Search

During the Doha Round, Qatar has made proposals in the non-agricultural market access and environmental goods negotiations on gas-related goods. (…)

The Customs Strategic plan for 2013-16 aims to improve performance, offer better services, protect society and the environment, and combat fraud. Its goals are aligned with other government plans such as the National Development Strategy. Particular objectives include plans to develop electronic and paperless services, implement and expand customs agreements, develop customs legislation with a view to attracting investments, and apply appropriate legislation to prevent the violation of intellectual property rights.

Products that are prohibited from importation are also prohibited for exportation (section 3.1.6.1). Export controls, i.e. permits, may be required for certain products for environmental, security, or safety reasons. There are no export licensing requirements.

The QSTP (Qatar Science and Technology Park) was established in 2009 to execute applied research and deliver commercial technologies in energy, environment, health sciences, and information and communication technologies. It plans to diversify Qatar's economy by encouraging companies and research institutes to develop and commercialize their technology in Qatar. The QSTP offers: 100% foreign ownership; no taxes; duty-free imports of goods, equipment, and tools into the zone; ability to hire expatriate workers; unrestricted movement of capital and profits; and the possibility to operate as a local or as a branch of a foreign company.

Table 4.2 Qatar GATS Commitments
Sectors (CPC Classification): 6. Environmental services
GATS Sectoral commitments (except as indicated in the horizontal commitments): Partial

A national ICT plan was developed in 2011 in order to create a knowledge-based economy to drive sustainable development and societal benefits in five years. Its main elements are: improving connectivity, boosting capacity, fostering economic development, enhancing public services, and advancing benefits to society. The plan aims to double the ICT sector's contribution to GDP, double the ICT workforce, achieve high-speed broadband access, achieve mass ICT and internet adoption by society, and achieve wide accessibility of key government services.

Table 4.14 Tourism licence obligations
Obligations of Tourism Licensees
6. Take necessary precautions to preserve the environment

Building codes or rules in Qatar are specified in the Qatar National Building Specification, which provides rules on plot size, density, distance from boundaries, and height limits. In addition, the Qatar Construction Specifications provide standards for building materials and regulate the procedures for construction projects. It is not uncommon to have the incorporation of foreign building code provisions in the approved building permits of Qatar. Qatar is also in the process of adopting a number of provisions towards green building regulations.

The importation of merchandise into the country includes an original commercial invoice with the shipper's letter head, stamp and signature. An attestation from the Chamber of Commerce must also accompany the cargo. All goods contained in the invoice must be identified by their HS Code which, in practice, implies that only authorized agents can clear consignments with the GCA. Emphasis was placed to protect the domestic market from products that are hazardous, non-compliant with standardized health norms and those found in violation of intellectual property rights.

Table 3.11 State-owned enterprises
Enterprise: Qatar Solar Technologies
Sector: Solar energy
Ownership level: 100%