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Sunday, May 11, 2025 15:5 GMT
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) has highlighted opportunities that can strengthen the influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Qatar, in its latest report that showcases the many benefits of establishing a business in the country. IPA has launched a new multilingual "Guide to Investment" in Arabic, English, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, highlighting the broad range of investment incentives and privileges in Qatar, including the country’s strategic location and connectivity, future-ready infrastructure, supportive business ecosystem, and world-class talent pool. Under the umbrella of the national economic diversification agenda, the Guide presents country statistics, logistics, and industrial zones. It also provides information on life in Qatar across four sections: Exciting Opportunities Await, Your Partner in Progress, Best Home in the Middle East for Your Business, and Gateway to a Wealth of Opportunities. It offers a detailed overview of Qatar's territorial taxation system with two tax regimes, including the State regime administered by the General Tax Authority (GTA) and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) regime administered by the QFC Tax Department.The guide also provides entrepreneurs and businesses with a comprehensive overview of the country's integrated business ecosystem. It highlights the licensing platforms that are available to support their investment journey, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), and Media City (Qatar). With a strategic focus on the development of the local SME sector and the promotion of entrepreneurship, the Guide also highlights national programs such as the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), established by the Qatar Foundation to support competitively selected original research, and Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), established by Qatar Development Bank in collaboration with EY to support the growth of local and international FinTechs. Another initiative is the TASMU Smart Qatar Program, launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to advance innovation and economic diversification. Additionally, the Guide underlines key institutions such as the Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC), and the Digital Incubation Center (DIC), which provide funding and deliver business advisory support to start-ups. Other key institutions in the start-up sector include the sports focused, Sports Accelerator and Qatar SportsTech, a joint venture initiated by QDB, powered by Startupbootcamp, and supported by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, QFC, Aspire Zone Foundation, beIN Sports, and MOCI. The CEO of IPA Qatar Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani said: "We conceptualized the Guide to Investment as a primary source of information for local, regional, and international investors looking for new avenues to fulfill their potential. The Guide acts as their comprehensive tool to extend their reach and accelerate their growth within Qatar's vibrant commercial ecosystem." "Qatar continues its rapid transformation into a global hub for business. IPA Qatar is proud to support this transformation in line with our mandate and the national development goals, helping to integrate international companies and investors to ensure their long-term success in Qatar," HE Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani added.