WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1  
30 June 2014  
(14-3770)  Page: 1/57  
Trade Policy Review Body 
22 and 24 April 2014 Original: English/anglais/inglés  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
QATAR 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Addendum 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Joakim Reiter (Sweden) 
This document contains the advance written questions and additional questions by WTO 
Members, and replies provided by Qatar.1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
22 et 24 avril 2014 
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
QATAR 
COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION 
Addendum 
Président: S.E. M. Joakim Reiter (Suède) 
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses fournies par Qatar.1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
22 y 24 de abril de 2014 
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
QATAR 
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN 
Addendum 
Presidente: Excmo. Sr. Joakim Reiter (Suecia) 
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC, así como las respuestas facilitadas por 
Qatar.1 
                                               
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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TRADE POLICY REVIEW OF 
QATAR, THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN AND OMAN 
22 AND 24 APRIL 2014 
Replies from Qatar to advance written questions 
From AUSTRALIA 
 
On standards 
 
1. Question : How does Qatar work with the Gulf Standards Organisation (GSO) in standards 
setting under the Gulf Cooperation Council?  Of particular interest is how Qatar demonstrates WTO 
principles of transparency and trade partner part icipation through the standards setting process.  
 
Answer : GSO Standards setting procedures are identical to the standards development process of 
ISO. In this sense, the Gulf technical committees —which develop Gulf Standards—are made up of 
experts from the relevant stakeholders within each GCC Member Country, including representatives from industry, consumer associations, academia, NGOs and government. Gulf 
Standards setting is a consensus-based approach and comments from stakeholders and the public 
are taken into account through GSO website, Me mber websites, and direct correspondence at 
national level.  
Qatar demonstrates WTO principles of transparency and trade partner participation through the 
standards setting process by adherence to WTO/TBT/SPS commitments. In particular, under Paragraph C of the WTO TBT Code of Good Practice, the State of Qatar, represented by Qatar 
General Organization for Standards and Metrol ogy (Renamed: Qatar General Organization for 
Standardization), has notified acceptance of the Code (G/TBT/CS/N/163, 1 March 2006).  
In addition, the WTO transparency procedures with respect to technical regulations are 
implemented. To date, 342 TBT and 47 SPS notifica tions, have been issued and distributed by CRN 
to all WTO Members, classified as follows:  
 SPS, Article 7, Annex B; 47 notifications 
 TBT Article 2.5; 5 notifications 
 TBT Article  2.9; 315 notifications 
 TBT Article  2.9 & 5.6; 6 notifications 
 TBT Article  5.6; 16 notifications  
 
All notified technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures are accessible to WTO 
members through the WTO homepage. The normal comment period of 60 days is applied while receiving and responding to any comment or request from any WTO Member.  
2. Question : It would also be of interest to other WTO countries if Qatar could include 
information on its work to align food standards with Codex Alimentarius, ISO, and other international organizations and how trading partners could be more engaged in the drafting 
process.  
 Answer : As expressed in the previous question, the State of Qatar adheres to the commitments 
of WTO/TBT/SPS Agreements as well as Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT Agreement Code of Good 
Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Ap plication of Standards.  Accordingly, where 
international standards (especially Codex, ISO, and IEC) exist or their completion is imminent, the authorities use the whole or the relevant parts of them as a basis for the standard/technical 
regulation being developed, except where such international standards or relevant parts are 
assessed to be ineffective or inappropriate; for instance, because of an insufficient level of protection or fundamental climatic or geographical factors or fundamental technological problems.  
 
Engagement of trading partners is always open and welcome whether in the proposal and drafting 
stages (through representation in relevant Technical Committees) or in the circulation stages WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  (through comment and feedback at public and individual levels). Even after adoption and 
publication, standards can be reviewed/amended upon request and reasonable technical justification.  
On strategic food reserves 
 
3. Question : Can Qatar provide any references in English that further explains its strategic 
food reserve program?   
 Answer :  In response to long standing concerns regarding food and water security in Qatar, 
various government agencies were brought together, under the auspices of the State of Qatar, to 
develop a food & water security plan.  The outcom e was a plan to develop strategic food reserves 
as part of an overall national food security strategy, as defined by the FAO’s understanding of food security.  The plan included the establishmen t and development of farms around the country, 
desalinization plants and various market mechanisms used to guarantee a stock of a handful of 
products.  Further details—in English—may be found in http://www.qnfsp.gov.qa . 
 
4. Question : Is use of Qatar’s strategic reserves triggered at a target price (which signals a 
“supply shortage)?  Answer : In response to the well-known fact that Qatar is a net importer of food, the authorities 
continuously assess market conditions on the ground to determine conditions of supply and 
demand.  However, there is no specific use of a target price to signal supply shortages with deployment of strategic food reserves not being the first response mechanism to a market price 
increase.  In fact, the national plan envisions other possible strategic responses depending on the 
severity of a food insecurity situation, dependin g on price, availability and quality. Strategic 
reserves are only deployed when all other measures have failed to mitigate supply issues resulting 
in shortages of food in the market.  In practice, the authorities focus on maintaining an adequate 
level of stocks which are adjusted regularly to specific and concrete market conditions.  On insurance 
 
5. Question : Australia notes that money and property in Qatar cannot be insured outside of 
Qatar. Could Qatar please advise whether it ha s considered permitting cross-border trade of 
insurance services to cover certain insurance risks? 
 Answer : As per Law No. (13) of 2012, QCB is mandated to supervise and regulate the insurance 
and re-insurance sector, thus replacing the Ministry of Economy and Commerce as the supervisory 
entity for the mentioned sector. QCB is accordingly in the process of establishing the Department of Insurance Regulation and Supervision within its organizational chart, which is in the process of developing and setting up the regulation and supervision policies related to the sector. 
 
On telecommunications 
 
6. Question : Could Qatar please provide further information on the types of foreign 
investment and foreign service supply that is permitted in Qatar in the telecom sector?  
Answer : The telecom sector follows Qatar’s general investments rules and thus the sector is 
regulated by existing investment laws that set foreign investment, as equity, at no more than 49 percent, with the local (Qatari) partner holding at least 51 percent.  Other companies, like Vodafone, have begun operations in Qatar recently. 
 
On foreign engineering consultancy firm restrictions 
 
7. Question : Australia notes that engineering consultancy firms must be registered in Qatar 
and that foreign entities are required to meet a number of extensive requirements that do not 
apply to local companies.  Could Qatar please explain the rationale for these requirements and 
whether there are any plans to review them with a view to lessen the restrictions? 
 Answer : Articles 4-5 and 6-7 of Law No. (19) of 2005 contain the provisions for setting a local 
and a foreign engineering consultancy firms respectively.  The aim of the law is ensure quality and WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  experience with significant construction projects such as those that have unfolded since 2005.  So 
far, the law has been successful   On construction 
 8. Question : Given various expected revenue opportunities detailed in the government report, 
over what period of time is this benefit anticipated to be enjoyed?  
 
Answer : At the moment, there are three areas of major investment opportunities in Qatar, i.e. 
construction projects (including projects directly  related to preparations to the 2022 FIFA World 
Cup), operation and maintenance of infrastructure assets and services directly related to the actual 
2022 World Cup tournament.  Revenue opportunities were determined using methodologies that 
examined capital expenditures, operating costs and service provision models. In this sense, the pipeline of construction projects in Qatar extends up  to at least 2022, with some specific projects 
such as Qatar Rail, extending up to 2030.  Tendering is not yet finalized for these initiatives.  
Opportunities in operation and maintenance of infrastructure assets will on average last at least 20 years once construction is finalized, depending on the specific project.  Opportunities in service 
provision directly linked to the World Cup tournament will last around 3 months around the actual 
2022 FIFA World Cup Tournament.  These estimates are based on Qatar’s existing construction pipeline, average construction cycles and the average life-time of infrastructure assets.  Moreover, Qatar’s legal framework does not impose any time constrains for investments or maintenance and 
operations of infrastructure assets. 
 
9. Question : What lasting changes to the Qatari economy are likely? 
 
Answer : The investment, and revenue, opportunities that the current construction drive provides 
(including preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup) are part of a major ongoing social and 
economic development effort, the details of which may be found in Qatar National Vision 2030 and 
the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016.  Furthermore, many of the construction projects were scheduled to take place long before Qatar was awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  The expansion of Qatar’s hotel room capacity, in particular, will play a fundamental role in the 
development of the tourism sector.  Altogether, th ese projects will radically change the face of 
Qatar, reorganize existing markets and create ne w ones and contribute to cement the country’s 
future economic development path complementing its existing hydrocarbon sector. 
 
On foreign investment 
 
10. Question : Does Qatar advice have plans to remove the cap on foreign ownership, currently 
set at 49 per cent, for the remaining sectors of the economy?  Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on at least 
three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans. This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally 
enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From BRAZIL 
 On trade policies by measure 
 
1. Question : Would Qatar please explain why does it maintain its trade restrictions regarding 
Brazilian bovine meat and meat products, despite OIE's classification of Brazil as a country with negligible risk for BSE? 
 
Answer : Qatar is currently reviewing its ban on the importation of Brazilian bovine meat and 
meat products with the intention of lifting the ban. Moreover, the authorities expect the importation of Brazilian bovine meat and meat products to resume as soon as the elimination of 
the ban is made operational. 
 2. Question : Does Qatar intend to review its trade restrictive measures regarding Brazilian 
bovine meat and meat products in the light of OIE's scientifically based decision? 
 Answer : Please, kindly refer to the previous answer. 
 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From CANADA 
 On business dispute resolution 
 
1. Question : Please indicate how Qatar intends to better expedite trade disputes before the 
courts?  
Answer : The authorities acknowledge the private sector’s understandable needs to see trade 
disputes resolved in a fair and timely manner.  To this end, Qatar remains committed to continue to work to expedite legal procedures before the courts through various entities such as the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Qatar Financial Centre.  Notwithstanding this, however, the rapid pace 
of economic development in Qatar has translated into occasional bottlenecks as the number of 
cases before the magistrates has increased sharply.  To address this, the authorities have sought to resolve disputes through private arbitration—which is legally binding—as a way to expedite the 
resolution of trade disputes.  The latter has so far provided a useful track to resolve pending 
issues.  Further to this, the authorities are in the process of preparing a new arbitration law in order to improve the existing dispute resolution process in Qatar (arbitration is already available in 
accordance with the Civil & Commercial Procedure Law (No. 13 of 1990)). 
 The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) provides a modern specialist civil and commercial court situated in the Qatar Financial Centre to resolve disputes 
between institutions and other bodies in Qatar and between entities at the international level 
outside of Qatar.  The procedures of the Court are similar to those found in common law jurisdictions, and the QICDRC provides a range of dispute resolution services (including 
arbitration) that have been designed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The QICDRC 
provides a fully supported mediation facility in partnership with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. 
 
On state-owned enterprises 
 2. Question : Please explain why Qatar does not disclose annual financial statements for its 
SOE? In particular, QIA and Qatar Airways? 
 Answer : The State Qatar does not publish annual financial statements of State Owned Enterprises 
as a matter of practice.  Qatar Airways, in particular, is still building up its operations and 
management, including its facilities at Doha’s new international airport.  Furthermore, it is not a publically listed company and thus has no legal obligation to disclose its financial statements.  
QIA’s internal procedures stipulate that both its financial statements and its investment strategy 
are confidential due to the sensitive nature contained therein.  On movement of labour 
 3. Question : How does Qatar intend to address foreign labour issues addressed by a number 
of international organization including the UNHRC and ITUC in particular in regards to the Kafala 
(sponsorship) regime? 
 Answer : The issue of "sponsorship / kafala system" is being considered within the project of 
"improving labour market policies and institutional framework", which is part of Qatar's "Labour 
Market Strategy, 2011-2016". The Ministry of Labour and social affairs has conducted a 
comprehensive study on the "sponsorship / kafala system", including the exit visa issue, and submitted it to the Ministry of Interior, The latter formed a high level committee that would 
consider implementation issues regarding the repl acement/ changes in the "sponsorship / kafala 
system".  
On tourism 
 
4. Question : Do the licensing requirements contain any commercial presence or 
citizenship/residency requirements? 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  Answer : The Tour Guide must be licensed by the Qa tar Tourism Authority and the licensees must 
be residents of Qatar in order to work in Qatar. International Guides, accompanying dedicated tours, are able to conduct their groups’ activities for the duration of a tour itinerary, but should 
utilise the services of a local tour guide whenever visiting specialized locations or participating in 
specialized activities. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From CHINA 
 On competition: 
 
1. Question : Please define and identify “a sudden abundance” of a product, and “effects the 
economies” of the other competitors? 
Answer : Article 3 of Law No. 19 of 2006 covers agreements or contracts that may violate 
competition rules, including agreements or contracts that deliberately provoke “a sudden 
abundance of products [...] that affects the economies of other competitors”. A sudden abundance that affects the economies of other competitors should be understood as a sudden increase in supply that may deliberately drive down market prices to the point of causing financial distress in 
other competing businesses. 
2. Question : Please further elaborate on the criteria and conditions that will ensure the 
Government’s rational and fair exercise of discr etion to determine the exact amount of the fine. 
 
Answer : The determination of the exact amount of the fine is done through internal consultation 
amongst members of the Committee on Competition Protection and De-monopolization.  As per 
stipulations of Law No. 6 of 2008, which established the Committee as mandated by Law No. 19 of 
2006, the decision on the determination of the fine is reached by a simple majority rule. Moreover, 
to ensure balance and fairness the work of the Committee is undertaken by a total of 10 members 
from different government entities and a private sector representative.  The composition of the 
Committee is as follows: four representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, one 
from the Ministry of Finance, one from the Ministry  of Justice, one from the Ministry of Energy and 
Industry, one from the Central Bank, one from the General Authority for Customs and Ports and 
one from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. 
 3. Question : Please further clarify whether there are any restrictions to the application of 
those exceptions as stipulated in law. 
 Answer : The application of the exceptions contained in the law is limited to the stipulations of the 
law.  As a result, the exceptions apply only to either state agencies or institutions under the 
supervision and direction of the state as well as acquisitions that may breach competition law but 
that, upon recommendation from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, are deemed to contribute to economic progress enough to compensate and justify such infringement. 
 
On foreign investment 
 
4. Question : Please confirm whether the Government has any plan at present to expand upon 
the list of sectors subject to 100% foreign ownershi p, including any timeline to reduce the foreign 
ownership restrictions on other sectors than those covered in the list.   
Answer :  As a matter of practice, the implementation of Qatar’s foreign investment regime—
based on Law No. 13 of 2000, as amended—foll ows economic needs, as perceived by the 
authorities.  Furthermore, the authorities view Qatar’s foreign investment regime as an instrument 
of economic development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law 
on at least three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various stra tegic development plans.  This has led to a 
progressive opening of local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment 
law was originally enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and 
management of investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar 
has two investment platforms where minority foreign ownership is not required, i.e. Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign 
investment regime. 
 5. Question : Please explain why “the authorization for 100% ownership is seldom given”, as 
reported by the Secretariat. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  Answer : Authorization for 100% ownership is grante d by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce 
upon internal consultation with stakeholders.  So  far, the application of the law has not generated 
any complaints and has followed strategically planned social and economic development goals.  In particular, the authorities view the step-wise nature of the country’s economic development 
process as a fundamental anchor of its developmen t agenda and, thus, are prepared to consider 
further authorizations of 100% foreign ownership should a need for it arise. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From COLOMBIA 
 On foreign investment 
 
1. Question : Does Qatar foresee, in the immediate future, changes or reforms to its foreign 
investment regime?   
Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on at least three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally 
enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial 
Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime.  On regional trade agreements (GCC and PAFTA) 
 2. Question : How does Qatar envision the consistency of  these results with the possibilities of 
boosting free trade through the multilateral trading system?   
 
Answer :  Qatar views regional integration and, in particular, regional trade agreements as 
complementary to the multilateral trading system.  Both of these agreements—the GCC and 
PAFTA—have facilitated regional trade, boosted trade flows and, ultimately, created employment 
and opportunities for everyone.  PAFTA, in pa rticular, provides the legal framework for the 
implementation of preferential treatment at the regional level to lower-income countries, including products manufactured in Palestine.  All of these efforts are aligned with the provisions of Article 
XXIV of the GATT. 
 On trade policy objectives 
 3 Question : Is there a programme or policy aimed at liberalizing investments in Qatar that is 
available to the public? 
 
