Doha: HE Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani called for expanding the contribution of private sector and national companies to government procurement.
According to Qatar News Agency, this initiative was discussed during a meeting with Nayef Al Hababi, Director of the Government Procurement Regulation Department at the Ministry of Finance. The meeting focused on developing mechanisms for government procurement and enhancing local content, particularly in relation to the Ministry's mandatory list for government entities. Discussions also covered the challenges faced by local companies in government tenders and their proposals to overcome these hurdles, with an aim to increase reliance on national products.
HE Chairman of the Qatar Chamber emphasized that Qatari products meet international standards, which positions them as reliable options for government entities in public procurement. He assured that the Qatar Chamber will continue to coordinate with government entities to address and convey the concerns of national companies.
Al Hababi highlighted that the meeting aimed to understand the challenges local companies encounter, allowing for the exploration of solutions. He underscored the importance of the mandatory list, which obligates government agencies to prioritize national products unless exceptions are granted. This list is designed to support local industry, enhance product quality, stimulate economic growth, reduce import dependence, and foster job creation, as well as promote technology transfer and innovation.
Regarding exemptions, Al Hababi clarified that these are applicable only if a product is unavailable locally, if national production cannot meet demand in a timely manner, or if local prices exceed foreign prices beyond acceptable limits. Such exemptions are reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
HE Chairman of the Qatar Chamber proposed organizing a meeting between the Ministry of Finance and consulting firms to discuss technical specifications and requirements that companies need to meet.