QC Intensifies Efforts To Address Business Sector Challenges, Safeguard Supply Chains

Qatar Chamber has continued its efforts to review challenges facing the country’s business sectors under the prevailing circumstances, in line with the directives of its chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed AlThani.

In a proactive step aimed at strengthening coordination with the private sector, Sheikh Khalifa recently directed the formation of a follow-up working team tasked with holding continuous meetings throughout the day, either in person or via video conferencing. The team is responsible for monitoring developments and addressing emerging challenges affecting commercial and industrial activities.

The initiative reflects the chamber’s commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of supply chains and the steady availability of goods in the local market. It also aims to identify and resolve any obstacles that may arise for companies operating in the commercial and industrial sectors.

As part of these efforts, the chamber’s sectoral committees have intensified their work, holding a series of meetings to review the challenges facing various industries and to propose solutions that would guarantee the continuity of economic activity withoutdisruption.

In this context, the Food Security and Environment Committee convened a meeting at the chamber’s headquarters chaired by Qatar Chamber Board Member and Chairman of the Committee Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli. The meeting was attended by committee members and representatives from 34 food companies operating in the local market.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the challenges and obstacles currently facing the private sector, particularly those related to supply and supply chains.

In his remarks, Al Obaidli expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the country’s wise leadership and continuous support for the private sector. He also praised the efforts of the Qatari Armed Forces in defending and safeguarding the country’s security and stability, while expressing hope that the current circumstances would soon come to an end.

Al Obaidli emphasised the chamber’s strong commitment to identifying the challenges facing the private sector, particularly food companies, during the present situation and conveying the concerns and recommendations of business owners to the relevant authorities in order to reach urgent and practical solutions.

He highlighted the crucial role played by the private sector during times of crisis in ensuring the availability of essential goods and products in the local market, affirming that the sector stands firmly alongside the country and is fully committed to fulfilling its national responsibilities.

Al Obaidli further noted that Qatar Chamber will continue to play a key role during the current period by cooperating with all concerned entities to facilitate the supply of food products to the local market. He also stressed the Chamber’s determination to address any instances of exploitation or price manipulation that may arise among some traders.

In this regard, he pointed out that a joint committee comprising the Chamber along with several ministries and government bodies has been established to monitor market prices and address any unjustified increases.

During the meeting, business owners, traders and suppliers reviewed a number of challenges affecting their operations. These included issues related to supply chains, rising shipping fees, customs duties, support for national products, assistance for local farms, facilitation of land transport, and the availability of raw materials and logistics services.

Participants stressed the importance of enhancing coordination between the public and private sectors to overcome these challenges and ensure the stability of supply chains, thereby safeguarding the continued availability of food products and other essential goods in Qatar’s local market.