Answer :  The laws and regulations that define Qatar’s foreign investment framework are available 
to the public through Qatar’s government-funded legal portal, Al Meezan (http://www.almeezan.qa ).  Moreover, the strategic objectives and guidelines that shape Qatar’s 
investment regime can be found in the government’s strategic development documents, i.e. Qatar 
National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016.  The documents envision the emergence of a competitive private sector that contributes to diversify economic 
activity away from hydrocarbon extraction and tran sfer knowledge to local entrepreneurs.  The fast 
pace of development in Qatar has forced authorities to undertake impact studies on a continuous basis.  As a result, further steps to liberalize Qatar’s investment regime are envisioned to take 
place in response to emerging economic development needs. 
 On economic development 
 
4 Question : Is it possible to know the appropriate re gulation that guarantees that authorized 
or allowed investments are in line with the State’s development plans?   
Answer : Although no regulations or laws are in place to ensure that Qatar’s investment agenda is 
in line with its development plans, periodical reviews are undertaken to assess performance.  In 
fact, at the moment, the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics are carrying out a mid-
term assessment of the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 with the objective of 
realigning the short and medium term development strategy and evaluate investment performance and outcome so far.  
5 Question : Which is the objective criteria used in this case? WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 6 Question : What measures are adopted to ensure that investments maintain their 
alignment, in time, with the State’s development plans?  
 
Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 
On bilateral investment agreements 
 
7 Question : What are the criteria used to negotiate Investment Agreements and is there a 
negotiating agenda?  The text mentions that these are based on different negotiation models, 
depending on whether the negotiation takes place with a developed country or a developing one.  
Does this mean that Qatar has two versions of the agreement model? If so, is it possible to know both models?  If not, could Qatar indicate the main differences between the agreement model for 
developing countries and the one used for developing ones? 
 Answer : Qatar negotiates bilateral investment agreements on case by case basis, and each 
agreement is drafted through the negotiation process, based on mutual benefits for both sides.  
 On special free trade zones 
 
8 Question : How was the process of applying and developing such a policy and what useful 
lessons in this regard could Qatar’s experience highlight for the benefit of other countries and emerging economies?  
 
Answer : The implementation and development of free tr ade zones in Qatar has led to a significant 
inflow of foreign investment into the country.  In this sense, the FTZ have successfully served to 
promote innovation (in the Qatar Science and Technology Park) and increase competition in 
financial service provision (through Qatar Financial Centre).  In general, such zones could well be used to promote endogenously-driven economic development initiatives in emerging countries that seek to establish self-sustainable development mechanisms based on the positive feedback loops 
that innovation and competition to and from these FTZs tend to spur. 
 On QIA 
 9 Question : Are QIA’s guidelines or investment criteria of public knowledge?  
 
Answer :  QIA’s guidelines and investment criteria are confidential and thus not available to the 
public.  10 Question :  Is it possible to know QIA’s long-term investment strategy?  
 
Answer : QIA’s long-term investment strategy is confidential and thus not available to the public. 
 
On investment disputes 
 
11 Question : Has Qatar been a respondent in an international investment arbitration dispute 
related to an International Investment Agreement? 
 Answer : The State of Qatar has not, to date, been a respondent in an international investment 
arbitration dispute. 
 
12 Question : Does Qatar have any prevention and attention policy regarding international 
investment disputes? 
 
Answer : Qatar has in place a number of bilateral investment treaties that provide the legal basis 
for protection of foreign investment in the country.  As per these treaties, the State of Qatar is 
obligated to take part in international arbitration courts, subject to country specificities in the 
individual bilateral investment treaties, should a dispute arise. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From the EUROPEAN UNION 
 On labour conditions 
 
1 Question : As for the vast majority of expatriate workers their salaries are the basis for their 
remittances; could the State of Qatar inform which measures and safeguards it has put in place in order to ensure the reliable and punctual paym ent of salaries to migrant workers by their 
employers? 
 Answer : The Ministry of Labour and social affairs ensures the regular and punctual payment of 
salaries of migrant workers through a monthl y check and inspection of employing company 
accounts. Employers that delay salaries payments are penalized by holding the processing of their 
business with the Ministry of Labour and Social A ffairs, and in certain cases holding their business 
with the Ministry of Interior. Critical cases may be  transferred to courts.  The Ministry of Labour 
and Social Affairs plans to further activate control over payment of salaries, by requiring 
companies to open bank accounts for their workers in Qatar banks and develop a regulatory system in coordination with Qatar Central Bank. It  is currently working on the following measures: 
 
1. Initiate a legislation that requires banks to open personal accounts for migrant workers 
irrespective of the value of one's salary. 
2. Issue a ministerial decree by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs that requires 
companies to pay employees' salaries only through banks. 
3. Develop a mechanism for the implementation of the plan to be applied gradually. 
 
2 Question : Can the State of Qatar elaborate on its rules and regulations regarding the 
protection of migrant workers, in particular rega rding health and safety at the workplace, and on 
how the State of Qatar ensures the effective implementation of the existing legislation aimed at 
protecting migrant workers?  
 Answer : The labour law no. 14, 2004, stipulates in articles 99 to 107, the responsibility of the 
employer in informing workers about work risks and ways of preventive measures, and ; take 
precautionary measures to protect workers from occupational injury or disease. The law defines 
the responsibility of Minister in safeguarding workers occupational health and safety. The law defines the responsibility of the employer in se curing healthy work place and providing health 
facilities and services, including periodic medical checks. 
 The Decision of the Minister of Civil Service Affairs and Housing No. (20) of 2005 states the 
precautions and conditions to be met at workplac es to protect workers and trainee workers from 
work risks.  The State of Qatar through the Ministry responsibility of Labour and Social Affairs conducts 
periodic inspections and sudden unscheduled visits to work sites to verify the application of the 
labor law and the requirements of the occupation al safety and health. The following table shows 
periodic and unscheduled inspections for year 2013; 
 
Result of Inspection Safety and Health 
Inspection Labour Inspection Total 
Acceptable 6981 35413 42394 
Recorded Violations 133 962 825 
Banned 69 1598 1667 
Alerted to remove violation 4276 1334 5610 
Under study 31 11 42 
Total visits 11490 39048 50538 
The number of establishments 
visited 2658 28191  
 
3 Question : Can the State of Qatar inform whether it intends to extend to all projects in the 
State of Qatar the more far-reaching rules for the protection of workers which – according to the 
State of Qatar’s recent announcements – are to be introduced only for projects under the 
supervision of Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy (FIFA World Cup related projects)? 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  Answer : The Ministry of Labour and social affairs currently considers printing and distribution of 
the protection of workers rules which the "Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy" introduced to all companies that manages projects, through labour inspectors of occupational safety and health.  
4 Question : Does the State of Qatar consider replacing the present sponsorship / kafala 
system by a system in which the residence and othe r rights of an expatriate would not depend on 
an individual Qatari citizen or company as sponsor / kafeel but on a state entity? 
 
Answer : The issue of "sponsorship / kafala system" is being considered within the project of 
"improving labour market policies and institutional framework", which is part of Qatar's "Labour Market Strategy, 2011-2016". The Ministry of Labour and social affairs has conducted a 
comprehensive study on the "sponsorship / kafala system", including the exit visa issue, and 
submitted it to the Ministry of Interior, The latter formed a high level committee that would consider implementation issues regarding the repl acement/ changes in the "sponsorship / kafala 
system". 
 5 Question : Is the State of Qatar planning to abolish the current exit visa procedure and to 
create transparent mechanisms to change employers without penalties?  
 Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 
6 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform about the implementation of the provisions of 
the ILO Domestic Workers Convention (C189)?  
Answer : The Ministry of Labour and social affairs is  currently engaged with respective authorities 
in formulating the "Domestic Workers" legislation. Once the new legislation is passed, the Ministry 
would provide the relevant information and statistics as required in provisions of the ILO Domestic 
Workers Convention (C189). 
 7 Question : Can the State of Qatar indicate from when on it is planning to realign the applied 
rates for the tariff lines in question with the bound rate and which considerations are currently 
delaying compliance with the bound rate? 
 Answer : The Council of Ministers adopted a resolution in February 2014 that approves setting the 
six tariff line on steel products—defined at the 8-digit level—aforementioned at their bound level. 
However, the decision is still pending final legislative approval and, as a result, has not become law yet.  This is expected to take place shortl y and be operational as soon as it is enacted. 
 
On the constitution and the legal system 
 8 Question :  Can the State of Qatar elaborate on judicial procedures that ensure the 
enforcement of the contractual and other obligations  of a private or public sector debitor who is 
delaying payments that are due?  
Answer :  Such cases are referred to the international dispute settlement adjudicating office in 
Qatar to review the case and start with mediation between the parties. If mediation does not work, the adjudicator may issue a ruling after reviewing the contract. This ruling is forwarded to the 
court, whose specific task in this case is to enforce the ruling immediately. The adjudicators are 
advised to complete the above-mentioned process within 2 months period.  On SPS: 
 9 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform whether the "GCC Guide for Control of Imported 
Food" (notified to the WTO in 2011; document: G/SPS/N/QAT/22), has been adopted in the 
meantime and whether the State of Qatar is applying the rules and procedures foreseen in its 
notified draft.  
Answer :  Qatar adopted the aforementioned GCC guide as one of GCC countries and will start 
applying the rules and procedures by June 1
st 2014. 
 10 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform whether it has lifted the ban on imports of 
bovine and ovine meat from all member states of the European Union? Insofar as the ban on WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  bovine and/or ovine meat remained in place, co uld the State of Qatar inform about the scientific 
justification for its continuation? Insofar as the ban on bovine and/or ovine meat remained in place could the State of Qatar inform about the detailed procedures to be followed by an applicant which is seeking the lifting of the ban? 
 
Answer :  Qatar already lifted the ban on imports of bovine and ovine meat from Germany, 
Netherlands and France.  Furthermore, Qatar relies on international reports to either impose a ban 
or lift it as need be.  As part of its coordination efforts at the GCC level, Qatar is currently working 
to develop a GCC-wide Rapid Alert System and Scientific Centre for risk assessment studies.  Moreover, The application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures in Qatar conform to International standards, guidelines and recommendations deemed necessary to protect human, 
animal and plant life , without arbitrarily or unjustified discriminate between countries. 
 11 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform whether the shelf life / expiry dates prescribed 
by Qatar are the same ones as those foreseen for all GCC member states in the relevant Gulf 
standard (GSO150)?  
Answer :  It is a general practice among GCC Count ries that GSO Standards and Technical 
Regulations are adopted as national ones by GSO Member States and this applies to GSO 
150. Qatar adopted GSO 150 for these purposes, which are applicable to all GCC countries.  The 
authorities formed a committee to study extending shelf life requests when scientific studies are 
attached.  This committee approved extendin g shelf life for more than 30 foodstuffs. 
 12 Question : Could the State of Qatar state whether it is envisaging a more widespread and 
timely publication of newly introduced food-related rules and a sufficiently long notice period 
before their implementation so as to allow businesses to adapt to new rules without disruptions?  
Answer :  The Supreme Council of Health is currentl y working on new food legislations.  These 
legislations will include food law as well as 8 food-specific regulations.  All drafts will be shared with relevant stakeholders (producers, importers, dealers and consumers) to get recommendations or notes before final approval. The methodology applied by the State of Qatar with respect 
to any technical regulation is in line with  WTO/TBT rules and commitments, including 
food related technical regulations. Accord ingly, technical regulations are notified 
through WTO CRN, with the normal comment period of 60 days in the draft stage. Any 
comments or enquiries received are addressed in consultation with relevant technical 
committees and feedback is provid ed to the concerned WTO Member.   
 
On marking and labelling 
 
13 Question : Can the State of Qatar confirm that its rules on marking and labelling related to 
the “G-Mark” in general and to toys in particular are in line with the Gulf Regulation on G-Marking 
and the Gulf Technical Regulation on Toys? 
 Answer : Yes, rules on marking and labelling relate d to the G-Mark applied by the State 
of Qatar are in line with Gulf regulation on  G-Marking & Gulf Technical Regulation on 
Toys.  
 
On foreign investment 
 
14 Question : Is the State of Qatar considering opening these sectors to investment by 
foreigners, even if partially or for minority ownership in equity? 
 
Answer : Pursuant to Law No.13 of 2000 and subsequent amendments foreign investors may 
invest in all sectors up to 49% of capital and in certain sectors (as stipulated in law No(1) of 2010) 
up to 100% given investors meet the criteria specified in the law. With regards to commercial 
agencies, banking, insurance, and real estate th ere have been many developments relating to 
opening up these sectors which include: 
 
- Assigning of land on a long term lease contract for a period not exceeding 50 years 
(renewable).  
- Introduction of free zones in which foreign investment in finance-related services can 
operate. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 15 - 
 
  - Certain designated areas in which foreigners can invest/own real estate. 
 15 Question : Does the State of Qatar consider an unconditional opening of certain selected 
sectors to foreign equity investment with a foreign capital share of over 49%? 
 
Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on at least 
three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the 
implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to 
the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two 
investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial 
Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment regime. 
 
16 Question :  Does the State of Qatar consider extending the list of sectors that can be 
exempted from the rule of 51% Qatari ownership with authorization by the Ministry of Economy 
and Commerce?  
 
Answer : As stated above, the authorities have expa nded the list of sectors exempted from the 
minority foreign ownership rule over the last 10 years to cover most of the economy.  Moreover, 
the fast pace of development over the last eight years has forced local authorities to conduct 
impact assessments of further liberalization on an ongoing basis.  Further additions to the minority ownership rule will depend on emerging economic needs, assessed economic impact and social and 
economic development requirements. 
 17 Question :  Is the State of Qatar planning to revise the existing procedural rules and 
conditions for requesting an exemption in order to make the authorization procedures swifter and 
more predictable? 
 Answer : The Ministry of Economy and Commerce instituted a score-card methodology for its 
internal consultations used to evaluate each projec t’s merits.  The project’s score is, in turn, used 
to evaluate whether an exemption from the foreign minority ownership rule is recommended or not.  The methodology includes an evaluation on the project’s consistency with strategic 
development goals, as spelled out in Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar National Development 
Strategy 2011-2016.  On the measures affecting imports 
 18 Question :  Is the State of Qatar planning additional measures to ensure a uniform 
application of its customs rules and procedures, no matter which post handles the entry or exit of 
the goods? 
 Answer : Customs procedures in major customs ports have been unified with the launch of the 
single window system (AL NADEEB) in major ports/ points of entry (ground, sea, air). The General 
Customs Administration (GCA) is in the process of finalizing the launch of the system in the rest of the ports, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. The new organizational structure 
of GCA includes a new department of quality which is tasked, amongst other things, to unify work 
methods and systems in all locations in order to ensure homogeneity of processes and procedures. 
 On applied tariff rates exceeding the bound 
 19 Question : Can the State of Qatar indicate from when on it is planning to realign the applied 
rates for the tariff lines in question with the bound rate and which considerations are currently 
delaying compliance with the bound rate? 
 Answer : The Council of Ministers adopted a resolution in February 2014 that approves setting the 
six tariff line on steel products—defined at the 8- digit level—aforementioned at their bound level.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 16 - 
 
  However, the decision is still pending final legislative approval and, as a result, has not become 
law yet.  This is expected to take place shortl y and be operational as soon as it is enacted. 
 On telecommunications 
 20 Question : Can the State of Qatar inform how the access for fixed-line operations to the last 
mile to the customer is regulated in order to ensure fair competition? 
 
Answer : The authorities are committed to develop a regulatory framework that promotes the 
development of fair and efficient competition in the telecommunications sector. To that end, Qatar established an independent regulator (Emiri Decree 42, 2014) and is embarked in revamping the 
telecommunication law of 2006 to reinforce this regulatory objective.  The provision of 
telecommunication services are licensed by the Ministry of ICT (individual licenses) or the Communication Regulatory Authority (class licenses). 
 
21 Question : Can the State of Qatar specify whether the Qatar Postal Service Company 
provides also express mail services? 
 
Answer : As stipulated in Law No. (16) of 2009, Qatar Postal Service Company (Q-Post) does 
provide express mail services. Additionally, offices of international express mail service companies exist in Qatar such as DHL, UPS, TNT and Fedex. 
 
