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The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) will soon enter into free trade agreement (FTA) with China and the region is in advanced stage of negotiations with South Korea; while it seeks to upgrade agreement with Singapore and is in talks with India as part of deepening and integrating with the Asian economies.Highlighting that the trade amounted to $516bn between the GCC and Asia in 2021, the GCC secretary general Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi said given the high value, there is a need to maintain and strengthen this level."We are now engaged in a very deep (talks) and hopefully very soon, we will conclude our FTA with China," he told a panel discussion ‘Asia and the GCC: A Deepening Partnership’ at the Doha Forum 2023, moderated by Dr Dania Thafer, senior fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs.China and the GCC had held almost a dozen rounds of negotiations during 2005-22 regarding a bilateral FTA. China was seen as the GCC's top trading partner and the leading destination for petrochemical product exports within the grouping."We are also extremely close (to FTA) with South Korea," he said.The ongoing talks over the establishment of a FTA with the GCC reflect a desire among South Korean policymakers. South Korea and the GCC had explored the possibility in 2007, with formal negotiations in 2009, but after three rounds of negotiations that year, there wasn't much progress. The talks were finally revived in 2022 and have since moved rapidly, with three rounds of talks in 2022, and the latest in February 2023.Acknowledging that the GCC is in talks with Singapore with which it already has a FTA; he said the GCC would like to "upgrade" it.The GCC secretary general stressed that strengthening the relationship with Asia does not mean the Gulf countries are moving away from their traditional and historical strategic partners such as the US and Europe.The effort by the GCC to get more engaged and integrated with Asia comes in view of the Gulf countries opening up many new areas and entering into new partnerships, he added.Professor Shuji Hosaka, board member of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) and director of JIME Center, a unit of IEEJ, said it is important to eliminate the barriers between Japan and the Gulf region for which one of the most key factors is FTA."Negotiations between Japan and the GCC will restart next year and the Japanese government and the business circles hope that negotiation will reach a conclusion soon," he said.Finding that the conventional trade relationship is no longer workable, he said in order to maintain the influence in the region, Japan has strengthened its relationship with the Gulf by forming economic ties and Tokyo has achieved this through establishing multilayered strategic partnership with the countries in the region.Dr Abdulaziz Sager, chairman, Gulf Research Center, said 67% of the GCC exports go to Asia, primarily Japan, China, South Korea and India and other Asean countries as it termed the Asian region as the major trading partner.However, "we have not turned to the East rather we are looking at the East", he said, adding investment has been improving a lot between both sides (GCC and Asia) and energy trade relation is improving again in clean energy, hydrogen and other alternatives.Professor Wu Bingbing, Director, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Peking University, said as much as 40% of China's oil needs is met by the GCC. "China has a very strong relationship with the GCC countries and is getting stronger," he added.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday lost more than 69 points and its key index fell below 9,800 levels on the back of selling pressure, especially in the banking sector.The foreign institutions turned net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.7% to 9,778.87 points.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**.The Gulf retail investors were net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 8.45%.About 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.14bn or 0.72% to QR573.25bn with small cap segments losing the most.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which touched an intraday high of 9,879 points.The domestic institutions’ lower net buying also had its say in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.08mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.22mn trade across 27 deals.The Arab individuals’ weakened net buying was visible in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.7%, the All Islamic Index by 0.44% and the All Share Index by 0.73% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.14%, followed by consumer goods and services (0.68%), industrials (0.36%), real estate (0.35%) and transport (0.18%); while insurance and telecom gained 0.39% and 0.04% respectively.Major shakers in the main market included QLM, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QNB, Mannai Corporation, Woqod, Qatari Investors Group and United Development Company.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Qatar Insurance, Gulf International Services, Salam International Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices and Estithmar Holding were among the gainers in the main market.In the junior bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions were net sellers to the tune of QR7.71mn compared with net buyers of QR7.21mn on December 7.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.08mn against net buyers of QR0.18mn last Thursday.The local individuals’ net buying declined significantly to QR3.01mn compared to QR10.78mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR12.08mn against QR18.36mn on December 7.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR2.61mn compared to QR6.21mn last Thursday.However, the foreign individual investors’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR6mn against QR0.43mn the previous trading day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased drastically to QR15.92mn compared to QR43.17mn on December 7.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market plunged 22% to 83.23mn shares, value by 43% to QR221.38mn and deals by 37% to 8,214.The venture market saw a 43% surge in trade volumes to 0.33mn equities, 62% in value to QR0.47mn and 95% in transactions to 43.

