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Trade Sector

Foreign Trade :

Foreign trade is trade exchanges between the domestic economy and foreign countries in the form
of export, re-export or import.
The European Union group is the most important trade partner of Qatar as the relative share ratio
of the Qatari imports from this group holds the first position among the county’s export from all
other economic blocs. Qatari exports from north American countries, most of which come from
the United States of America, take the fourth place in terms of their relative ratio.

Exports :

The States’ exports have shown positive growth due to high oil prices. Commodities necessary to
industrial infrastructure, food products and personal belongings are exempt from customs
duties. Only 4% import tax is imposed on most of the other commodities. In addition, protection
fees are imposed on products that compete with locally manufactured commodities; and these
include 20% on imported iron and steel and 30% on urea. Customs duties on tobacco are 50%,
and on CDs and musical instruments are 15%; and commodities imported from the GCC country
are exempted from customs duties.

QATAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (QCCI)
www.qatarchamber.com

Qatar chamber of commerce and industry was established in 1963. The members of the board of
directors were appointed by an Emiri decree until the law No 11 for 1966 was issued to stipulate
that these members be chosen by free direct ballot.

In 1998, the country witnessed the first real democratic experiment of electing the 17 members of the
board of directors of the chamber.

The chamber is concerned with the collection of information and statistics of interest to those
working in the field of trade, industry and agriculture, and with providing government authorities
with the required data and information on trade, industry and agriculture. Moreover it provides
consultations about the establishment of stock markets and the organization of trade, industrial
and agricultural exhibitions and markets; issues the certificates of origin and acts as an arbitrator
in the disputes submitted to it based on the consent of concerned parties.

As a committed member of the World Trade Organization and international financing organizations,
Qatar has completed its integration in the international free trade and economy order. It does not
levy personal income taxes or export fees. Customs duties are as low as 4%. With a distinguished
banking system and no restrictions on the movement of capitals from the country, the whole of
Qatar represents a free economic zone in which investors can make considerable gains. The
major transformation in the field of industrial development came with the issue of law No 1 of
1980 on industrial organization, which provided for a lot of incentives for national investors. Law
No 19 of 1995 on the industrial organization complemented the drive by facilitating industrial
licensing and unifying executive bodies responsible for granting incentives. Legislation permits
non-Qataris to invest in trade, industry and services sectors provided that their investment is
in a joint venture where the other partner is a Qatari holding the 51% of the capital. In case a
non-Qatari party owns 100% of the capital, the investor should designate a Qatari sponsor.

Official Sponsor 37Qatar Business Guide
2016 - 2017