On the WTO GPA 
 
22 Question :  Is the State of Qatar considering joining the Government Procurement 
Agreement as a party or as an observer?  
Answer : At the moment, Qatar has not yet made the decision to join the GPA. Nonetheless, the 
State of Qatar has made consistent efforts to make its procurement legislation transparent and, as a result, policies and procedures are available to the public both through government websites and 
through Al Meezan (Qatar’s legal portal).  Furthermore, a new law on government procurement 
that is in the final stages of legal approval seeks to further increase transparency and decentralize 
the work of the Central Procurement Committee.  
On intellectual property 
 
23 Question : When does Qatar plan to adopt the various implementing law related IPRs?  
 
Answer : The authorities have already finished drafting regulations for the implementation of the 
various IPR-related laws in Qatar.  At the moment, the regulations are pending legal approval.   
24 Question :  What is the calendar of these adoptions? 
 Answer : The aforementioned regulations will come in to force once they are enacted, which the 
authorities expect to take place during 2014. 
 25 Question : As regards to GIs, Qatar legislation (Law n°9 of 2002) states in its Article 38 that 
GIs shall be protected if not registered. Please explain this provision. 
 Answer : Article 35 of Law No. (9) states that geograph ical indications are to be protected even if 
they are not registered.  This is done to protect it  within the country from any kind of infringement 
that could happen which may lead to a loss of the GIs from the country of origin. 
 26 Question : What is the difference with protection via registration? 
 
Answer : As stated in the previous answer, protection for geographical indication is always granted 
upon request once an application for protection is filed with the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce’s IP department. 
 27 Question : The EU would like to know whether Qatar intents to accede to: i) the Trademark 
law Treaty; ii) the Protocol relating to the Madrid Agreement concerning the international WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 17 - 
 
  registration of marks; iii) the Singapore Treaty on the law of trademarks; iv) the Lisbon 
Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration.  Answer :  The authorities are currently undertaking studies to determine whether to join these 
treaties or not.  The deci sion will be made public once it has been reached. 
 28 Question : Could the State of Qatar explain whether only works with a certificate can be 
protected?  If so, is this provision compatible with Article 5(2) of the Berne Convention prohibiting 
formalities?  Answer : Law No. (17) of 2002 stipulates that “failure to deposit work or neighbourhood rights 
shall have no effect on its protection under this Law” (Article 45).  In this sense, depositing the 
work or not does not effect on its protection under this Law. The registration is evidence to the right holder in case of infringements.  
 
29 Question : Could the State of Qatar explain how the provision sets in point 5(2) of law 
7/2002 is compatible with Article 2(6) of the Berne Convention stating that the works must enjoy 
protection in all Members of the Convention? 
 Answer : Qatar is a member of the Bern Convention since 2000 and thus applies all the provisions 
that afford foreign works the same protection as given to the national works (Reciprocal 
treatment) since then.  Furthermore, Law No. (7) of 2002 mandates that protection be afforded to 
all works protected under any Convention and Treaty of which Qatar is a signatory to.  
30 Question : Is making available right covered by the distribution right or the right of 
communication to the public?  
Answer : The author or owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to carry out or to authorize 
distribution to the public of the work through sale  of the author's economic rights as stipulated 
under article 7(4) of Law No. (7) of 2002.  In ad dition, there are provisions for some actions that 
are permitted without the author's authorization as prescribed in Chapter V for Restrictions on 
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights from Article 18 to 27. 
 31 Question : As member of WPPT, does the State of Qatar apply article 15 of this Treaty to 
Performers and producers of phonograms on Right to Remuneration for Broadcasting and 
Communication to the Public?  
Answer : Qatar is a member of WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) since 2005, 
and thus applies Article (15) of the Treaty.  Collective rights management have not been established yet.  The copyright law of 2002 contains provisions for protecting performance rights and producers of phonograms for commercials available to their rights to the public. 
 
32 Question : As regards medicinal products and plant production products, does the State of 
Qatar legislation provide for an administrative ma rketing approval process and a link with patent 
duration?  
 Answer : For marketing medicinal product within state of Qatar the owner of the product would 
have to apply for official approval from the Supreme Council of Health -Department of  Pharmacy 
and Drug Control, and any other approval from other ministries tasked with protecting public 
health.  If a drug is protected by a valid patent , then, an assignment deed or licensing agreement 
must be provided by the applicant to the authoritie s prior to granting its approval for marketing in 
order to protect the patent owner's rights.  However, if the patent lapses then it falls into the 
public domain.  
33 Question : Does Qatar legislation provide for limitations on liability for intermediary service 
suppliers?  
Answer : The intermediary service suppliers share the same liability as do the original suppliers for 
their works, rights, restrictions and limitations to stakeholders. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 18 - 
 
  On government procurement 
 
34 Question : In the light of the significant public investments being made by the State of 
Qatar and of its environment policies, does Qatar have a public procurement policy favouring 
environmentally friendly goods and services? 
 Answer : Qatar has not yet developed its public procurement policy to favour environmentally 
friendly goods.  However, the authorities are engaged in internal consultations to determine the 
manner and time in which these could be worked into the legislation.  35 Question : If so, are such policies publicly available? 
 
Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 
36 Question : Does the State of Qatar envisage a further development of the regulations 
governing its Central Tenders Committee that would increase transparency of the procedures, in particular regarding the decisions on the exclusion of bidders and the criteria for the attribution of 
a project to a particular bidder in each individual tender procedure? 
 Answer : A new tender law based on decentralization of tenders is under process.  Once enacted, 
the CTC will cease operations as a new regulatory entity is expected to be established instead.  
Exclusion of bidders, now or in future regulations, is based on technical and contractual compliance 
to tender documents, as is common practice in most countries.  Currently, the CTC is not the only government agency that coordinates and carries ou t public procurement in Qatar.  Indeed, about 
50% of all government entities procure independently from CTC through their own tenders 
committees.  Moreover, CTC has not handled any projects recently having concentrated instead on minor supply and services tenders only. The total value of tenders awarded by CTC at the moment 
represents a small percentage of the total procurement value in Qatar. 
 37 Question : Can the State of Qatar confirm whether its current procurement rules oblige the 
CTC and other government entities to award a tender exclusively to the bid with the lowest 
nominal price? 
 Answer : Under the current law and CTC procedures, tenders are to be awarded to the lowest 
compliant offer.  However, the lowest nominal price is, on rare occasions, excluded due to previous 
poor performance with that entity.  This type of exclusion must be substantiated with proper documentation with the final decision being made by the tender committee. 
 
38 Question : How does the State of Qatar guarantee the equal treatment of all domestic 
bidders? Is there a central internet website on which all tender notices are published?   
Answer : Currently, CTC as per law and procedures, announces its open tenders at 2 local 
newspapers in addition to the CTC website. CTC is not aware of other government entities procedures in announcing tenders.  However, und er the proposed new law, the new procurement 
regulator will have a centralized website to announce all government open tenders. 
 39 Question : Does the State of Qatar have a review system that allows unsuccessful bidders 
to challenge a contract award decision?  
 Answer : As per CTC procedures, unsuccessful bidders may submit a claim to the CTC, which will 
be reviewed and, if necessary, corrective actions are to be taken including changing the award or 
retendering.  Furthermore, the bidder may submit a legal case to the appropriate court. Awarding 
tenders by CTC does not take place unless all technical and financial reports are fully reviewed and audited. So far, all the exclusions of bidders have been found to be legal and technically justified.  
 
40 Question : If so, could Qatar provide detailed information on it?  
 
Answer : CTC’s review system is internal and follow s internal procedures to guarantee compliance 
with the law.  In general, purchasing entities have the legal right to specify compliant and non- compliant offers, since they are responsible for ex ecuting the contract and they are the party who 
determined the specifications. The bidder may argue technical issues, but the final decision and 
acceptance is up to the purchasing entity. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 19 - 
 
  41 Question : Could the State of Qatar provide information regarding the economic impacts of 
the preference schemes mentioned in sections 3.90 and 3.91 of the Secretariat's report?   Answer :  The economic impact in Qatar of the existi ng preference scheme is still being assessed. 
Moreover, Qatar’s preferences programme is ba sed on the GCC Unified Economic Agreement 
signed in 1981.  Law No. (6) of 1987 thus es tablishes the step-wise preferential treatment 
provided by Qatar to all GCC companies.  So fa r, the CTC has been tasked to enforce the law. 
 
42 Question : How many contracts are awarded to Qatari companies on the basis of these 
schemes in the last three years? Can the State of Qatar quantify the additional expenditure? 
 
Answer : The number of contracts awarded over the last three year to local companies is 935. 
Typically, local companies participate in tenders released by CTC with foreign companies showing little interest due to the normally low value of the tenders. 
 
On tourism 
 
43 Question : Can Qatar give more details on the licensing regime for the travel agents and 
tourists guides? Is there any discriminatory requirement, such as nationality or residency?  Answer : The Tour Guide must be licensed by the Qa tar Tourism Authority and the licensees must 
be residents of Qatar in order to work in Qatar. International Guides, accompanying dedicated 
tours, are able to conduct their groups’ activities for the duration of a tour itinerary, but should 
utilise the services of a local tour guide whenever visiting specialized locations or participating in 
specialized activities.  
 44 Question : Can the State of Qatar clarify when the classification guidelines will become 
publically available?  
 Answer : The classification (Grading) guidelines are available. However, these are currently being 
upgraded to include sustainability measures and should be ready for publishing within 2 months. 
QTA is currently writing a consolidated system of By-laws, aimed at covering the full range of 
measures and standards for all tourism activities which fall under the Qatar Tourism Law: namely Law No.6 of 2012, and Exhibitions Law, Law No. 17 of 2013. The UNWTO-led Regulations 
development is completed and now being translated for Ministerial approvals. 
 On temporary importation of machinery 
 45 Question : Can the State of Qatar elaborate on the rules and procedures it has introduced in 
order to make temporary admissions operational in practice, for equipment used in projects but also for goods temporarily imported for exhibitions? 
 
Answer :  Article 3 Qatar’s Customs Law stipulates that of the admission of heavy machines and 
equipment not available in the local markets is to be permitted for the execution of the projects or 
carrying out of the practical and scientific experi ments relating to such project.  The initial 
permissions, granted for a period of six months, can be extended up to a maximum of three years unless the time span of the projects extends beyond three years.  In general, the project 
benefiting from the temporary admission must be for the benefit of the State or an investment 
project requiring the admission of machines and equipment necessary for this purpose.  In the case of exhibitions, the following procedures and/or permits must be obtained: 
 
 Permit from the General Authority of Tourism. 
 Approval from Customs Authority on Temporary Import Application. 
 Payment of Customs Duties under Guarantee. 
 The period given for the exhibition is usually one month and renewable for a maximum period of 
six months.  The status of the temporary admission shall end by re-exportation of the admitted 
goods abroad or the deposition thereof in the free Zone or the customs stores or warehouse, or placing there for local consumption and payment of  the customs duties therefore in accordance 
with the conditions and procedure to be decided by the General Manager. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 20 - 
 
  On customs strategic objectives 
 
46 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform whether the strategic plan foresees consultation 
of stakeholders during the formulation of new customs rules in order to improve their 
practicability?  
 Answer : Customs’ strategic plan does include consultations with relevant stakeholders.  In fact, 
the authorities held several analytical seminars with relevant public and private sectors entities 
before adopting the strategic plan.  47 Question :  Could the State of Qatar further inform whether the strategic plan foresees 
widespread publication of new customs rules and a sufficiently long notice period before their 
implementation so as to allow businesses to adapt to new rules without disruptions?   
Answer : The implementation of the strategic plan contemplates the publication of new rules 
through the Customs Authority’s website, including its single-window, in order to make information as transparent as possible.  Time will also be provided to consult with relevant stakeholders in 
order to clear questions and provide a sufficiently reasonable time span before any new laws or 
regulation comes into force.  48 Question : Could the State of Qatar clarify whether the development of “electronic and 
paperless services” will include the recognition of electronic Certificates of Origin by the State of 
Qatar?  
Answer :  The implementation of paperless services  will, in fact, include the acceptance of 
electronic Certificates of Origin Electronic.  
On GCC FTA 
 
49 Question : Could the State of Qatar inform about th e preliminary findings of these economic 
impact studies which had been initiated over thr ee years ago and about the timeline for a possible 
lifting of the moratorium on negotiations? 
 Answer : The GCC feasibility study for FTA negotiations is ready and the decision to resume 
negotiations was taken on March 2014 based on the GCC negotiating team.  The State of Qatar 
supports this decisions which is to be implemented through GCC coordinated institutional mechanisms including the GCC negotiating team.  Furthermore, it will cooperate and collaborate in 
all future GCC FTA negotiations, consul tations and required technical work.   WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 21 - 
 
  From HONG KONG, CHINA 
 On telecommunications 
 
1 Question : Is there any incentive to encourage private participation in the plan? How far is 
the plan achieving its goals?  Is th ere any periodic review of the plan? 
 
Answer : Private sector participation is encouraged through several initiatives such as the ICT 
investments strategy which Defines 68 ICT investment opportunities to Stimulate the interest in, and increase the scale of, ICT investments in Qatar, thus create opportunities to investors and entrepreneurs.  The Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law (Decree Law No. (16) of 2010), 
and By-laws, were enacted to promote private sector participation as well. 
 Furthermore, the ICT 2015 Plan has fully achieved 26 out of the 37 initiatives, which were outlined 
as part of the Plan with 5 having been partially achieved, 2 having been transferred to other 
sectors owners and that 3 that have not been achiev ed yet, but are in the Ministry’s future plans.  
Some of the key achievements of the plan are: 
 
 Qatar National Broadband Network (ACHIEVED) 
 Free Internet in Public Spaces (ACHIEVED) 
 International Connectivity and Satellites (ACHIEVED)  
 Consumer and Digital Rights (ACHIEVED)  
 Spectrum Planning and Policy (Partially achieved)  
 E-Commerce Regulations (achieved) 
 CIIP (ACHIEVED)  
 Cyber Security Skills and Technical Capabilities (ACHIEVED) 
 Government ICT Mission Assurance (ACHIEVED)  
 Q-CERT- (ACHIEVED) 
 Digital Privacy Law (ACHIEVED) 
  Cyber Safety Guidelines and Governance (ACHIEVED) 
  Cyber Users Empowerment (ACHIEVED) 
 National ICT Maturity (ACHIEVED) 
 E-Accessibility Policy (ACHIEVED)  
 ICT Professional Promotion (ACHIEVED) 
 Business Incubation (ACHIEVED) 
 National Digitization Plan (ACHIEVED) 
 Government Connectivity (ACHIEVED)  
 Next-Generation Payment Platform (ACHIEVED)  
 Next-Generation Government Services (PARTIALLY ACHIEVED)  
 The plan was also revamped to include the National Broadband plan, e-Government Strategy, 
Regulatory Authority Strategy, and Cyber Security National level strategy which set out targets up 
to 2020. The revamping responded to fast growing communication needs over the last five years.  The 2015 plan is being assessed on yearly basis. 
 
On financial services 
 
2 Question : We are interested to know the details of this initiative, including its scope, the 
legislative process, and its implementation schedule.   Has the industry been consulted?  Is there 
any transitional arrangement?  
Answer : Qatar Central Bank Law and the regulation of financial institutions promulgated by Law 
No. (13 ) of 2012, contain the following provisions:  
1. Article (8): The Bank as the supreme authority, and in the context of the national strategic 
vision and in accordance to the best international standards and practices, develop and monitor the implementation of the policies relating to regulation, control, and supervision of 
all services, business and financial activities that are practiced in the QFC or through the QFC, 
and to develop and monitor the implementation of policies relating to regulation, control, and supervision of all financial markets in the State of Qatar.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 22 - 
 
  2. The establishment or formation of the Committee of Financial Stability and Risk Control in 
accordance with Article No. (115) of the Act, under the chairmanship of His Excellency the 
Governor and the Deputy Governor as Vice-President and the membership of: 
 Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). 
 Chief Executive Officer of the Regula tory Authority of the QFC (QFCRA). 
 Managers of the relevant departments of the Central Bank of Qatar  
 Specialists in the field of business, services, and activities and financial markets. 
 
