitive labour market 
is a req uisite to a diversified economy and, consistent with this, we have taken concrete and decisive 
steps to align it with international standards, both on the regulatory side as well as on the protection 
of workers' rights. Furthermore, we would like to take t his opportunity to reconfirm that the kafala 
system was abolished in 2015 and that the new regime was further liberalized in 2018, a fact noted 
in both the Secretariat and the G overnment's report.  
5.11.   Another area of interest to Members was our foreign investm ent regime. In this area, I can 
report that Qatar has taken several steps to further open our domestic markets to foreign investors 
and create novel horizontal investment opportunities. Foreign ownership in real estate is now allowed 
in almost the entirety  of Qatar's urban areas, including through real estate investment trusts, which 
can operate from Qatar Financial Centre. In general, investment in any of our financial markets is 
possible in partnership with a Qatari legal entity, regardless of the negotia ted share of capital 
between the parties.  
5.12.   A public -private partnership regime was also enacted to provide private sector access to 
Qatar's infrastructure projects, both through direct investment as well as management. Through it, 
Qatar is looking forward to continuing its already successful relationship with foreign private 
investors. Another area of enhanced access is public procurement, where the legal framework was 
overhauled to introduce efficiency, competition and transparency. Dispute settlement proc edures 
are also now guaranteed by law using international standards enshrined in our laws.  
5.13.   At the same time, we also take note of some Members' concerns. In particular, we are aware 
that some notifications will need to be updated, particularly on domestic  support, customs 
procedures and trade facilitation, to mention a few areas. Moreover, Qatar provides both financial 
and non -financial support for the development of private sector companies and will continue to do 
so as it aims for a well -diversified econ omy, regardless of whether the companies are oriented to 
export activities or not. This support is provided through our institutional ecosystem and is available 
for any private sector Qatari legal entity. Foreign investors can access this support so long a s it is 
done through a local company, regardless of the arrangement established between the parties.  
5.14.   Qatar would also like to make the point that the development of our domestic agricultural 
private sector is an integral part of our national food security strategy and, consequently, will 
continue to receive public sector support. At the same time, it is worth noting that agricultural 
production is still developing and for domestic consumption only.  
5.15.   Members also raised questions on procedural aspects regardi ng licensing in free zones, SPS 
requirements and the enforcement of IPRs in Qatar. The details of all the legal processes can be 
found in our legal website, Al Meezan, and in case any investor needs further support in any of these 
areas, we kindly refer th em to our colleagues at IPA Qatar. They will take investors directly to the 
right person in Qatar and provide support where necessary.  
5.16.   As stated at the beginning, Qatar looks forward to an ongoing dialogue with Members on its 
trade and economic policies. W e stand ready to tackle the very real difficulties that affect us all to 
establish the processes, policies and, ultimately, the agreements that can serve to avoid the scenario 
in which we fail to do what needs to be done.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 42 - 
 
  5.17.   In closing, Your Excellency, Madam  Chair, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to 
His Excellency, Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al -Mansoori, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the U N, 
WTO and other International O rganizations in Geneva, and his highly dedicated team for their 
support i n bringing Qatar's third TPR to a successful conclusion. I also take this opportunity to 
commend our Doha -based WTO Team for all their efforts in this regard.  
5.18.   Finally, Qatar wishes to express its most sincere appreciation for the time given to answer 
quest ions from Members regarding its trade policies. We are confident that these will bring further 
transparency to the manner in which Qatar engages with the international community. To conclude, 
we wish the WTO an d all its Members a successful Ministerial C onference this year, as Qatar is 
committed to strengthening the multilateral trading system. Thank you very much.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.19.   Good morning, Excellencies, friends and colleagues. The 3rd Trade Policy Review (TPR) of 
Qatar, which attracted more than 270 questions from 17 Members, has been a constructive and 
fruitful exercise. This TPR has allowed us to deepen our understanding of Q atar's trade and 
investment policies, as well as take stock of significant developments since the last Review in 2014. 
This morning, I would like to share my observation s by addressing three questions.  
5.20.   First, what are some of the key areas in which Qatar h as done well in this year's TPR? On 
Tuesday, Members commended Qatar for successfully overcoming the economic shocks it faced over 
the last few years, diversifying its economy to reduce its reliance on the hydrocarbon sector, 
improving its business environ ment, taking steps to grow its foreign investment stock, and its 
continuous efforts to improve trade facilitation.  
