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.






