A robust double-digit increase in sales of motorcycles, heavy equipment and private vehicles led Qatar's automobile sector maintain a positive course in new registrations and the used market also witnessed brisk activities this October against that in September 2023, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The country witnessed 8,589 new vehicles registered in October 2023, expanding 1.7% month-on-month but shrank 29.6% year-on-year in the review period.The number of driving licences saw a 1% month-on-month jump to 9,276 in October 2023 with those issued to non-Qatari males and females increasing by 2.3% and 1.1%; whereas those to Qatari females and males declining 15% and 12.9% respectively.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 509 units, which zoomed 70.2% on a monthly basis but shrank 20.3% year-on-year in October 2023. These constituted 6% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 196, which constituted 2% of the total registrations this October. Their registrations had seen a 27.3% surge month-on-month, even as it was down 4.4% on annualised basis in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 1,265, which reported 20.1% surge on a monthly basis but declined 35.4% year-on-year in October 2023. Such vehicles constituted 15% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 5,762; which however tanked 5.1% and 18.3% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in September 2023. Such vehicles constituted 67% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.As many as 40 trailers were registered in October 2023, which plummeted 25.9% and 39.4% on monthly and yearly basis respectively. These constituted less than 1% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 817 units, which was up 0.6% month-on-month but plunged 64.7% year-on-year this October. These constituted 10% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 143,288 units, which soared 16.5% on monthly basis but was down 0.1% on an annualised basis in the review period.The renewal of registration was reported in 82,830 units, which saw 17.4% and 10.3% surge month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. It constituted 58% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was seen in 34,369 vehicles in October 2023, which grew 6% on a monthly basis while it decreased 2.9% year-on-year. It constituted 24% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of lost/damaged vehicles stood at 7,363 units, which more than doubled month-on-month but shrank 18% on a yearly basis in October 2023. They constituted 5% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 5,487; which shot up 42.3% on a monthly basis but tanked 13.7% year-on-year in October 2023. They constituted 4% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 2,139; declining 19.5% and 42.7% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. They constituted 1% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,095 units, which nevertheless zoomed 26.6% and 31.6% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. It constituted 1% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 112 vehicles, which plummeted 36.4% and 25.8% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023.

Weak world oil prices and Chinese growth concerns had their dampening effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its key index plummet 194 points and capitalisation.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[112014]**erode QR10bn this week. The Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.93% this week, which saw Doha's non-energy private sector see improved business conditions towards the end of 2023, according to the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing mangers’ index.The industrials and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market this week which saw Ooredoo, Zain and TASC create largest tower company in the Middle East and North Africa with valuation of $2.2bn.As much as 73% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Qatar’s banking sector being strategised to launch new products to support growth in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for corporates, special finance for small and medium enterprises and create savings and investment products for expatriates.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw Al-Faleh Educational Holding approach the Qatar Financial Markets Authority to transfer its listing to the main market.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw plans afoot in the Qatar's insurance industry to expand the offerings like life and health and launch climate insurance as well as tailored services for priority sectors as logistics and manufacturing.The Gulf individuals continued to be bearish but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.09mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.19mn trade across 32 deals.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.02mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.17mn change hands across 10 transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute about 68% of the total trade volume.Market capitalisation was seen eroding QR10.1bn or 1.72% to QR577399bn on the back of mid and microcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade volumes and turnover were on the decline both in the main bourse and venture market this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 1.93%, the All Share Index by 1.57% and the All Islamic Index by 2.41% this week which saw robust increase in the container movement and cargo handling in Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports this November on an annualised basis, reflecting the vibrancy in the private sector.The industrials sector index tanked 2.94%, telecom (2.7%), banks and financial services (1.36%), insurance (1.26%), real estate (0.65%), consumer goods and services (0.32%) and transport (0.03%) this week which saw Qatar Plastic and Wooden Products Company, a subsidiary of Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company, commence the plastic bags and wooden pallets project in the Ras Laffan Industrial City.Major losers in the main market included Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatari German Medical Devices, Ezdan, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, Lesha Bank, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Qatari Investors Group, Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar and Ooredoo. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value this week which saw Qatar's producers' price index rise in October 2023 but at a reduced pace against the previous month.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Zad Holding, Doha Insurance and Untied Development Company were among the gainers in the main market this week which saw Qatar's hospitality sector register improved rooms' yield in October 2023 year-on-year on higher occupancy.The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR143.02mn compared to QR56.09mn the week ended November 30.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR4.29mn the previous week.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined significantly to QR30.34mn compared to QR77.46mn a week ago.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened drastically to QR63.21mn against QR9.79mn the week ended November 30.The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR40.01mn compared with net sellers of QR28.07mn the previous week.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR9.91mn against QR5.3mn a week ago.The Arab funds turned net buyers to tune of QR0.06mn compared with net sellers of QR0.1mn the week ended November 30.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR0.11mn against QR12.57mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 14% decline in trade volumes to 599.14mn shares and 24% in value to QR1.81bn but on 35% expansion in deals to 66,693 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plunged 84% to 1.41mn equities, value by 82% to QR1.6mn and transactions by 70% to 141.