The aforementioned Committee’s responsibilities are, amongst others, as follows:  1. Coordination between the regulating, controlling,  and supervising authorities in the State of 
Qatar, and work to reinforce cooperation and exchange of information among them in order to 
assist in creation of a homogeneous and cooperative regulatory and supervisory environment. 
 
2. Study real as well as possible risks on all services, business, activities, and financial markets, 
and the development of solutions and proposals in relation to such risks.  
3. Propose policies concerning regulation, monitor and supervision, including licensing and anti-
money laundering and other policies related to services, business, activities, and financial 
markets. 
 In practice, the Committee submits its recommendations and proposals to the Board of Directors 
of Qatar Central Bank for approval and follow-up of their implementation. 
 
According to the above-mentioned law, the insu rance and reinsurance sector has become under 
the control and supervision of the Qatar Central Bank directly, and in accordance with the 
provisions of Chapter II of Part IV of the Act. Thus the creation of a special department for the 
control and supervision of insurance and reinsurance in the context of the organizational structure 
of the Qatar Central Bank. 
 
Under the provisions of Article 23 of the above- mentioned law, His Excellency the Governor of 
Qatar Central Bank takes Presidency of the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority of the 
Qatar Financial Centre (QFCRA) as well as the Board of Directors of Qatar Financial Markets 
Authority (QFMA).  
This and what has been mentioned above represents the de-facto  unification of supervisory and 
regulatory authorities at the policy level and the boards of directors of the supervisory and 
regulatory bodies. 
 
On education services 
 3 Question : What are the criteria for selecting education institutions, research institutions and 
industries to establish in the Education City?  Are there any incentives to encourage the 
establishment in the Education City?  Are foreign companies or universities entitled to these incentives?   
 
Answer : The authorities attach great importance to education and its relation to the country’s 
social development goals, as stated in various policy documents over the last five years.  To this 
end, expenditure on educational projects was on ce again increased in the 2014-2015 budget.  The 
establishment of new educational institutions in Qatar responds to the State’s long-term sustainable development goals as well as ongoing econ omic needs.  In this context, Education City 
functions under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation; a private sector Foundation.  As a result, the 
government does not bear any influence or hold any oversight on the process or criteria utilized by 
Qatar Foundation to select educational or research entities to be established in Education City.   
 
On international maritime transport 
 
4 Question : Does the Qatar Government have any plan to further liberalise the port services by 
contracting out certain port services to private companies or privatizing the Qatar Ports 
Management Company?  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 23 - 
 
  Answer :  The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is currently undertaking several impact studies 
to determine the desirability of further liberalizing Qatar’s service sector, including its port services.  Once made, the final decision will be made public.  
On intellectual property 
 
5 Question : We are interested to know the progress of the preparation of the relevant 
implementing regulations.  Under the existing laws, how are the rights of the owners of the 
relevant intellectual property rights protected?   How will the protection be changed after the 
coming into force of the implementing regulations?   When will the reorganisation of the relevant 
offices and ministries be effectuated? 
 
Answer : The authorities have been committed to enforcing copyright and patent laws even in the 
absence of implementing regulations.  The owners of intellectual property rights are thus protected 
under the law, including the international treaties signed by Qatar. The implementing regulations, 
however, are well underway with their final draft havi ng been recently finalized.  Legal approval is 
expected to follow shortly with enforcement now expected to follow legal processes rather than 
institutional conventions.  The recent ministerial reorganization, signed off through Amiri Decree 
No. (20) of 2014, is expected to be finalized during 2014.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 24 - 
 
  From INDIA 
 On Insurance 
 
1 Question : Qatar is requested to inform how much foreign equity holding is allowed in such 
joint-stock company?  
Answer : As per Qatar’s main foreign investment law, i.e. Law No. (13) of 2000, as amended, 
foreign equity in joint-stock companies is directly allowed up to 25%.  Any foreign participation above 25% would require approval by the Council of Ministers.  
On education 
 
2 Question : Qatar is requested to inform whether foreign schools are allowed to establish in 
Qatar or not and if yes, what are the requirements for their establishment? 
 
Answer : According to Qatar’s main foreign investment law, i.e. Law No. (13) of 2000, a non-
Qatari investor can invest with up to a 100% foreign ownership on an enterprise or project in the 
education sector.  The Private Schools Office within the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is the supervisory authority in charge of enforcing the requirements to establish a foreign private school. More information at the following link:  
http://www.sec.gov.qa/En/SECInstitutes/EducationI nstitute/Offices/Pages/ PrivateSchoolsOffice.as
px. 
 
3 Question : A number of other universities have established in Qatar, in addition to those 
part of Education City. The University of Calg ary operates a nursing school, the College of the 
North Atlantic a technical college, and Stenden University, a school of applied sciences. Such 
schools may be eligible for government support.  Qatar is requested to inform what are the 
conditions for obtaining such government support? 
 Answer : The government of Qatar does not have any program to support the universities. 
However, different government entities do provide sponsorship to students at the higher education 
level.  
On ITC 
 
4 Question : Qatar is requested to inform when this regulation is expected to come into force 
and what are its salient features? 
 Answer : The Consumer Protection Policy was issued on the 6
th of January 2014 (See 
http://www.ictqatar.qa/en/docum ents/download/Consumer%20Pro tection%20Policy-English.pdf ) 
with the new obligations within the Policy coming into force three months following the public 
notification which took place on 6th January 2014.  Thus, the effective date for the coming into 
force was therefore 5th April 2014. The Consumer Protection rules cover :- advertising activity; 
sales activity; information transparency; minimum contractual requirements; billing; fit-for-
purpose services; Internal complaints procedures; disconnection of customers; customer transfers; access to emergency services; access to directory services; customers with Disabilities; 
privacy protections and access to customer premises. The Policy also sets out dispute resolution 
service, policy compliance, enforcement and penalties and makes provision for monitoring and review of the Policy.  
On Tourism 
 
5 Question : Qatar is requested to inform what are the terms for obtaining a licence for tourist 
guides and tour operators? 
 Answer : The Tour Guide must be licensed by the Qa tar Tourism Authority and the licensees must 
be residents of Qatar in order to work in Qatar. International Guides, accompanying dedicated 
tours, are able to conduct their groups’ activities for the duration of a tour itinerary, but should 
utilise the services of a local tour guide whenever visiting specialized locations or participating in specialized activities.   
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 25 - 
 
  On labour movement 
 
6 Question : Qatar is requested to inform how this quota system operate and how much fee is 
payable by the employee and the employer? 
 
Answer : The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs does not operate a quota system in the process 
of recruiting migrant workers and it does not re quire employees to pay fees to access employment 
in Qatar.  Article 33 of the Labour Law No. (14) to 2004, stipulates that "persons who are licensed 
to recruit workers from abroad on  behalf of the third parties shall be prohibited from doing the following: Collecting from the re cruited workers any sums of money as recruitment fees or other 
charges".  In addition, Article 19 of the Ministerial Decision No. (8) of 2005, stipulates that the 
employer is prohibited from collecting mone y from a recruited employee in the form of 
employment cost or any type of cost.  Furthermore, Article (14) of Ministerial Decision No. (8) of 2005 gives the Minister the right to withdraw re cruitment/employment license from employment 
firms if it collects money from a recruited employee in return for recruitment. 
 On TBT 
 7 Question : What is the product coverage of this TBT notification? 
 Answer : Clause 2, i.e. the application scope, of the notified regulation explains the issue.  To 
quote: “This regulation shall apply to all the prod ucts being subject to the requirements provided 
in the technical regulation issued by the standardization organization for the GCC countries, requiring to place the conformity marking for the GCC countries.” 
 
8 Question : Does the coverage of ‘all products’ mean agricultural products, plant & animal 
products, and industrial products? Or are they specifically targeted goods? 
 
Answer : ‘All products’ means all those products for which a Gulf technical regulation exists or is 
issued. That is, a product which is not the subject of a Gulf technical regulation is not included.  
9 Question : How and what are the Qatari government’s verification procedures of such 
agencies designated by third country government , is there a process of inspection of these 
agencies? 
 
Answer : According to the notified regulation, i.e. G/TBT/N/QAT/55, not “all goods coming into 
Qatar must have a certificate of conformity attached” but only those products which are covered 
by Gulf technical regulations in which case the regulation itself requires the Conformity 
Mark/Certificate. The procedure differs on a product by product case, according to the 
requirements of the relevant technical regulation. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 26 - 
 
  From JAPAN 
 On foreign investment 
 
1 Question : A few years ago, the share in the capital of the Qatar Petroleum in petroleum 
and natural gas sectors was lifted to 80%. This change has affected investment activities of Japanese enterprises. How does Qatar justify this change to be consistent with the Foreign 
Investment Law (Law No (13) of 2000, as amended) which allows a capital share of foreign 
investors of not more than 49%, and may allow up to 100%, in these sectors.  Answer : Law No. (13) of 2000, as amended, includes a list of sector where foreign ownership 
above 49%—including 100% in some cases—is allowed (Article 2).  Approval for foreign ownership 
above 49% depends, amongst other things, on the initiative’s alignment with Qatar’s strategic development goals, as spelled out in Qatar National Vision 2030.  At the moment, the authorities 
view the oil and gas sectors as strategic economic development sectors that warrant majority 
ownership by local companies.  
On double taxation 
 
2 Question : Japan has not signed a Double Taxation treaty with Qatar. Japan exchanged 
notes concerning mutual tax exemption for income from the international transportation business 
with Qatar in 2009. 
 Answer : The State of Qatar notes the information and further adds that it would like to sign a 
double taxation treaty with Japan.  To this end, Qatar has been making efforts to carry out 
ongoing consultations with Japan to a fruitful conclusion.  
On GCC FTA 
 
3 Question : The GCC reportedly decided to resume FTA negotiations. What are the contents 
of the decision? What is Qatar’s reaction to the decision? How will the GCC implement the 
decision? What role will Qatar play in its implementation? 
 Answer : The GCC feasibility study for FTA negotiations is ready and the decision to resume 
negotiations was taken on March 2014 based on the GCC negotiating team.  The State of Qatar 
supports this decisions which is to be implemented through GCC coordinated institutional mechanisms including the GCC negotiating team.  Furthermore, it will cooperate and collaborate in 
all future GCC FTA negotiations, consulta tions and required technical work.   
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 27 - 
 
  From REPUBLIC OF KOREA 
 On economic development 
 
1 Question : Could Qatar please elaborate on the targ ets of the NDS and the results that have 
been achieved as indicated in the report, especially regarding foreign investment liberalization?  
Answer : The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics is preparing a mid-term review of 
the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016. So far the overall implementation progress of these targets is mixed. There have been some promising results for well-defined output targets.  However, less progress has been made on the more complex policy and institutional targets. 
Looking ahead, lessons learned over the first pe riod of implementation will substantiate mid-
course corrections and refocus the strategy.  Regarding foreign investment liberalization, there is no national strategy in place but draft studies have been done.  
 
2 Question : Korea understands Qatar’s concerns over the low participation of local workers in 
the labour market. What plans do the authorities have to remedy the situation other than 
providing quotas for local workers? Korea would also like to know if there is any plan to reduce the 
quotas given that Qatar acknowledges the general insufficiency of its local workforce.  Answer : The Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 document does not mention 
Qatarization quotas. Moreover, the authorities’ policy focus is on capacity building, training and 
leadership programmes for locals rather than hiring quotas.  The Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 does contain certain provisions along these lines however.  In particular, it 
anticipates an increased and more diversified Qatari participation in the labour force through: 
  Investment in education and training. 
 Incentives for professional and managerial occupations in all sectors and encourage more 
Qatari women to enter paid employment.  
 Skill upgrading programmes for Qataris. 
 Expanding high-quality training opportunities for Qataris 
 
On FTZ 
 
3 Question :  Korea would like to know if any incentives other than exemption from customs 
duties will be provided in the above-mentioned free zone. What is the difference between the new free zone and the 2 FTZs (Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Financial Centre under 
the 2005 law on free zones) currently in operation?  
 Answer : Free Trade Zones in Qatar follow their ow n regulatory framework whereas economic 
zones follow the general legal framework.  The la tter, however, are normally provided with some 
support, typically in the form of facilities constr ucted/provided by the government for specific 
sectors.  Companies located in Qatar Science and Technology Park, in particular, may also apply for financial support in the form of seed capital from the New Enterprise Fund, subject to 
applicable conditions (further details may be found in http://www.qstp.org.qa/home/support-
programs/venturing ).   WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From MALAYSIA 
 On SPS 
 
1 Question : Can Qatar provide details of Law No. (8) Of 1990 and address for the website 
link to Law No. (8) Of 1990?   
 
Answer : Law No. (8) of 1990 on Regulations of Human Food Control cover the main provisions 
and definitions regarding food security and sa fety in Qatar. After any good passes through 
customs clearance the competent authorities, i. e. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, The 
Ministry of Health and The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, have full jurisdiction and 
thus are permitted to carry out actions to ensure  public health and safety. Furthermore, the Law 
also allows them to monitor and protect against fraud and violations of standard specification. In regards to regulations overseeing food control and its circulation, the Law also sets out the general 
procedures and standards of food handling, food dispensers, packaging and appropriate 
transportation means. Approval for licensing and permits is to be granted for the importation of 
food products by The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with any pertaining 
entity. The Law also establishes procedures to seize merchandise, take sample and dispose them.  
The Law may be found in http://www.hse-reg-dg.com/hse/h se.nsf/web/downloads/$File/ 
Law%20No.%208%20of%201990%20English.pdf . 
 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 29 - 
 
  From MEXICO 
 On customs strategic objectives 
 
1 Question : How does Qatar intent to expand its existing customs agreements?  By 
negotiating new agreements or by attaching new obligations to existing ones?  With which countries or entities does Qatar intend to carry out these agreements? 
 
Answer : Qatar is generally open politically, economically and commercially to all countries of the 
world and its accession to the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (Bali Package) confirms that.  In order to fulfil its commitments in the various agreements signed, the General Customs 
Administration (GCA) will seek continuous consultation with friend countries that signed 
agreements with the GCA to study whether there is a need to further develop such agreements and thus facilitate the work of stakeholders in the global supply chain, as well as considering the 
conclusion of new agreements with the rest of the world to achieve the same purpose.  The 
authorities intend to follow both tracks, i.e. negotiate new agreements and attach new obligations to existing ones, in order to expand existing customs agreements. 
 
2 Question :  In case that the answer to the previous question is by attaching new obligations 
to existing agreements, which new obligations does Qatar intend to attach?  
Answer : All the customs agreements previously signed  by Qatar with different countries were to 
facilitate trade with these countries. If there is a need to review such agreement, it would be to 
improve the goals indicated when the agreement wa s signed in light of the recent agreement on 
Trade Facilitation (Example; system requirements  for the application of the approved economic 
operator).  
3 Question : What requirements must be met to be an authorized economic operator in 
Qatar?   Answer : The figure of the authorized economic operator is yet to be implemented in Qatar. The 
GCA will provide details on the stages of implem entation on its website and will notify all the 
member states in time.  
4 Question: What privileges (advantages) does Qatar provide to its authorized economic 
operators vis-a-vis the remaining operators?   
Answer : Please refer to the previous two answers. 
 On modification of export/import procedures 
 
5 Question : Is it mandatory for importers, exporters and other registered users of the single-
window system to use customs agents in Qatar?  
Answer: Qatar’s General Customs Authority does not force any importer or exporter to use 
clearing/clearance agents outside its organization if the organization has its own employees handling this clearance task.  In this case, the employee must hold a license granted by the GCA 
to undertake such tasks. 
 On subsidies 
 
6 Question : Can Qatar confirm whether companies producing natural gas, aluminum, urea, 
vehicles used for the transport of merchandise and people and compressed refrigerators receive subsidies? 
 
Answer : The State of Qatar does not grant subsidies as defined by Articles 1 to 3 of the WTO’s 
Agreement on Safeguards and Countervailing Measures. 
 
