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Emir of Qatar: ‘Supporting GCC, Boosting and Developing Relations Are Top Priorities’ | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QNA


Doha-Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani confirmed that supporting GCC, boosting it and developing relations among Gulf States tops his priorities.

Sheikh Tamim pointed out that his country is determined to proceed with its development plans despite sharp decline in prices of hydrocarbon materials and oil.

He said that Qatar will proceed through a number of measures including improving the efficiency of public spending and promoting the role of private sector in development projects.

The Emir was addressing the 45th ordinary session of the Advisory Council at its premises, which he inaugurated on Tuesday morning.

Qatar has maintained its credit rating, which is one of the highest in the world. It has also continued to assume top positions in the indices of Global Competitiveness.

“This is an accomplishment per se against the backdrop of the current circumstances,” said the Emir.

In the area of infrastructure, the Emir said activities for developing projects for express ways network have been intensified across the country.

The Emir said Qatar is now in the process of launching the Second National Development Strategy 2017-2022. He highlighted the salient features of the new five-year plan, which include eliminating bureaucratic impediments facing investments.

The government has pledged to implement the standardization of transactions procedures and the “single window” by the end of this year.

The priorities of the new strategy also include stimulating the private sector and directing it towards the most productive sectors, or service-cum-production ones that are compatible with the National Vision trends.

“We have taken advantage of the drop in prices to explore the potential for rationalizing spending, and distinguishing necessary from unnecessary as well as beneficial from non-beneficial.”

“Work will continue on increasing the efficiency of public spending and enhancing transparency and control through a close follow-up of all government projects and programs and focusing on major development projects,” the Emir added.

“The synergy between fiscal and monetary policies to fight inflation, tackle liquidity pressures and strengthen the banking sector has been promoted,” said the Emir.

On Syrian war, Sheikh Tamim assured that his country fully supports Syrians and calls for a political, integrated and fair solution that could end the suffering of the citizens and guarantee Syria’s unity and stability.