Qatari Manateq Gives Special Focus to Downstream SMEs

The Economic Zones Company-Qatar (Manateq) is offering special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly those related to downstream industries such as aluminum, steel, and automotive sector, to accelerate the process of economic diversification.

The efforts are part of the initiatives of Manateq which is working in cooperation with other state and private agencies to diversify Qatar’s economy through the provision of world-class infrastructures within strategically placed economic zones and logistics parks, which are being developed in line with country’s long-term vision, said a top official of the company.

The state-backed entity is overseeing the developments of several economic zones, industrial and warehousing complexes across the country. And it also works in close coordination with the recently established Free Zones Authority attracting investors and SMEs from all over the world.

“We have different manufacturers such as steel structure, concrete supplier, ready-mix, petrochemicals and other downstream industries related to aluminum and automotive sector who will be manufacturing auto parts and other products,” Manateq’s CEO Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi (pictured) told The Peninsula.

Al Kaabi added: “We have more and more small and medium businesses either from logistics or industries availing our services. We have different logistics and industrial parks such as Birkat Al Awamer, Jery Al Samur, Al Wakra (A&B), Aba Saleel, Mesaieed and others. And we are also working in close coordination with the Free Zones Authority for the companies who want to set up in the free zone areas such as Ras Bufonta and Um Al Houl.”

He said that Manateq is focusing on the delivery of right infrastructure for any industries, including the logistics sector, as per their specific requirements.

He reiterated that Qatar, as part of efforts to attracting local and foreign investment, has put in place all the needful services, for the ease of doing business and establishing manufacturing facilities in the country, from registration and allocation of land plots to the easy access to project financing through Qatar Development Bank and other entities.

“For instance we have introduced quick online registration system. Under this facility, prospective clients can avail most of our services online without having them required to come in person to our offices,” noted Al Kaabi.

When prodded for more details about the response of investors and the types of industries, he added that there is a long list of a wide-range of industries which is well-diversified.

“As far as the response and occupancy is concerned, we have released almost 100% of the land plots located in Birkat Al Awamer and Al Wakra (A&B). And yearly, we are opening more space to meet the growing demand.”

He also noted that Qatar, as a result of long-term strategy and meticulous planning, legislative changes and other reforms, has been attracting investors and companies from all over the world, including Asia, Europe such as Turkey, China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, the UK, and many other countries.

“After the blockade, foreign companies and newly established trade partners are not only supplying their quality products and construction materials in a cost effective manner, but also setting up manufacturing facilities in Qatar. These firms include manufacturers specializing in several key products such as steel pipe and aluminum products which will find use in a wide range of sectors, including oil & gas, construction and others,” said Al Kaabi.