On Islamic products 
 7 Question : Can Qatar explain the difference between Islamic financial products and those 
that are not Islamic (i.e. conventional)? WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 30 - 
 
  Answer : Islamic financial products are based on Islamic financial contracts structured to comply 
with Islamic law (Sharia) in addition to other legalities.  There are certain conditions for a contract to be Sharia compliant .  In particular, the common feature amongst the previously mentioned 
contracts is that all of them are linked to real assets.  There are several Islamic financial contracts 
commonly used, i.e. Mudaraba, Musharaka, Murabaha, Salam, Istisnaa,  and Ijara(lease).  
Reference can be made to Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) website( http://www.aaoifi.com/ ) for more details regarding accounting and Sharia 
aspects of such contracts.  AAOIFI’s portal contains commonly accepted and standardized 
definitions and descriptions of Islamic financial contract upon that QCB uses for regulatory purposes.  Another useful reference can be found in the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), located in Malaysia ( http://www.ifsb.org/ ).  The IFSB provides a framework similar to Basel for the 
Islamic financing industry as it is recognized as the standards-setting body. 
 On Islamic banking 
 8 Question : Can Qatar explain the difference between Islamic banks and non-Islamic banks, 
be them national or foreign? 
 
Answer : Islamic Banks as per the definition under Article 1 of QCB Law 13 or 2012, are those 
licensed by QCB to conduct all or some banking,  investment and development activities pursuant 
to Islamic Sharia principles as mentioned above.  Conventional banks do not conduct business 
based on Sharia principles as explained above. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 31 - 
 
  From PAKISTAN 
 On Strategic Development Goals 
 
1 Question : How does Qatar assess its experience with implementation of the Qatar National 
Vision and the Strategy, and successes achieved so far, especially with reference to its stated targets? 
 
Answer : The Strategy has around 235 of projects, ta rgets and outcomes to be achieved over a 
6-year period. At the moment, Qatar is in the midst of the mid-term review of the National Development Strategy Targets.  So far the over all implementation progress of these targets has 
been found to be mixed with some encouraging re sults for well-defined output targets .However, 
less progress has been made on the more complex policy and institutional targets. Looking ahead, lessons learned over this first period of implementation will be incorporated to accommodate 
changes and plan mid-course corrections for the second period of implementation. 
 2 Question : Through the Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-16, Qatar aims to 
create a more competitive economy by reducing barriers to entry and strengthening competition. 
How is this goal to be realised in concrete terms?  Answer : Qatar maintains comparatively low tariffs on tradable goods. However, a number of 
services, including ground transportation, food imports and district cooling, lack competition and 
the discipline that follows. Reducing barriers to entry and strengthening competition in these areas 
will be important in delivering gains in efficiency, extending choice and promoting better quality 
service delivery. The government intends to continue  its programme of progressive liberalization of 
restrictions on foreign direct investment and to add to the list of sectors where foreign equity participation is not restricted. In domestic markets, it intends to beef up implementation of 
existing anti-trust regulations.  The government recognizes that administrative and procedural 
processes should not thwart these goals.  On financial services 
 3 Question :  Reforms were initiated in 2012 to create one regulatory authority for financial 
services in Qatar, but there are still several authorities, and separate rules and regulations for 
those operating in the QFC. When will single authority become operational? 
 Answer : Qatar Central Bank Law and the regulation of financial institutions promulgated by Law 
No. (13 ) of 2012, contain the following provisions: 
 1. Article (8): The Bank as the supreme authority,  and in the context of the national strategic 
vision and in accordance to the best intern ational standards and practices, develop and 
monitor the implementation of the policies relati ng to regulation, control, and supervision of 
all services, business and financial activities that are practiced in the QFC or through the QFC, and to develop and monitor the implementa tion of policies relating to regulation, 
control, and supervision of all financial markets in the State of Qatar. 
 
2. The establishment or formation of the Committee of Financial Stability and Risk Control in 
accordance with Article No. (115) of the Act, under the chairmanship of His Excellency the 
Governor and the Deputy Governor as Vice-President and the membership of: 
 
 Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). 
 Chief Executive Officer of the Regula tory Authority of the QFC (QFCRA). 
 Managers of the relevant departments of the Central Bank of Qatar  
 Specialists in the field of business, services, and activities and financial markets. 
 
The aforementioned Committee’s responsibilities are, amongst others, as follows:  
1. Coordination between the regulating, controllin g, and supervising authorities in the State of 
Qatar, and work to reinforce cooperation and exchange of information among them in order to assist in creation of a homogeneous and cooperative regulatory and supervisory environment.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 32 - 
 
  2. Study real as well as possible risks on all services, business, activities, and financial markets, 
and the development of solutions and proposals in relation to such risks. 
 3. Propose policies concerning regulation, monitor and supervision, including licensing and anti-
money laundering and other policies related to services, business, activities, and financial 
markets. 
 
In practice, the Committee submits its recommendations and proposals to the Board of Directors 
of Qatar Central Bank for approval and follow-up of their implementation. 
 
According to the above-mentioned law, the insu rance and reinsurance sector has become under 
the control and supervision of the Qatar Central Bank directly, and in accordance with the 
provisions of Chapter II of Part IV of the Act. Thus the creation of a special department for the 
control and supervision of insurance and reinsurance in the context of the organizational chart of 
the Qatar Central Bank. 
 
Under the provisions of Article 23 of the above- mentioned law, His Excellency the Governor of 
Qatar Central Bank takes Presidency of the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority of the 
Qatar Financial Centre (QFCRA) as well as the Board of Directors of Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA).  
This and what has been mentioned above represents the de-facto  unification of supervisory and 
regulatory authorities at the policy level and the boards of directors of the supervisory and 
regulatory bodies. 
 
On customs strategic plan 
 
4 Question :  What has been the progress with regard to the Customs Strategic plan for 
2013-16?  Answer :  So far, steady progress has been made in  the implementation of the various provisions 
of the Strategic Plan 2013 - 2016 with projects, programs and initiatives included since the 
adoption of the plan.  The implementation has been  ongoing for almost a year.  Work is underway 
to conduct the first review of this plan to align it with the new organizational chart of the General 
Administration of Customs. 
 On intellectual property 
 5 Question :  In terms of intellectual property protection, Qatar enacted several laws during 
2002-06 to put in place the necessary rules for, inter alia, patents, trademarks, geographical 
indications, and integrated circuits, but many of these laws remain non-operational as the 
necessary implementing regulations have not been  issued. When will the necessary implementing 
regulations be issued?  
Answer :  The authorities are currently enforcing the af orementioned laws in spite of the fact that 
the implementing regulations are yet to be passed.   Notwithstanding this, the Ministry of Economy 
and Commerce is currently working to draft and en act the implementing regulations as soon as 
possible. 
 On FTA with EFTA 
 
6 Question : The GCC has negotiated an FTA with EFTA but has not been ratified by all the 
parties. GCC leaders have temporarily halted negotiations on further FTAs pending the outcome of an impact study on the matter. When is the impact study expected to be concluded and made 
public? 
 Answer :  The GCC feasibility study for FTA negotiations is ready and the decision to resume 
negotiations was taken on March 2014 based on the GCC negotiating team.  The State of Qatar 
supports this decisions which is to be implemented through GCC coordinated institutional mechanisms including the GCC negotiating team.  Furthermore, it will cooperate and collaborate in all future GCC FTA negotiations, consulta tions and required technical work.   
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 33 - 
 
  On Qatar’s tariff schedule 
 
7 Question :  The Secretariat Report notes that Qatar's tariff schedule, based on the unified 
customs tariff of the GCC, is not published or available to the public. Could Qatar please explain 
why it is not available to the public? 
 Answer :  The unified customs tariff is available on the website of the General Customs 
Administration by clicking on the AL NADEEB ic on (The General Customs Administration may be 
found in http://www.customs.gov.qa. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 34 - 
 
  From SINGAPORE 
 On the GCC Customs Union (anti-dumping)  
1 Question :  We would like to seek clarification on how the customs union is operationalised 
with regard to trade remedies.  How will dumping injury be assessed – would it be based on injury in one GCC member state or the whole of GCC?  
 
Answer : According to GCC Common Law, injury is assessed on the GCC industry which is 
composed of domestic producers of the product throughout the GCC countries as a whole.  This conforms to article 4 of WTO Anti-dumping Agreement. 
 
2 Question :  Is it possible for anti-dumping, safeguards or countervailing measures to be 
evoked if only 1 GCC member was inju red but the rest of the GCC was not? 
 
Answer :  Injury is related to domestic industry of the GCC market as a whole.  According to GCC 
Common Law, as long as the injured industry meets the criteria mentioned in the law, i.e. 25% / 
50% condition, regardless of its location and the number of affected countries.   
 3 Question :  What are the objective criteria used to assess that injury is done to the GCC as 
a Customs Union for the purposes of imposing anti-dumping, countervailing measures and 
safeguards for GCC as a whole? 
 Answer :  According the GCC Common Law, injury shall be based on positive evidence and involve 
an objective examination of both (a) the volume of the dumped imports (to all GCC countries) and 
the effect of the dumped imports on prices in the domestic market (total market for all GCC members) for like products and b) the consequent impact of these imports on domestic producers 
(domestic producers of the like products for GCC countries as a whole) of such products.  This 
conforms to article 3 of WTO Anti-dumping  Agreement regarding assessment of injury. 
 4 Question :  If a non-GCC country is found guilty of dumping into only one specific GCC 
Member State, would the anti-dumping duty on the non-GCC country apply only for the injured 
GCC Member State or would it apply for the rest of the GCC?  
Answer : According to GCC Common Law, the GCC countries are considered as one market.  
Consequently, the anti-dumping duty applies against all GCC subject imports from non-GCC countries. 
 
On Taxation (VAT) 
 5 Question : We would like to ask for illustration and explanation on the VAT regime in Qatar 
and the GCC, and how it is being operationalised. 
 Answer : Qatar does not have a VAT regime.  Furthermore, Qatar does not tax consumption of 
either final or intermediate goods. 
 On competition 
 6 Question : Would Qatar be able to share the definitions of “sovereign ventures of the State 
and entities subject to state control or supervisio n" in this framework, the exceptions made for 
them therein, and the policy rationale? 
 
Answer :  Sovereign ventures of the state and entiti es subject to state control or supervision 
refers to any State Ministry, or agencies thereof, or state-owned enterprises.  The exceptions 
contained in Article 6 of the Competition Law regarding these entities are not specific in nature and 
thus cover all applicable provisions contained in the Law.  Furthermore, the policy rationale regarding these exceptions is closely related to the local economy’s current stage of development.  
Many of the private sector markets that supply final and intermediate goods in Qatar are still 
developing with some of them having experienced occasional disruptions in the past.  Thus, the law allows government agencies and state-owned enterprises to operate with possible monopolistic power to ensure the continuity of flow  of goods and services in the country. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 35 - 
 
  7 Question :  It would also be helpful to know how Qatar fosters a levelled playing field 
between such firms and other firms operating in the Qatari market. 
 Answer :  The authorities envision the emergence of a competitive private sector over the next 
decade as the economy further diversifies.  The competition law is thus expected to provide the 
necessary policy context for competitive markets to emerge as the public sector’s participation declines.  The playing field will be levelled as demand-pulled private sector development fosters 
the emergence of price-competitive businesses.  
 On incentives 
 
8 Question : Could we have a list of the incentives that are offered by Qatar to foreign 
investments, and more details of each incentive offered?  
Answer : Law No. (13) of 2000 on Regulations for the Investment of Non-Qatari Capital in 
Economic Activity, as amended, stipulates the following incentives offered by Qatar to foreign investments include: 
 
 Article 5: non-Qatari investors may be allocated land to establish their investments. 
 Article 6: non-Qatari investors may import whatever their need in order to establish their 
investment. 
 Article 7: the Ministry of Economy and Commerce may (a) exempt from income tax any non-
Q a t a r i  i n v e s t m e n t  f o r  u p  t o  1 0  y e a r s ,  ( b )  g r a n t  e x e m p t i o n s  f r o m  i m p o r t  d u t i e s  f o r  t h e  
importation of machinery and equipment to be used in the investment and (c) grant 
exemption from import duties to a non-Qatari investor in the industrial sector on raw materials and semi manufactured materials not available in the local market. 
 Article 8: Non-Qatari investors are to be exempted from expropriation unless it is in the public 
interest in which case, market value compensation is mandated to be paid to the foreign 
investor. 
 Article 9: non-Qatari investors are entitled to conduct private money transfers pertaining to 
their investment from abroad to Qatar, including returns on investment, income from the sale 
or liquidation of the investment, income from the settlement of income disputes an compensation afforded due to expropriations. 
 Article 10: non-Qatari investors may transfer the ownership of investment to another non-
Qatari investor. 
 Article 11: all disputes are to be solved either in local courts or international dispute 
settlement forums. 
 
Furthermore, if a non-Qatari investor forms a joint venture with a local partner, then the business is considered to be Qatari.  As a result, the foreign investor has access to finance from Qatar 
Development Bank, typically at below market rates or loan guarantees against loans provided in 
partner banks.  
 
9 Question : May we understand how the “exemption of  taxes on exports” mentioned above is 
being operationalised?  Answers : Qatar’s legal framework, including its Cu stoms Law, does not contain any provision 
through which taxes are levied on exports. 
 On customs procedures 
 10 Question :  Given the situation described in Para 3.1, when an exporter from a non-GCC 
country sends a shipment of non-prohibited goods (both in Qatar and in Saudi Arabia) to a Saudi 
Arabian port and this shipment of goods is cleared by the said port, does this mean that upon the 
arrival at the Qatar border customs, this shipment has to be re-checked by the Qatari customs authorities even if it has a set of customs clearance documents from Saudi Arabia?   
Answer : There is no rechecking of any goods except when the authorities have informational to 
reasonably suspect the content of the merchandise.  In that case, the goods will be checked to ensure that the goods are consistent the paperwork. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 36 - 
 
  11 Question : If it is indeed subject to re-checking at the Qatari port, may we understand if 
GCC is working towards for the removal of internal borders within the GCC countries and the integration of functions? What would be the timeline for the removal of such borders? 
 
Answer : The GCC is not currently working towards the removal of internal borders within the GCC 
member countries.  
On export permits/prohibitions 
 
12 Questions :  We noticed that Qatar has controls where by permits may be required for 
certain products for environmental, security, or safety reasons. We would like to understand the 
criteria for such permits, examples of such ty pe of products and how these are being applied. 
 Answer : Qatar’s legal framework does not prohibit any exports besides certain specific goods 
typically banned in international law due to health, environmental and security reasons.  The ban 
is carried out by the Customs Authority.  
On customs strategic objectives 
 
13 Question :  One of the objectives of the General Customs Administration (GCA) is to 
implement the Authorized Economic Operator Programme. We would like to enquire if the 
programme has already been implemented, and if no t, when is the target implementation date. In 
addition, we wish to seek clarification on the parties that are eligible to join the programme (e.g. importers, exporter, freight forwarders, etc.), an d the potential benefits they could receive by 
joining. 
 Answer : The General Customs Administration is currently preparing the operational plan for the 
implementation of the Authorized Economic Oper ator Program, with the expected date of full 
implementation to be at the beginning of 2016.  The beneficiaries will be the majority of those 
covered by the supply chain of international trade that can provide an acceptable level of compliance with the laws and regulations in force and that meet the criteria for membership that is 
consistent with the World Customs Organization’s standards on security and facilitation of supply 
chain.  
On electronic cargo operations 
 
14 Question :  We would like to enquire if there is a fixed timeframe prior to landing for the 
cargo manifests and bills of lading to be submitted, and whether the documents or information 
submitted have a prescribed format. Besides Qatar Airways, is the use of the paperless system extended to other airlines? Also, what are the challenges that the GCA faced in implementing the paperless system? 
 
Answer : The manifests and bills of lading must be submitted 4 hours before arrival time for long 
flights and 2 hours in the case of short flight. The required format for the manifests and bill of 
lading is an XML file.  Moreover, the GCA did not face any significant challenges during the 
implementation of the paperless system. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 37 - 
 
  From THAILAND 
 On import procedures and trading rights 
 
1 Question : Does Qatar have a plan to simplify this procedure in the near future? 
 Answer : The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is currently working to simplify procedures 
dealing with the domestic business environment in Qatar.  To that end, it formed a high-level legal 
advisory committee to review and update all trade-related laws and regulations.  Further details may be found in the government report.  
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 38 - 
 
  From TURKEY 
 On increases in foreign ownership to set up a business in Qatar 
 
1 Question :  Does the Government of Qatar have any plans to increase the share of foreign 
ownership in business or eliminate it totally?  
Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on at least three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally 
enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial 
Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime.  On foreign investment restrictions 
 2 Question :  Could Qatar please specify which sectors currently have foreign investment 
restrictions and on what grounds? 
 