5.21.   Notably, Qatar has relied on the rules -based multilateral trading system to respond to the 
challenges it faced over the last few years. As no ted by Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry 
H.E. Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al  Kuwari in his opening statement, "Qatar faced a number of difficult 
situations, some of them decidedly serious, that were overcome by placing trade policy at the core 
of our response . These experiences convinced us ever more deeply of the merits and the need for 
the multilateral trading system, particularly, in the mechanisms available to resolve trade -related 
disputes, provide quick policy responses to the private sector and continue  to foster economic 
development through trade facili tation and investment promotion ". Qatar's commitment and trust 
in the rules -based multilateral trading system is a testament to the fact that the WTO remains 
relevant despite the criticisms of sceptics .  
5.22.   Members have also commented positively on Qatar's efforts to make its foreign investment 
regulatory environment more attractive to foreign investors, particularly in knowledge -intensive 
sectors. To this end, Qatar amended its foreign investment law in 2019  to attract more foreign 
investors and enhance transparency and predictability in existing procedures. The new private -public 
partnership (PPP) law is also timely and will encourage more PPPs as government -funded 
construction of Qatar's major infrastructur e projects will taper off with the approach of the 2022 
FIFA World Cup.  
5.23.   Second, what are some of the areas in which Qatar can do better, as highlighted by Members? 
Let me just focus on four key areas.  
5.24.   One, Members continue to be interested in Qatar's plan s to further diversify its economy and 
its privatization roadmap. While Qatar has addressed these issues under its National Vision 2030 
and its Second Nat ional Development Strategy 2018 –2022, it would be helpful to consider setting 
out some concrete milest ones for its privati zation programmes.  
5.25.   Two, Members have encouraged Qatar to continue to improve its business environment. A 
few Members have suggested that Qatar could become an observer to the WTO's Government 
Procurement Agreement, and urged Qatar to continue making progress in the area of intellectual 
property rights (IPR), including through implementing its Copyright Law and acceding to relevant 
international treaties on trademarks.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 43 - 
 
  5.26.   Three, as a strong supporter of the rules -based multilateral trading system, Qatar can 
continue to strengthen  notifications and transparency, including by submitting outstanding 
notifications and providing more information on its customs procedures and import requirements.  
5.27.   Four, some Members have raised questions about Qatar's excise tax on goods considered 
harmf ul to human health and import requirements for certain agricultural products. As these issues 
have also been raised at various WTO Bodies, it would be helpful if Qatar could address these 
concerns expeditiously.  
5.28.   Third, what can Qatar do to be more prepared  for the future? In his opening statement on 
Tuesday, Minister Al  Kuwari said, and I quote "The fact that Qatar is an economy that imports most 
of what it consumes and exports most of what it produces means that trade policy plays a uniquely 
crucial role i n our overall development strategy". This is a significant statement because it underlines 
the importance that Qatar attaches to upholding and strengthening the rules -based multilateral 
trading system. It also signals that Qatar is committed to ensure that  supply chain connectivity is 
maintained so that future shocks to the system, whether man -made or natural, will not jeopardise 
its open economy.  
5.29.   Another important element in terms of preparing for the future is to innovate, make necessary 
changes and adap t to the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). Given the nexus between innovation and 
the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, it is heartening that Qatar has not only updated 
but strengthened enforcement of its IP legislation.  
5.30.   Another essential in gredient for a successful transition to a knowledge -based economy is to 
invest in developing and expanding skilled human capital. In this connection, it is commendable that 
Qatar has followed a two -pronged strategy – both by investing hea vily in the develo pment of 
home -grown human capital through its schools and universities, and by promoting investments in 
high-skilled areas such as advanced manufacturing and technology development. I am also gratified 
that Qatar has co -sponsored the Joint Statement Initia tive on E -Commerce and is participating 
actively in the negotiations, which will not only establish new rules to govern digital trade but also 
demonstrate the continued relevance of the WTO.  
5.31.   Let me end by congratulating Qatar for its successful 3rd TPR. I  wish Minister Al  Kuwari and 
his colleagues safe travels and look forward to Qatar continuing to play an active and constructive 
role in the WTO. Thank you.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.32.   The United States would very much like to thank  the delegation of Qatar for this  third Trade 
Policy Review. As mentioned on Day One, Qatar is a valued US trading partner, and we look forward 
to increased clarity and engagement on several trade issues moving forward.  
