Investment
Qatar is a committed member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the international financing organizations and is fully integrated in the international free trade and economy order. It does not levy personal income taxes or export fees, and 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 incentives for national investors in addition to the incentives stipulated by Law No 19 of 1995. Law No 19 of 1995 facilitates industrial licensing and unifies executive bodies responsible for granting incentives. Legislation permits non-Qataris to invest in trade, industry and services sectors in joint ventures where the other partners are Qataris holding at least 51% of the capital. The non-Qatari investor who holds 100% shares in a venture must designate a Qatari sponsor. GCC national investors are treated as Qataris in the current law.
The policies that led to the prevailing economic and financial stability have also helped establish the supporting infrastructure required to increase the activities of the non-oil economic sectors, whose contribution to the Gross National Product (GNP) amounts to 11.4%. Qatar has a highly efficient infrastructure including roads, seaports and airports, self-sufficient and completely equipped industrial estates, modern communications network and all other necessary and advanced services. It enjoys a very high degree of political, social and internal stability, good and balanced relations with all countries of the region and a distinguished geographical location and international standing. All these have created a healthy investment atmosphere and make the country an ideal place of opportunity where investors can realize substantial profits.