Answer : Article 2 of Law No. (13) of 2000, as amended, stipulates that foreign investors may 
invest in any sector of the economy provided that they have a Qatari partner that contributes no 
less than 51% of the investment’s overall valu e.  However, the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce may grant an exception to this and allow up to 100% foreign ownership in the following sectors: agriculture, industry, health, education,  tourism, development, exploitation of natural 
resources, energy, mining and business consultancy, technical, information technology, cultural, 
sports, entertainment and distribution services.  The law’s foreign ownership provisions were put 
in place to facilitate and promote knowledge tran sfer, especially regarding business practices, to 
local entrepreneurs.  
 
On GCC feasibility studies 
 
3 Question : We would be pleased to get information about the state of play of feasibility 
studies?  Answer : The GCC feasibility study for FTA negotiations is ready and the decision to resume 
negotiations was taken on March 2014 based on the GCC negotiating team.  The State of Qatar 
supports this decisions which is to be implemented through GCC coordinated institutional mechanisms including the GCC negotiating team.  Furthermore, it will cooperate and collaborate in 
all future GCC FTA negotiations, consul tations and required technical work.  
 4 Question : If the work is already concluded, what are the outcomes of the studies; will the 
GCC continue to pursue conclusion of FTAs around the globe? 
 Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 
On foreign-owned importing companies in Qatar 
 
5 Question : Does the Government have an initiative to ease the rules regarding the 
restrictions on importer foreign companies? 
 Answer :  Qatar’s legal framework does not contain import restrictions.  Moreover, any company 
that imports merchandise into the country, be it foreign-owned/controlled or domestic, must be 
registered (and thus have a commercial registry number) with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.  Therefore, any company wishing to import merchandise into Qatar must follow legal procedures to commence operations that include obtaining permits from competent authorities and 
contracting parties. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 39 - 
 
  On applied tariff rates exceeding the bound 
 
6 Question : The six tariff lines of steel products have an applied rate of 20% and a bound 
rate of 15%, thereby exceeding the bindings. Is there any scheme to reduce the tariff rates of 
those products to the level consistent with Qatar’s bindings? 
 Answer : The Council of Ministers adopted a resolution in February 2014 that approves setting the 
six tariff line on steel products—defined at the 8- digit level—aforementioned at their bound level.  
However, the decision is still pending final legislative approval and, as a result, has not become law yet.  This is expected to take place shortl y and be operational as soon as it is enacted. 
 
On export promotion 
 
7 Question :  What are the main components of “Export Development Strategy for Qatar”?  Is 
a State Aid Programme designed for the SME’s within the framework of the Strategy? 
 Answer :  Qatar Development Bank’s export promotion agency—Tasdeer—provides support that is 
specific in nature and targeted to export-oriented non-hydrocarbon local SMEs.  The support 
covers two areas (export promotion and export insurance) neither of which includes, at any time, subsidies to production contingent upon export performance.  Export promotion support includes 
coordination to set up exhibitions outside Qatar, publications of trade data (including an export 
guide for Qatari business), market studies, match-making meetings, workshops for potential 
exporters in Qatar and facilitating meetings and seminars with trade-related international organizations, amongst other things.  The export insurance programme has two types of export 
credit guarantees (in the form of a letter of cr edit guarantee) covering pre-consignment risks and 
post-consignment risks respectively.  If executed, the guarantees cover up to 90% of the shipment’s value only.  Pre-consignment risks include events such as insolvency, contract 
cancellation, political events abroad that may interfere with the shipment’s delivery, etc.  Post-
consignments risks basically refer to overseas impo rters failing to pay for goods received on credit. 
 Furthermore, Qatar Development Bank, through its export promotion program Tasdeer, provides 
support for local export-oriented SMEs and it does so in a manner that is consistent with the 
objectives and guidelines of Qatar National Vision 2030.  This support is not conditional, in any way, on export performance. 
 
On service liberalization 
 
8 Question :  As being a quite developed economy with a high GDP per capita, it seems that 
Qatar has some hesitations for further liberalization on financial services or telecoms. Could the government of Qatar explain what is the reason behind this policy?  
Answer : The authorities are of the view that Qatar’ s financial sector experienced a significant 
degree of liberalization during the period under review.  As mentioned by the Secretariat’s report, Qatar has 18 banks (between conventional and Islamic ones) that include 7 foreign-owned banks.  
Furthermore, Qatar Financial Centre provides an open and transparent financial investment 
platform for any financial service provider.  The telecommunications service sector, although not as competitive as financial services, was also op ened to competition when Vodafone was awarded 
a mobile license in 2007. 
 On elimination of foreign ownership restrictions 
 
9 Question :  Does the Government of Qatar have a future plan to eliminate this requirement? 
 Answer : Please kindly refer to the previous question. 
 
On elimination of import licenses 
 
10 Question :  Does State of Qatar consider abolishing such approval and licenses in a 
foreseeable future?  Answer : The State of Qatar does not have import licenses as defined by Article 1 of the WTO 
Agreement on Import License Procedures.  Moreover, domestic law follows international practice of WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 40 - 
 
  allowing for the importation of products for non-commercial activities subject to standard 
procedural requirements.  On liberalization of foreign ownership to set up business 
 11 Question :  Sponsorship system applied in Qatar makes it difficult for foreign firms to access 
the market, to invest and to operate in the market. Does State of Qatar plan to further liberalize 
and allow foreigners to set up businesses in Qatar on their own and if so, do you envisage a time 
frame for this?  Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on four 
different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally 
enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 41 - 
 
  From the UNITED STATES 
 On inflation 
 
1 Question : Please explain the steps that Qatar is taking to mitigate growing inflation as 
infrastructure spending continues to grow.  
Answer : The main source of inflationary pressure du ring the period under review, as measured by 
the CPI, was real estate prices.  The real estate market, moreover, went through a price-correction phase during 2009-2010, after which inflation has remained subdued (for January 2014, the latest available data, inflation was 2.3% on a year-to-year  basis).  Furthermore, the fact that Qatar is 
not a price setter in any world market (outside natural gas), that it maintains a hard peg to the 
USD and that it imports most of what it consumes means that increased infrastructure spending will basically translate into increased import demand, not over utilization of domestic factors of 
production or disequilibria in any particular wo rld market.  Thus, the authorities do not expect 
inflation to rise as a result of increased infrastructure expenditures.  
On economic diversification 
 
2 Question : Please explain whether Qatar plans on taking any additional steps to further 
diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon dependency. 
 
Answer : The authorities expect that further diversification of domestic economic activity will 
require the continuous development of a vigorous pr ivate sector.  To this end, additional efforts 
are expected to be carried in order to make entrepreneurship and innovation strategic goals to be 
learned, embedded in the educational system as well as the domestic corporate culture.  This will be complemented by ongoing business friendly policies and regulations.  
 
A more diversified domestic economic base, one in which knowledge activities play a prominent role in generating productive and remunerative j o b s ,  i s  s t i l l  s o m e  t i m e  a w a y .   H o w e v e r ,  t h e  
authorities expect that economic development itself will articulate—and boost—this change over 
the longer-run which should, as a result, expa nd the economy’s overall knowledge base and 
further develop its labour market.  A variety of entities, such as Enterprise Qatar and Qatar Development Bank, are helping to germinate the business eco-system by providing support to 
Qatar’s nascent SME community.  Furthermore, the next National Development Strategy 2017-
2022 is expected to make support for the private se ctor and economic innovation one of its core 
strategic themes. 
 
On export promotion, finance, marketing assistance and others 
 3 Question : Please provide additional detailed inform ation regarding these programs and, in 
particular, explain the nature of these programs in  light of the prohibition under Article 3 of the 
SCM Agreement against subsidies contingent upon export performance.  
Answer : Qatar Development Bank’s export promotion agency—Tasdeer—provides support that is 
specific in nature and targeted to export-oriented non-hydrocarbon local SMEs.  The support covers two areas (export promotion and export insurance) neither of which includes, at any time, 
subsidies to production contingent upon export performance.  Export promotion support includes 
coordination to set up exhibitions outside Qatar, publications of trade data (including an export 
guide for Qatari business), market studies, match-making meetings, workshops for potential exporters in Qatar and facilitating meetings and seminars with trade-related international 
organizations, amongst other things.  The export insurance programme has two types of export 
credit guarantees (in the form of a letter of cr edit guarantee) covering pre-consignment risks and 
post-consignment risks respectively.  If executed, the guarantees cover up to 90% of the 
shipment’s value only.  Pre-consignment risks include events such as insolvency, contract 
cancellation, political events abroad that may interfere with the shipment’s delivery, etc.  Post-consignments risks basically refer to overseas impo rters failing to pay for goods received on credit. 
 
4 Question : Please also indicate when Qatar will submit a notification of these programs as 
required under Article 25 of the SCM Agreement.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 42 - 
 
  Answer : The authorities are currently engaged in consultations to determine the manner and date 
in which to notify the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on the scope and nature of QDB’s export promotion programme.  
On foreign investment 
 
5 Question : The Government’s Report discusses Law No (13) of 2000.  Please explain 
whether Qatar plans to amend this law to allow greater foreign investment without the 
requirement of a 51% share Qatari partner(s).  Answer :  The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on four 
different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally 
enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime. 
 On import restrictions 
 6 Question : Please describe the special import procedures applied to “used and re-treaded” 
tyres and the justification for the prohibition of or special import procedures applied to “used and 
re-treaded” tires in light of the provisions of GATT 1994. 
 Answer :  The importation of used and re-treated tyres follows standard import procedures.  In 
the case of retreaded tyres, these are based on GSO technical regulation 962:2005 
(which apply to trucks).  The aforemention ed regulation covers processes for Motor 
Vehicles Tyres - Retreaded tyres and their me thods of test, including the requirements 
and methods of testing for retreated pneumatic tyre of heavy trucks.  
 
7 Question : Please clarify whether Qatar maintains any quantitative restrictions on imports.   
 
Answer : Qatar does not maintain any quantitative restrictions on imports. 
 On the WTO GPA 
 
8 Question : Please provide a timeframe by which Qatar would begin accession to the GPA. 
 Answer :  At the moment, Qatar has not yet made the decision to join the GPA. Nonetheless, the 
State of Qatar has made consistent efforts to make its procurement legislation transparent and, as 
a result, policies and procedures are available to the public both through government websites and 
through Al Meezan (Qatar’s legal portal).  Furthermore, a new law on government procurement 
that is in the final stages of legal approval seeks to further increase transparency and decentralize 
the work of the Central Procurement Committee.  On exemptions from customs duties 
 9 Question : Please provide detailed information as to what items and industrial projects may 
enjoy duty-free imports under this program and the eligibility criteria that companies must meet in 
order to receive benefits from these incentives. 
 Answer : The Customs Law contains a provision that allows the duty-free importation of 
machinery, equipment and raw materials, subject to  authorization from the Ministry of Energy and 
Industry.  Approval is granted on a case by case basis when the project is deemed to be consistent with Qatar’s overall strategic development goals, amongst other things.  This provision applies exclusively to industrial projects only. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 43 - 
 
  10 Question : Please explain why this program has not been notified pursuant to the 
requirements of Article 25 of the SCM Agreement  Answer : The authorities are currently engaged in consultations to determine the manner and date 
in which to notify the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on the duty-free 
import provisions for industrial projects.  
On incentives 
 
11 Question :  Could Qatar please explain what eligibility criteria companies must meet in order 
to receive benefits from these incentives? 
 
Answer :  Law No. (13) of 2000 on Regulations for the Investment of Non-Qatari Capital in 
Economic Activity, as amended, stipulates the following incentives offered by Qatar to foreign 
investments include: 
 
 Article 5: non-Qatari investors may be allocated land to establish their investments. 
 Article 6: non-Qatari investors may import whatever their need in order to establish their 
investment. 
 Article 7: the Ministry of Economy and Commerce may (a) exempt from income tax any non-
Q a t a r i  i n v e s t m e n t  f o r  u p  t o  1 0  y e a r s ,  ( b )  g r a n t  e x e m p t i o n s  f r o m  i m p o r t  d u t i e s  f o r  t h e  
importation of machinery and equipment to be used in the investment and (c) grant exemption from import duties to a non-Qatari investor in the industrial sector on raw 
materials and semi manufactured materials not available in the local market. 
 Article 8: Non-Qatari investors are to be exempted from expropriation unless it is in the public 
interest in which case, market value compensation is mandated to be paid to the foreign investor. 
 Article 9: non-Qatari investors are entitled to conduct private money transfers pertaining to 
their investment from abroad to Qatar, including returns on investment, income from the sale or liquidation of the investment, income from the settlement of income disputes an 
compensation afforded due to expropriations. 
 Article 10: non-Qatari investors may transfer the ownership of investment to another non-
Qatari investor. 
 Article 11: all disputes are to be solved either in local courts or international dispute 
settlement forums.  
Furthermore, if a non-Qatari investor forms a joint venture with a local partner, then the business 
is considered to be Qatari.  As a result, the foreign investor has access to finance from Qatar 
Development Bank, typically at below market rates or loan guarantees against loans provided in partner banks.  
 
12 Question : When will Qatar submit the requisite subsidy notification for these incentives, 
with sufficient detail, consistent with Article 25.3 of the SCM Agreement? 
 
Answer : The authorities are currently engaged in consultations to determine the manner and date 
in which to notify the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on the scope and nature of the incentives currently in place. 
 
On import licenses 
 
13 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report states that Qatar has notified that it has no laws or 
procedures for import licensing.  Please explain how the government administers the “special import procedures,” “permits,” and “licenses” that the Secretariat’s Report identifies in paragraph 
3.31.? 
 Answer :  The State of Qatar has no laws or procedures regarding import licenses. As regards to 
how imports are allowed entry into the country, the relevant ministries in charge of supervision of 
the particular merchandise in Qatar determine possible import restrictions which are then 
operationalised by the Customs Authority. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 44 - 
 
  On subsidies 
 
14 Question : Please provide more detailed information regarding these subsidies, specifically 
the eligibility requirements for receiving support.  
 
Answer :  The State of Qatar does not grant subsidies as defined by Articles 1 to 3 of the WTO’s 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. 
 
15 Question : Please also explain why these programs have not been notified to date, and 
when it will notify these programs as requ ired under Article 25 of the SCM Agreement. 
 
Answer : As the State of Qatar does not share the view that its existing support for business 
meets the defining criteria of subsidies, as  defined by Article 1 and 2 of the WTO’s SCM 
Agreement, it is therefore of the opinion that it faces no obligation to notify such support to the 
WTO. 
 On state trading enterprises 
 16 Question : Please clarify whether the statement in paragraph 3.64 continues to be correct.  
If so, please explain how the entities in paragr aphs 3.61 – 3.63 do not meet the definition in 
paragraph 1 of the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII of GATT 1994. 
 
Answer : The authorities are currently reviewing their understanding of Article 1 of the 
Understanding on the Interpretation of Articl e XVII of GATT 1994 as regards to companies 
operating in Qatar.  Once a final understanding is reached, appropriate notifications will be to the 
Working Party on State Trading Enterprises.  
17 Question : Please identify when these entities (and others, if applicable) will be notified to 
the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises.  Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 
On special free zones 
 
18 Question : The Secretariat’s Report makes mention of two special free zones that are in 
operation.  Please explain whether Qatar plans special free zones beyond those two in Doha.  
Answer : Qatar enacted a law that creates the framework for establishing free zones in Qatar, i.e. 
Law No. (34) of 2005.  The authorities continue to  review their position and the economic outcome 
of the policy so far to determine whether further free zones are required and in which sectors.  However, to date no further zones have been established. 
 
19 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report indicates that in Qatar’s free zones, companies enjoy a 
host of incentives, including no taxes; duty-free imports of goods, equipment and tools; and 
access to start-up equity investments under th e New Enterprise Fund.  Please provide more 
detailed information regarding these programs and, in particular, explain the nature and operation 
of the New Enterprise Fund.   
 
Answer : The New Enterprise Fund operates under the umbrella of Qatar Science and Technology 
Park.  It was set up to provide seed capital to support research institutions, corporations and entrepreneurs focused on technology development from around the world wishing to 
commercialize their technology in Qatar.  The Fund’s business model is akin to a venture capital 
fund with investment ranging from USD 500,000 to USD 3 million, subject to selection criteria.  Further details on the programme may be found in http://www.qstp.org .qa/home/support-
programs/venturing .  Preference is given to projects that relate to the local economy and 
agencies.  The Fund does not invest outside Qatar. 
 
