Doha, October 10 (QNA) - The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) highlighted opportunities that can strengthen the influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the State of 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 the State of Qatar, including the countrys 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 Qatars 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 countrys 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.
HE 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 Qatars 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. 
The "Guide to Investment" report highlights that the State of Qatar offers a stable and resilient economy with a high credit quality rating (AA- from S&P and Fitch, Aa3 from Moodys), stable GDP growth that is the highest in the region (5.4% over the last decade), and the 4th highest GDP per capita globally. The Qatari riyal is pegged to the US dollar, providing stability, confidence, and predictability for investors. The countrys economic diversification strategy and colossal investments in infrastructure have and will continue to help the economy grow.
In this regard, the Guide indicates that Qatar enjoys a 98.6/100 macroeconomic stability score. The country ranks first for entrepreneurship in the Arab world, second in the Middle East in the Global Finance Safety Index, and third in the World Banks Doing Business 2020.
The State of Qatar is the second most competitive economy in the region (IMD world competitiveness ranking); the 8th globally for Government long-term vision (WEF). Meanwhile, the unemployment rate does not exceed 0.1%, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority. The projected GDP growth in 2023 is 4%, and 3.4% in 2024. The State also signed Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with more than 80 countries.
The report indicates that Qatars future-ready digital and physical infrastructure and connectivity resources ensure international investors experience a seamless flow of trade and capital, and support them to access the markets and build the relationships they need to succeed.
Home to the Worlds Best Airport and Airline, one of the worlds largest green ports, and the worlds first commercially available 5G network, Qatar provides both the future-ready infrastructure and ideal strategic location from which to access global markets and ensure the long-term success of your business.
The Guide highlights that Qatar's investment in infrastructure has reached $200 billion, including cutting-edge commercial and residential projects, as well as construction projects worth $250 billion in the pipeline. The country offers world class logistics infrastructure, enabling seamless business operations, with Qatar Airways and award-winning ports and transportation systems link you to global markets; world-leading digital infrastructure: 4th in 5G leadership index with 99% internet penetration; free zones ensure a smooth setup and connect investors with opportunities and complementary businesses; and well-designed industrial parks offer companies an attractive environment to develop and launch a business.
The Guide notes that the State of Qatar ranks first in the Arab world in focusing on entrepreneurship; and has the fifth best education system in the world, with more than 15 prestigious international universities. The Qatar National Research Fund has provided research investments worth $1.4 billion, while Qatar Foundation has funded about 2,300 research projects.
Since its inception, IPA Qatar has actively pursued a targeted, sector-specific investment promotion agenda in line with the countrys economic development and diversification goals. With Qatars infrastructure and development projects especially in education, health, transportation, research, and SME enterprises defining the States current development phase, IPA Qatar serves as the primary point of access to a future-ready infrastructure that attracts long-term FDI, supporting enterprises from exploration and setup to expansion. (QNA)