5.33.   We would like to reiterate the United States’ concern that Qatar continues  to require 
authentication of Certificates of Origin and Commercial Invoices at Embassies and/or Consulates 
prior to importation. We encourage Qatar to remove this requirement, and again request further 
clarity.  
5.34.   While we and other  trade  Members have congr atulated Qatar on implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, we would once again like to draw attention to the four outstanding WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agree ment transparency notifications  which Qatar  self-designated for 
implementation in February 2017. These important obligations are now more than four years 
overdue.  
5.35.   We would further like to highlight our statement regarding Qatar’s possible revisions to the 
excise tax on beverages. We also look forward to discus sions on this moving forward.  
5.36.   The United States raised questions in several other important areas related t o TBT, SPS, IPR, 
and subsidies.  We hope that the delegation has taken note of these concerns and will undertake 
efforts to resolve our concerns.  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 44 - 
 
  5.37.   Finally, we again call on  Qatar  — which is among the wealthiest nations in the world, measured 
in GNI per capita  — to no longer seek special and differential treatment in curren t and future WTO 
negotiations. This step would ensure that the WTO remains a viable forum for meaningful  trade 
negotiations.  
5.38.   In conclusion, we appreciate Qatar for their responses to our questions, however we do need 
to register concern that Qatar has not responded to nearly one -third of our advance written 
questions. We ask Qatar’s delegation to provide us with an indication possibly today when we  will 
receive those responses. Responding to advance written questions within the prescribed deadlines 
is a key component of having a successful TPR. We regret we were unabl e to participate fully in this 
Review for that reason.  
5.39.   We look forward to continued discussion regarding the themes and co ncerns highlighted 
during this R eview.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.40.   On behalf of the EU, let me first thank Qatar for the comprehensive overview presented of 
the main trade and economic de velopments that occurred during the review period.  
5.41.   The EU welcomes  the useful insights that this Review has provided into moderniz ation and 
diversification strategy of Qatar under challenging circumstances over the past few years. The EU 
counts on Qatar’s  support for the efficient functioning and modernization of the multilateral trading 
system.  
5.42.   However and notwithstanding the efforts of the past years, the economy of Qatar is still 
dependent on the oil and gas sector which has  suffered from the largest contraction in world oil 
demand in history, due to the COVID -19 pandemic with a significant imp act on government 
revenues.  
5.43.   The exchanges in the context of this TPR also underlined the concerns of the  WTO Members 
in a number of areas which are important to ensure effective and predictable trading conditions with 
Qatar. The EU appreciates the respons es provided by Qatar and has sent some follow -up questions . 
We look forward to receiving those further clarifications.  
5.44.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank the delegation of Qatar for undertaking this 
important transparency exercise and demonstrating its commitment to the WTO. We are confident 
that our good cooperation will continue.  
HEAD  OF DELEGATION  
5.45.   I think that re garding the questions raised by the United States and the European Union, I 
prefer that we respond in writing so we can address all the concerns rather than speaking in general 
about the subjects . We would like to see the exact concerns of these countries and will respond 
accordingly.  
  WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 45 - 
 
  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Qatar has provided an opportunity for the Trad e Policy Review 
Body to discuss,  and deepen its understanding of, the main developments that have occurred in 
Qatar's economic, trade and investment policies since 2014. I would like to thank the delegation of 
Qatar, headed by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, for its 
participation in this Review, which has taken place under u nusual and challenging circumstances due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic. I also wish to thank our discussant H.E. Ambassador Mr. Tan Hung Seng 
for his insightful remarks, the 17 Members who submitted written questions and the 31 delegations 
that took the floor d uring this meeting.  
6.2.  A central theme emerging from this Review is that Qatar has shown great resilience in 
addressing the three major challenges it has faced since 2014: the sharp decline in international 
energy prices in 2014 -15; the impact of the escalat ion of regional political tensions in 2017; and 
more recently, the COVID -19 pandemic.  
6.3.  In addition to macroeconomic stability achieved through the pursuit of prudent fiscal policy, 
and appropriate monetary policy and financial frameworks, Qatar's resilient  economic performance 
during the period may also be attributed to the adoption of a broad range of measures aimed at 
reducing business transactions costs by further opening its economy to trade and foreign investment. 
The fact that Qatar placed trade and t rade policy at the forefront of its response to the challenges it 
faced is a useful example of how closer engagement with the international trading system can assist 
countries in achieving their economic development objectives.  