20 Question : Please also explain why these programs have not been notified to date, and 
when it will notify these programs as requ ired under Article 25 of the SCM Agreement. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 45 - 
 
  Answer : The authorities are currently engaged in consultations to determine the manner and date 
in which to notify the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on the scope and nature of Qatar’s special free zones.  
On intellectual property 
 
21 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report indicates that Qatar has acceded to the WIPO Copyright 
Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phon ograms Treaty (WPPT), both effective October 
28, 2005.  However, it appears that the main Qatari copyright law, Law No. (7) of 2002, has not been amended since these treaties entered into force.  It remains unclear whether additional legal reform (to existing laws or regulations) are requ ired, or whether such treaty adherence is self-
executing under Qatari law.  Please provide further detail on how the obligations of these two 
treaties are implemented in Qatari law.    
Answer : According to the provisions of Law No. (7) of 2002 (Article 5), the stipulations "also 
apply to works protected by an international agreement or a Court in which Qatar is a party, and in accordance with its provisions. "  As a result, Qatar enforces the provisions of any relevant 
international treaty signed by Qatar even if domestic law has not been amended yet.  
Furthermore, treaties must be ratified in domestic legislation in order for them to be implemented which necessarily makes them Qatari law once they are enacted into domestic law.  
22 Question : Please indicate whether the government intends to further amend its copyright 
legislation to better incorporate these treaties’ obligations expressly into domestic law.   
Answer: The authorities remain committed to updating intellectual property Qatari law whenever 
necessary in order to make it consistent with all the treaties and conventions that Qatar has joined.  Furthermore, Qatar’s strategic development goals include the formation of a knowledge-
based economy and, consistent with this, view intellectual property as one of the fundamental 
pillars of the vision.  23 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report references the main intellectual property laws.  Does 
Qatar have an effective plant variety protection system in place as required by TRIPS Article 
27(3)(b)?  If not, are there any plans to put such a system in place?  
Answer:  Plant Variety is not protected under Qatar’s Law No. (30) of 2006.  Note that, Qatar 
deposited its instrument of accession to the Budape st Treaty and which entered into force in Qatar 
on 6 March 2014. 
 
24 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report states that “the operation and structures envisioned to 
provide domestic patent are not operational per the legislation”.  Please explain when Qatar 
anticipates making this operational. 
 
Answer : The authorities have already finished drafting patent regulations for the implementation 
of Qatar’s Patent law.  At the moment, the regulations are pending legal approval. 
 
25 Question :  The Secretariat’s Report states that “[s]imilar to the situation with patents, 
copyright legislation has existed since 2002 but is not operational due to lack of implementing 
regulations.”  Please provide the operational status of the existing copyright law in Qatar, as well 
as the status regarding developing implementing regulations.  In addition, please identify which provisions of the copyright law re quire implementing regulations. 
 
Answer : As is the case with the implementation of Patent Law, the authorities have already 
finished drafting copyright regulation to implement Qatar’s copyright law.  At the moment, the regulations are also pending legal approval. 
 
26 Question : Please provide the current status on the copyright activities within the Ministry of 
Justice and what steps (and timelines) have been taken to create an Office of the Protection of 
Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights. 
 Answer : The Amiri Decree No (53) of 2009 originally established the IP Centre under the Ministry 
of Justice for the enforcement of copyright law, patent law, trade secret laws and designs of 
integrated circuits.  A new Amiri Decree—No. (20) of 2014—moved all branches of intellectual WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 46 - 
 
  property protection, including the aforementioned IP Centre, to the umbrella of the Ministry of 
Economy and Commerce.  27 Question : What is the status of these copyright su bmissions after they are submitted to the 
Ministry of Justice?  Are they available for public inspection? 
 Answer: The IP Centre issues filing certificates for copyright works according to the national law 
and give them to the authors through simple procedures upon request. 
 28 Question : What steps is Qatar taking to implement regulations and policies which would 
allow the Ministry of Justice, or perhaps another ministry, to issue filing certificates?  Please also 
confirm our understanding that “filing certificates” is synonymous with “copyright registration 
certificates”.    
Answer:  The authorities are currently working to prov ide intellectual property enforcement with 
transparent processes and procedures.  To this end, the authorities have already finished drafting implementing regulations and these are pending final legal approval.  Filing certificates can be 
understood to be synonymous with copyright registration certificates. 
 29 Question : The US is of the view that Article 46 of the 2002 law appears to create a 
presumption in favour of the certificate holder regarding the authenticity of the facts on the 
certificate.  Are regulations necessary to implement that presumption?   
 Answer : The implementing regulations are not ne cessary to implement the aforementioned 
presumption.  Article 46 of Copyright Law No. (7) of 2002 is clear that the presumption is already 
applied, without any reference to implementing regulations.  
30 Question :  Please explain whether any of the terms that have been granted protection and 
registered as geographical indications in Qatar may be cancelled or invalidated.  If so, what are the grounds for cancelling or invalidating a protected and registered geographical indication in Qatar? 
 
Answer : There are no precedents in Qatar where a geographical indication has been cancelled or 
denied registration based on prior trademark rights .  Article 38 of the law on trademarks stipulates 
that trademarks and geographical indications are to be treated equally as far as protection is 
concerned and, thus, the grounds for canceling or invalidating a geographical indication is the same as the one applicable to a trademark. 
 
31 Question : The Secretariat’s Report indicates that the 2002 law on trademarks also covers 
provisions on geographical indications.  Please explain whether the grounds for denying protection 
or recognition to a geographical indication include prior trademark rights that would likely cause 
confusion in Qatar and evidence that the proposed term is recognized as a generic term by the 
Qatari consumer.    
Answer : Trademark Law No. (9) of 2002 stipulates that geographical indications are to be 
protected under the law even if it is not registered.  Any GI holder may submit an application for protecting of a certain good in Qatar with the trademark office. If there is trademark infringement 
the GI will be cancelled to prevent confusing the public. 
 32 Question :  It is unclear whether Law No. (17) of 2011 amends the Law on Copyrights and 
Related Rights (Law No. (7) of 2002), or creates new legislation.  Please clarify this point.  In 
addition, please explain the interaction of Law No. (17) of 2011 and Law No. (7) of 2002.   
 Answer : The Copyright Law No. (7) of 2002 is the current applicable law for copyright protection 
in Qatar containing, amongst other things, provisions  that deal with copyright infringements.  The 
application of the law has led to the following outcome:  
 416 inspection campaigns and proof writing of co nfiscated items in the period from 2000 to 
2012 and there were 277 judicial lawsuits. 
 50 judicial investigations in the year 2011 and there were 30 judicial lawsuits. 
 70 judicial investigations in the year 2012 and there were 38 judicial lawsuits. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 47 - 
 
   15 judicial investigations from January to first of June 2013 and there were 10 judicial 
lawsuits. 
 On the other hand, Law No. (17) of 2011, which covers border measures and contains provisions 
related to Customs, is not an amendment to Law No. (7). In effect, Law No. (17) mandates the 
Customs Authority to investigate imported goods suspected of breaching intellectual property law once a complaint from the IP rights holder is received. 
 
33 Question :  The Government’s Report states that “no action is to be taken unless there is 
evidence that proves that the suspected products are indeed counterfeit”.  When does the burden 
to establish such evidence come into play?  Is this necessary to make the determination to open 
an investigation?  And what is the burden of pr oof, e.g., reasonable cause, probable cause, etc.? 
 Answer : Imports suspected of intellectual property infringements, based either on the Customs 
Authority’s own information or on complaints raised by individuals or companies holding protected 
intellectual property rights in Qatar, will not be issued a customs release.  Furthermore, the 
Customs Authority will notify the parties involved within the prescribed time limit.  Once this takes 
place, the IP right holder can file lawsuit in court with his evidence and pay a grantee fees that he 
has the right on his complain.  The burden to establish such evidence is thus examined through the standard legal procedures followed in Qatar’s legal system.  Moreover, it is necessary to open a n  i n v e s t i g a t i o n  t o  m a k e  s u c h  d e t e r m i n a t i o n .   I n  p r a c t i c e ,  t h e  b u r d e n  o f  p r o o f  u s e d  b y  t h e  
Customs Authorities to initiate the process is consistent with probable cause. 
 34 Question :  The Government’s Report states that if a product is proven to be counterfeit, the 
GCA will inform the exporting nation of its action.  Is the exporter also notified?  If not, please 
explain why the exporting nation is informed of the banned importation and not the exporter. 
 
Answer : As per Law No. (17), the Customs Authorities only notifies the importer and the IP rights 
holder due to jurisdictions.  The exporter is no t notified although the exporting country is.  The 
exporter and the country, however, are placed  on a black list for future reference. 
 
On import procedure 
 
35 Question : The Government’s Report states that all goods coming into Qatar must have a 
“certificate of conformity” attached.  Does this certificate requirement impose penalties or 
liquidated damages in the event that the goods ar e determined to be counterfeit in addition to 
detention and/or seizure of the goods? 
 
Answer :  The State of Qatar does not, in fact, require a certificate of conformity for goods coming 
into the country.  The apparent mistaken information will be corrected in the last version of the report prior to publication. 
 
On anti-dumping notification 
 
36 Question : Please explain when Qatar will notify both the legislation and the investigating 
authority to the WTO Committees on Anti-Dumping, Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, and Safeguards. 
 
Answer :  Qatar already notified the relevant Committees—on Anti-Dumping Practices and on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and on Safeguards—that it has a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Common Law on Anti-dumping, Countervailing Measures and Safeguards which was 
incorporated to the Qatari Laws by Law (10) of 2013, and that it was published on April, 2
nd 2014.  
The notifications had document symbol G/ADP/N/1/QAT/2, G/SCM/N/1/QAT/2 and G/SG/N/1/QAT/2.  As for the notification for the investigating authority, Qatar will notify the WTO 
as soon as possible. 
 On upcoming regulatory changes 
 37 Question : Please explain the status of Qatar’s draft amendments to trade-related 
regulatory laws, most particularly the Commercial Corporate Law No (5) of 2002.  WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 48 - 
 
  Answer : Most of the amendments to the laws were drafted and enacted into law during the first 
quarter of 2014 as mentioned in the government report.  The new Commercial Corporate Law is in 
the final stages of approval and is expected to enter into force during the fourth quarter of 2014. 
 
On customs procedures 
 
38 Question :  Does Qatar have any “authorized operator” programs, whereby importers can 
qualify for reduced customs scrutiny based on, for example, compliance history, security profile 
and validation of a sample international supply chain?  If so, please provide a copy of the 
requirements for importers to qualify.  If not, is Qatar considering implementing such a program?  
Answer : Although Qatar does not have authorized operator programs at the moment, Customs’ 
Strategic Plan included a project in this regard, and is expected to be implemented at beginning of the year 2016. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 49 - 
 
  FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES 
From CANADA 
 On GCC FTA negotiations 
 1 Question : The report states that “GCC leaders have temporarily halted negotiations on 
further FTAs pending the outcome of an impact study on the matter.”  Could Qatar please provide 
further information on what is being studied? 
 Answer : The GCC feasibility study for FTA negotiations is ready and the decision to resume 
negotiations was taken on March 2014 based on the GCC negotiating team.  The State of Qatar 
supports this decision which is to be implemented through GCC coordinated institutional 
mechanisms, including the GCC negotiating team.  Furthermore, it will cooperate and collaborate in all future GCC FTA negotiations, consultations and required technical work.   
 
2 Question :  What is the timeline for completion of the impact study? 
 
Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 3 Question : The report states that “In 2010 the GCC put a moratorium in place delaying 
negotiations between the GCC and other countries until economic impact studies were finalized.” 
Could Qatar please elaborate on this statement? 
 Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 
4 Question : Could Qatar please provide additional information on the criteria, procedures, 
and timelines for these economic impact studies? 
 
Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 5 Question : Is the moratorium in place for ongoing negotiations, new trade negotiations, or 
both? 
 Answer : Please refer to the previous question. 
 
On tariff lines 
 
6 Question : When does Qatar anticipate the rectification of these tariffs to be complete, 
bringing them within its WTO commitments?  Answer : The Council of Ministers adopted a resolution in February 2014 that approved setting the 
six tariff lines on steel products—defined at the 8-digit level—aforementioned at their bound level.  
However, the decision is still pending final legislative approval and, as a result, has not become law yet.  This is expected to take place shortl y and be operational as soon as it is enacted. 
 
7 Question :  The Secretariat’s report notes that tobacco products have a mixed duty that is 
not directly comparable to the bound rate of 200% . This creates the potential for the applied rate 
to exceed the bound rate.  Could Qatar please explain how it is adhering to its WTO commitments 
with respect to bindings on these lines?  Answer : The General Customs Authority conducted an internal study in 2013 that found that the 
tariffs levied did not exceed the ceiling allowed,  a m o u n t i n g ,  i n  t h i s  c a s e ,  t o  2 0 0 % .   M o r e o v e r ,  
according to the law, tariffs on tobacco and its derivatives are levied on 100% of the value or at 
weight or number, whichever is higher. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From CHINA 
 On the economy 
 1 Question : The Report states that “[t]he current account grew considerably over the period, 
with a rising positive trade balance driven by strong, mostly hydrocarbon, exports (Chart 1.1, 
Table A1.2) …”.  How will the Qatari Government evaluate its rising trade balance in goods, and 
propose to deal with the problem in future?  Answer : Qatar’s trade balance is still largely dominated by hydrocarbon exports.  As a result, the 
trade balance expanded significantly when energy pr ices increased over the second half of the past 
decade.  However, this growth is expected to decelerate with increases in competition in world gas markets (the relevant energy markets in Qatar’s case) resulting from additional international 
supply of gas products over the next few years.  Moreover, Qatar’s export revenues so far have 
been mostly and consistently used to directly finance infrastructure development throughout the country, finance social services to the local population, finance government operations, increase 
public savings (through the countries’ various investment agencies) and maintain the hard peg to 
the USD.  Furthermore, the fact that Qatar imports most of what it consumes implies that increased national income—and savings—do not lead to increases in the intensity of factor utilization throughout the domestic economy and thus result in very little domestically-created 
inflation.  Increases in demand are, by and la rge, financed through increased imports.  In 
consequence, the authorities do not view the expansion in the trade surplus as a problem that may affect macroeconomic equilibria. 
 
On Qatarization 
 
2 Question :  It was reported that foreign companies in Qatar more than often face grave 
difficulties in getting working visas for their female employees. Please clarify whether the Government has any specific policy concerns or arrangements in the area of working visa administration, with regard to foreign female employees in particular. 
 
Answer : The laws that discipline working visa arrangements and regulations in Qatar, i.e. Law No. 
4 of 2009 (on the regulation of expatriate entry,  departure, residence and sponsorship) and Law 
No. 14 of 2004 (the Labour Law) do not differentiate between males and females regarding visa 
procedures and requirements.  Furthermore, the authorities do not have a formal policy that is conducive to differentiate the granting of work permits according to gender. 
 
3 Question : What regulations or measures have been put in place to help carry out the 
Qatarization programme?  
Answer : The authorities’ policy focus is on capacity building, training and leadership programmes 
for locals.  The Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 does contain certain provisions along these lines.  In particular, it anticipa tes an increased and more diversified Qatari 
participation in the labour force through: 
 
 Investment in education and training. 
 Incentives for professional and managerial occupations in all sectors and encourage more 
Qatari women to enter paid employment.  
 Skill upgrading programmes for Qataris. 
 Expanding high-quality training opportunities for Qataris 
 
4 Question : Given the many limitations of its local labour force, as reflected in the Report, 
please confirm whether the Government has carried out, or plans to conduct educational and/or 
vocational training programmes to help secure adequate supply of qualified local labours in future 
in order to achieve its “general target of 50% Qatarization across the economy”.  
Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 5 Question : If any, please further explain whether the programme and its implementation 
will eventually result in quantitative restriction on employment of foreigners by multinational 
companies. 
 WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  Answer : The implementation of the training and leadership programmes is not expected to 
restrict foreign labour employment in Qatar in any economic sector or government agency.  What it does seek, however, is the development of skills and know-how throughout the local labour 
force.  In this sense, hiring decisions will be made based on competitive selection criteria. 
 
