The new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law is seen to further boost the private sector’s contribution to the country’s economic development, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said during the first PPP conference, held online on Tuesday.

“The issuance of the PPP Law represented confirmation from the Wise Leadership and esteemed government on the leading role of the private sector in the State’s sustainable development,” Sheikh Khalifa said in his opening address.

Stressing the role of the new law, Sheikh Khalifa said: “It constituted a strong push for the private sector to implement its role as a genuine partner of the public sector in the march towards development.”

According to Sheikh Khalifa, Qatar Chamber played a key role in highlighting the idea of issuing a law regulating PPPs during a conference it organised in 2009, where the Chamber recommended the need for a legislation governing the partnership between the government and the private sector.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that the law provides the opportunity to offer more joint projects in various economic sectors.

He also affirmed that PPP projects contribute to enhancing economic development and attracting more investment, “especially that the private sector has been able to play a greater role in economic development, which is one of the key pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

“Issuing the PPP Law would have a significant impact on activating the private sector and accelerating the initiation and implementation of projects,” Sheikh Khalifa pointed out.

During the conference, the president of Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Dr Engineer Saad bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, said Ashghal has prepared a list of projects in which the private sector can participate within the requirements of the PPP Law. He noted that the list includes construction and infrastructure projects.

Al-Mohannadi said Ashghal has started to tender some of the projects, especially in construction and sewage treatment. He pointed out that other projects are being studied and will be introduced after the completion of feasibility studies.

“Ashghal is part of the implementation of the partnership between the two sectors in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said, adding that the PPP law enhances the private sector’s role and contribution in the mega projects and benefits both sectors.

Qatar Financial Center (QFC) CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida said the conference aims to bring together institutions from both sectors under one umbrella to examine opportunities and exchange experience. He noted that PPPs are essential for supporting Qatar’s march towards economic development, especially under the current circumstances of coronavirus pandemic.

“According to the International Monetary Fund report, Qatar is expected to be the only country in the region to achieve 5% of GDP growth and 2.4% growth in the consumer index during 2021,” he added.

The head of the conference’s organising committee, Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali al-Thani, said the conference reviewed the most important regulatory and legal aspects of the PPP system, and highlighted the new administrative frameworks that are necessary for the success of these joint projects.

Sheikh Thani said PPPs would help achieve the strategic objectives of the State as defined in Qatar National Vision 2030, and stressed that “the progress and prosperity Qatar is witnessing under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will introduce to the world a real picture of the progress Qatar has achieved.”

Qatar Chamber director general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi said the chamber is keen on raising awareness among business sectors on the Law No 12 of 2030 regulating the partnership between public and private sectors.

Al-Sharqi said the conference has addressed many important issues related to the development of PPPs that support the development of the economy in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.


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