6.4.  In this regard, Members not ed and appreciated the many reforms pursued by Qatar regarding 
the institutional and regulatory framework for the conduct of business activities and in the areas of 
trade and investment policies. These include, among others: restructuring of ministries and  
agencies; measures to enhance transparency through the e -government, the legal and the 
e-commerce portals; the development of a single window electronic customs clearance system; 
amendment of the foreign investment legislation to allow for up to 100% fore ign ownership and 
creation of an investment promotion agency; amendments to the free zones regime; introduction of 
a new framework for private -public partnerships; and improvements to legislation on intellectual 
property rights. It was noted that because o f such measures Qatar improved its ranking in several 
international indicators such as the World Bank's Doing Busines Index. Considering that foreign 
workers constitute approximately 95% of the economically active population in Qatar, some 
Members welcomed  the reforms on labour market regulation and immigration. Measures taken as 
part of Qatar's efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic have included monetary 
and fiscal stimulus measures, including trade -related measures such as the temporary customs duty 
exemption for food and medical supplies.  
6.5.  Another aspect of Qatar's recent economic performance that received much attention in this 
Review concerns the progress made towards the realization of Qatar's strategic socioeconomic and 
human developm ent agenda, as set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030. National Vision 2030 aims 
to diversify the economy away from the hydrocarbons sector and transform Qatar into an advanced 
country by 2030, capable of sustaining its own development and providing a h igh standard of living 
for its population and future generations. In this respect, some Members pointed to the substantial 
increase in the share of GDP of non -mining and quarrying activities between 2014 and 2020. 
Nevertheless, Qatar remains heavily depend ent upon the energy sector, and the view was expressed 
that the current contraction of demand for energy due to the COVID -19 pandemic provided an 
opportunity to accelerate the transformation of Qatar's economy to a more sustainable model of 
economic develo pment, bearing in mind Qatar's commitments under the Paris Agreement.  
6.6.  Members welcomed Qatar's commitment to the multilateral trading system, as shown by its 
active and constructive participation in the WTO. Members mentioned Qatar's recent acceptance of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 2005 amendment to the TRIPS Agreement as well as its 
participation in joint statement initiatives on micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, electronic 
commerce, and investment facilitation, and joint statements on COVID -19 and the Multilateral 
Trading System and Prohibiting Export Restrictions Relating to Purchases Made by the World Food 
Programme. As a net importer of foodstuffs, Qatar takes a keen interest in WTO work towards the 
elimination of hunger. Qatar wa s encouraged to participate in the joint statement initiative on 
services, consider supporting the discussions on trade and women's economic empowerment, and WT/TPR/M/408 • Qatar  
 
- 46 - 
 
  accede to the Government Procurement Agreement. The issue of Qatar's status as a developing 
countr y in future negotiations was raised.  
6.7.  While there was general acknowledgement of the significant reforms achieved by Qatar during 
the review period, Members also pointed to aspects of Qatar's trade and investment regimes that 
are perceived as requiring fur ther attention.  
6.8.  First, Members identified specific measures that they consider to be restrictive, unnecessary, 
or cumbersome. These included, for example: requirements of authentication of certificates of origin 
and commercial invoices prior to importation at embassies or consulates; the uneven application of 
excise taxes on beverages; customs valuation procedures; SPS requirements for dairy products and 
halal certification procedures; new tendering procedures and local content requirements in pu blic 
procurement; the process and benefits of obtaining a copyrigh t registration certificate; 
non-acceptance of letters of guarantee from banks not registered with the central bank.  
6.9.  Second, it was noted that Qatar had not submitted WTO notifications in se veral areas, including 
support to agriculture; agricultural export subsidies; and subsidies in general; import licensing; 
quantitative restrictions; customs valuation; state -trading enterprises; import, export and transit 
requirements; and trade in service s. Qatar was also requested to provide detail on the concrete 
implementation of the new foreign investment legislation.  
6.10.   Prior to the meeting, Qatar replied to most of the 272 writte n questions it received from 
17 Members. Qatar is expected to reply to any  late submissions and follow -up questions in a month, 
at which time the third Trade Policy Review of Qatar will successfully conclude. I trust that the Qatari 
authorities will take into account the issues raised in this Review as they continue to assess an d 
adapt their trade and investment policies in light of policy objectives.  
__________