6 Question :  As to its Qatarization policy, has the Government made it compulsory for foreign 
companies to follow without any exceptions? 
 
Answer : Qatarization is a strategic objective set forth for the public sector only.  In consequence, 
private sector companies, local or foreign-owned, are not subject to any requirement related to Qatarization objectives or policies conducive thereto. 
 
7 Question : Are there any policy incentives, includ ing tax preferences, introduced by the 
Government to motivate foreign co mpanies’ compliance with the Qatarization-related regulations? 
 
Answer : The State of Qatar does not have any incentives in place to promote Qatarization within 
foreign-owned companies. 
 
On energy exports  
 8 Question : Please share the Government’s prediction s over the ratio of non-energy product 
exports to Qatar’s total export, as well as its share of non-energy product output in its GDP, in the 
years to come.  
Answer : At the moment, the State of Qatar does not publish forecasts on non-hydrocarbon 
exports or total exports.  Furthermore, it does not publish forecasts on non-hydrocarbon 
production either. 
 
On exports prospects 
 9 Question :  How does the Government evaluate th e impact of the economic development 
prospects of Japan, South Korean, as well as Asian economies as a whole, on Qatar’s exports in 
next few years?  
Answer : The State of Qatar has not undertaken to study the potential impact of exports on the 
development prospects of any Asian economy.  
On diversification 
 
10 Question : Please elaborate on any micro or macro efforts of the Government to diversify its 
economy and/or promote its trade.  
 
Answer : The authorities expect that further diversification of domestic economic activity will 
require the continuous development of a vigorous pr ivate sector.  To this end, additional efforts 
are expected to be carried in order to make entrepreneurship and innovation strategic goals to be 
learned, embedded in the educational system as well as the domestic corporate culture.  This will be complemented by ongoing business friendly policies and regulations. A more diversified 
domestic economic base, one in which knowledge activities play a prominent role in generating 
productive and remunerative jobs, is still some ti me away.  However, the authorities expect that 
economic development itself will articulate—and boost—this change over the longer-run which should, as a result, expand the economy’s overall knowledge base, promote trade and further 
develop its labour market.  A variety of entities , such as Enterprise Qatar and Qatar Development 
Bank, are helping to germinate the business eco-system by providing support to Qatar’s nascent SME community.  Furthermore, the next National Development Strategy 2017-2022 is expected to 
make support for the private sector and economic innovation one of its core strategic themes. 
 11 Question : Does the Government consider making any sector-specific policies on trade or 
investment in future to help achieve the goal of economic diversification? 
 Answer : The State of Qatar views its foreign investment regime as an instrument of economic 
development.  Consistent with this, the authorities have amended the investment law on at least 
three different occasions to reflect emerging economic needs and, especially, to accommodate the WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 52 - 
 
  implementation of various strategic development pl ans.  This has led to a progressive opening of 
most local markets to foreign capital since 2000, when the current investment law was originally enacted.  In 2005 and 2010 the investment law was amended to incorporate additional sectors to the original list of sectors where majority foreign ownership could be granted.  This policy 
approach has served Qatar’s development needs well, allowing oversight and management of 
investment flows into the country, and is thus expected to remain in place.  Qatar has two investment platforms where the cap on foreign ownership is not applicable, i.e. Qatar Financial 
Centre and the Qatar Science and Technology Park, in order to complement its foreign investment 
regime.  Pursuant to Law No.13 of 2000 and subsequent amendments, foreign investors may invest in all 
sectors up to 49% of capital and in certain sectors (as stipulated in law No(1) of 2010) up to 100% 
if they meet the criteria specified in the law. With regards to commercial agencies, banking, insurance, and real estate there have been many developments relating to opening up these 
sectors which include: 
 
- Assigning of land on a long term lease contract for a period not exceeding 50 years 
(renewable).  
- Introduction of free zones in which foreign investment in finance-related services can 
operate. 
- Certain designated areas in which foreigners can invest/own real estate. 
 
On investment measures and FDI 
 
12 Question : Please elaborate on the proposed investment diversification policies and 
measures in Qatar, and envision the future trend of FDI inflows in terms of sources and sectors, 
accordingly. 
 
Answer : Please refer to the answers provided in th e previous two questions.  In addition, it 
should be noted that the only sector specific investment policies in place are those aimed at promoting the development of the domestic financial sector.  Specifically, the Qatar Financial 
Centre is regulated by a specific legal framework that includes investment promotion initiatives, 
incentives and guarantees.  The details of this framework may be found in both the Secretariat and Government reports as well as the Al M eezan website (http://www.almeezan.com) and Qatar 
Financial Centre Authority (http:// www.qfc.com.qa/en- US/Home.aspx). 
 On Tasdeer 
 13 Question : Please explain how TASDEER provide insurance services to help cover risk 
“before consignment”?  
Answer : Qatar Development Bank’s export promotion agency—Tasdeer—provides support that is 
specific in nature and targeted to export-oriented non-hydrocarbon local SMEs.  The support covers two areas (export promotion and export insurance) neither of which includes, at any time, 
subsidies to production contingent upon export performance.  Export promotion support includes 
coordination to set up exhibitions outside Qatar, publications of trade data (including an export 
guide for Qatari business), market studies, match-making meetings, workshops for potential 
exporters in Qatar and facilitating meetings and seminars with trade-related international 
organizations, amongst other things.  The export insurance programme has two types of export credit guarantees (in the form of a letter of cr edit guarantee) covering pre-consignment risks and 
post-consignment risks respectively.  If executed, the guarantees cover up to 90% of the 
shipment’s value only.  Pre-consignment risks include events such as insolvency, contract 
cancellation, political events abroad that may interfere with the shipment’s delivery, etc.  Post-consignments risks basically refer to overseas impo rters failing to pay for goods received on credit. 
 
Furthermore, Qatar Development Bank, through its export promotion program Tasdeer, provides support for local export-oriented SMEs and it does so in a manner that is consistent with the 
objectives and guidelines of Qatar National Vision 2030.  This support is not conditional, in any 
way, on export performance.  14 Question : Please explain in detail the implementation by TASDEER of its export 
development strategy? WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 53 - 
 
  Answer : Please refer to the previous answer. 
 On the tax administration system 
 
15 Question : As to the nearly completed Tax Administration System (TAS), please explain in 
detail the goal and function of the system, the time line of its launch, and its effects on taxpayer’s 
filing process. 
 
Answer : The Tax Administration System (TAS) is a modern information system that aims to bring 
in the complete automation of the tax payment and management process within the State of Qatar. 
 
The TAS, which is scheduled to be completed in June 2014, was built in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 to maintain fiscal stability and more efficient allocation of available 
financial resources, while contributing to the creation of a skilled workforce following efficient 
business processes.  
The purpose of TAS is to provide the Public Revenue and Tax Department (PRTD) and the Ministry 
of Finance with an enabler in the tax transformation  program in line with the Qatar National Vision 
2030. The system will be a medium to proactively manage the workload and direct resources to service and compliance activities, as required.  
 
TAS pursues the following objectives:  
o To offer improved services to taxpayers through greater data integrity, shorter processing 
times and the removal of a host of manual operations. 
o To achieve greater internal efficiency by pr oviding a high level of automation of tax 
procedures 
o To achieve reduction of maintenance costs within a modern IT environment 
 The main benefits expected from TAS include the ability to: 
 
o Support the business processes in the tax administration 
o Provide a solid foundation for tax administration.  
o Largely improve the whole environment of tax payment and management by bringing in an 
efficient system that will add value to the ex isting business processes and improve overall 
efficiency of the PRTD. 
 
16 Question : Will the Government periodically publish the forecast data produced by its new 
macroeconomic forecasting model in order to facilitate investors to better make their economic analysis and investment decisions? 
 
Answer : Qatar publishes short-term macroeconomic forecasts for the Qatari economy through the 
"Qatar's Economic Outlook", through the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (this may 
be accessed at www.mdps.gov.qa). However, the Ministry of Fi nance is in the process of 
establishing the macro Fiscal unit (MFU), and one of its functions is to produce forecasts for macroeconomic variables using an econometric model. The process has started by specifying the model, identifying variables, and cleansing the data. Periodical reports will be published internally 
for planning and decision making purposes at the Mi nistry of Finance. At a later stage, the Ministry 
will coordinate with other entities to enhance the forecasting model and publish it.  
On upcoming regulatory changes 
 
17 Question : Does the Government have a concrete timeline to amend, review, or promulgate 
the aforementioned eight laws in total? 
 Answer : Most of the amendments to the laws were drafted and enacted into law during the first 
quarter of 2014 as mentioned in the government report.  The new Commercial Corporate Law is in 
the final stages of approval and is expected to enter into force during the fourth quarter of 2014. 
 18 Question : Please provide a brief impact analysis  of the review and amendments of the 
aforementioned laws on the domestic bu siness environment for foreign investors. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Answer : The proposed amendments are expected to facilitate setting up businesses, carry out 
business transactions and promote financial and non-financial investments throughout Qatar.  This will be supported by more flexible requirements as well as more transparent and predictable rules 
and procedures.  Please refer to the government report (Chapter 3) for a detailed account of the 
proposed amendments. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From the SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU 
 On the money laundering 
 
1 Question : Pursuant to Qatar’s domestic law, can QFIU independently exchange ML/TF 
information with its foreign counterparts or is a memorandum of understanding (MOU)/ agreement an essential precondition for the said exchange? 
 
Answer : The QFIU can—and does—exchange information related to ML/TF independently.  
Moreover, QFIU has signed memorandums of understandings with other countries’ FIU’s that required such a document in order to proceed with the information exchange. 
 
2 Question : What are QFIU’s principles regarding exchange of ML/TF information? 
 
Answer : QFIU shares the same principles as Egmont standards and FATF regarding information 
exchange.  
On state-owned enterprises 
 
3 Question : How does the Qatari government maintain the efficiency of the state-owned 
Qatar Petroleum while facilitating industry development? 
 
Answer : The State of Qatar, following the vision set forth by the Qatar National Vision 2030 and 
the National Development Strategy, is actively pursuing the development of a diversified economy 
coordinated through market-based mechanisms to efficiently allocate available resources, develop 
a business-friendly and competitive economic environment, with the ultimate aim of achieving higher standards of living for its people. Accordingly,  the authorities are of the view that facilitating 
industrial development in Qatar—both through st ate-owned enterprises and the private sector—is 
a fundamental pillar of overall economic developm ent to achieve and efficient use of resources. 
 4 Question : How does the Qatari government balance the involvement of the state-owned 
Qatar Petroleum with the policy of encouraging foreign investment? 
 Answer : The energy sector’s current share of Qata r’s GDP is around 50% with over 80% of 
national exports coming from the same sector.  In fact, the country’s energy exports have become 
a reliable and steady source of energy supply to world markets.  The authorities are of the 
unequivocal view that Qatar’s current position in world markets would have been unattainable 
without the systematic commitment of the Qatari government to develop the sector, including 
huge capital and human investments allocated to the sector.  In this context, the State of Qatar 
believes that Qatar Petroleum, as a state-owned corporation, is one the of the main attractors for foreign investors to form joint ventures and gain market access, with a stable and committed legal 
and commercial framework. 
 5 Question : What are the criteria for signing bilateral investment agreements? How are 
potential signatories for such an agreement shortlisted? 
 Answer : The State of Qatar does not have a formal set of criteria to engage in consultations and 
discussions conducive to signing bilateral investment agreements.  Instead, these agreements are 
explored in response to anyone side’s proposal.  Once a proposal to explore the possibility of 
signing a bilateral investment has been made, fo rmal diplomatic and technical procedures are 
followed. 
 
On natural gas exports 
 
6 Question : The majority of Qatar’s natural gas exports are destined for Asia while the 
buyers in Asia are discussing a regional pricing mechanism. How has Qatar faced this trend?  
Answer : Natural gas prices in the Asia/Pacific region are expected to remain predominantly linked 
to oil prices due to number of factors.  Moving towards a competitive market for natural gas, coordinated through a regional pricing mechanism will require a more flexible LNG supply, a continued increase of LNG shipping availability and third party access to regasification terminals.  
Whereas with the current structure terminals’ capacities are dedicated to LNG importing utilities WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
- 56 - 
 
  and companies, the expected increases in competition will create challenges from a technical, 
regulatory and commercial point of view.  In spite of this, the authorities believe that the determination of gas prices is a matter for sellers 
and buyers to negotiate and agree upon as part of their commercial discussions. In consequence, 
price should be set by the market, to be based on each particular consuming region’s fundamentals. Furthermore, it is expected that the current price differences between the various 
regional markets will subside overtime as new supplies reach the markets. The challenge for all 
stakeholders will be to ensure future stable an d reliable supplies at prices that consumers can 
afford and producers are comfortable with in order to justify the huge capital investments required to bring gas resources to the markets. 
 
7 Question : The US, Australia and Canada in the Asia Pacific Region are considering raising 
the amount of natural gas exports. How will Qatar face such competition in the Asia Pacific Region? 
 
Answer : The authorities do not view other producers as competitors. The emergence of new 
supplies enhances balance between demand and supply and encourages both consumers and 
producers to become more efficient. For the State of Qatar, economic decisions take into account 
the importance of revenues as a source of financing to develop the country.  Also, sustainability is a key factor when it comes to investment decision to bring in new gas supplies online.  
Increased LNG supplies from various regions leads to  a balanced global LNG market over the long-
term, and helps to facilitate a continued strong gr owth in LNG demand worldwide.  To that extent, 
the planned increase in natural gas exports from the United States, Canada, and Australia are 
welcomed as it benefits the entire LNG industry. Qatar will face these challenges by continuing to 
deepen its relationships with its existing buyer’s base in the Asia Pacific region, welcoming new buyers, and by remaining the world’s most reliable long-term LNG supplier of choice.  
 
8 Question : What has the Gas Exporting Countries Forum discussed about the 
aforementioned Asian pricing mechanism?  
Answer : The Gas Exporting Countries Forum does not get involved in price setting or production 
quota setting. Its main objective is to promote the global use of gas as a cleaner fuel, in addition to allowing the exchange of technical informatio n and expertise between its Member Countries and 
facilitating dialogue and understandi ng between consumers and producers. WT/TPR/M/296/Add.1 
 
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  From RUSSIA 
 On subsidies 
 
1 Question : It is mentioned in par. 3.67 of the Secretariat’s report that a number of 
industries or services are supported by the State, or the State subsidizes them to allow for more affordability. These subsidies are available only to locally owned companies.  The provision of 
advantages only for locally owned companies appears to be inconsistent with Article III GATT. We 
would appreciate Qatar’s comments on the issue.  Answer : The State of Qatar does not grant subsidies as defined by Articles 1 to 3 of the WTO’s 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. 
 On the GCC customs tariff 
 2 Question : It is mentioned in par. 3.13 that  Qatar's tariff schedule, based on the unified 
customs tariff of the GCC, is not published or available to the public. Furthermore, different 
country-specific provisions or exceptions apply, particularly for special and prohibited goods among 
the GCC member states. Thus the GCC customs tariff is not applied uniformly.  At the same time Article X of GATT provides inter alia that rates of duty shall be published and available to the public. We would appreciate Qatar’s comments on the issue. 
 
Answer : Qatar’s General Directorate of Customs’ website (http://www.custom s.gov.qa) contains 
a link to the Customs Information Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the 
Gulf-Secretariat General (http://www.gccic.org/cic/ en/TarriFilesfList.aspx) where Qatar’s tariff 
schedule may be found in both English and Arabic.  
There are very minor differences in the applied tariff schedule between GCC Member States that 
are limited to restricted and prohibited goods only.  In this sense, each Member State has the right to restrict and/or prohibit different goods and thus create minor differences regarding this type of goods.  Everything else is uniform throughout GCC countries. 
 
On food tendering 
 
3 Question : Could you please provide the procedure for participation in international tenders 
for foreign companies and advise where it can be found? 
Answer : The authorities use concession contracts to procure food security related merchandise, 
as opposed to going through the Central Tenders Committee.  A concession contract is drafted by 
the relevant authority to be approved by the Counc il of Ministers and finalized by the Department 
of Contracts at the Ministry of Justice.  More information is available through the Department of 
Contracts at Qatar’s Ministry of Justice. 
__________