Plans are afoot in the Qatar's insurance industry to expand the product offerings such as life and health and launch climate insurance as well as tailored insurance services for priority sectors as logistics and manufacturing.These, among other suggestions, were made in the Qatar Central Bank's (QCB) recently launched third financial sector strategy, which called for strong regulatory measures to position insurance and provide effective management of financial and economic risks as Qatar's economy expands and diversifies.The QCB is set to implement reforms to “digital leapfrog” in the insurance sector by developing Insurtech in the country so as to enhance the universe of insurtech players. The strategy suggested "laying out the fundamentals to become the recognised Insurtech hub in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) through necessary reforms and incentivising ventures."Insurtech includes the use of technology innovations to bring in savings and efficiency to the insurance industry model. According to a survey conducted by the Qatar Financial Centre, around 82% of insurance executives in Qatar considered Insurtech to be a significant driver of change in the industry.The financial sector strategy sought to identify select growth areas through expansion of product offerings to cover the full range of insurable risks, which included measures to develop local insurance market through annuities, disability insurance, wage protection, and mortgage protection. It also sought to expand insurance offerings to underserved segments for increased inclusivity.The strategy sought to increase sophistication of insurers’ capital/asset management practices to limit premiums "leakage" and ensure capital flow into Qatar's economy.The strategy "will be achieved through eight initiatives and 41 action items, including 26 priority ones", the central bank said.The QCB highlighted the need to develop a roadmap to boost consumer demand for insurance products by incorporating educational training, incentives and awareness campaigns, emphasising the QCB's "strong stance on the significance of the insurance sector.Highlighting the need for enhancing the share of share of climate risk or green insurance related gross written premiums; the strategy aimed at offering comprehensive and inclusive insurance solutions, while also providing guidelines for the insurance sector to measure their carbon footprint.In order to fortify the retention ratio of premiums, the financial sector strategy sought to review and optimise the operating model and regulatory framework for insurers to improve business operations and efficiency.The strategy aimed at creating “the optimal environment to increase retention by insurers and position Qatar as a preferred destination for the international re-insurance market.”Stressing on the need for increasing the proportion of institutions leveraging central database, the strategy suggested safe data and information management systems and established data reporting processes and standards for transparency and efficiency.

The 17th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemical Association (GPCA) forum concluded yesterday with the active participation of key decision makers and industry experts, and the next session will be held in Muscat, Oman.This year's forum titled 'Mobilising Chemistry for Impactful Transformation' witnessed the ministers and subject experts discuss challenges and issues faced by the industry and also deliberated on low carbon and circular solutions.Inviting members and delegates to the 18th session in Muscat, Salim bin Nasser bin Said al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman, said "we will definitely take the actions and the learnings from this forum and the previous ones and will try to address as much as we can at the next forum,"The Doha forum, which saw keynote address from HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Qatar; Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia; and al-Aufi; acknowledged that chemicals are needed for a sustainable development.The Saudi Arabian oil minister categorically said the petrochemicals segment is a crucial element in the global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and emerged as a driving force in fostering positive changes in the fight against climate change.Earlier addressing the opening session, al-Kaabi outlined three point agenda which includes greater investment in energy efficiency and low carbon innovation and co-ordinated policies and incentives, for equitable, secure and sustainable energy transition, which not only protects earth but also propels economic growth.Various panellists at the meeting of petrochemicals and chemicals grouping were of the view that fossil fuels cannot be wished away, even as the recently concluded COP28 in the neighbouring UAE saw negotiations on “orderly and just" phase out of fossil fuels."As the chemical industry continues to be faced with new challenges and opportunities, our aim has been to facilitate the partnerships and collaboration needed to mobilise the industry around alignment and concrete action on issues such as sustainability, trade, circular economy, plastics waste management and so much more," according to Dr Abdulwahab al-Sadoun, secretary-general, GPCA.Dedicated sessions allowed the audience to engage in immersive discussions, learn about the latest trends in procurement, innovative sourcing strategies focused on localisation and sustainability, the impact of procurement on enhancing the agility and resilience of supply chains.The youth forum, now in its second edition, saw awareness creation on the chemical industry and a holistic networking experience for the more than 400 attendees by bridging the gap between leaders and young professionals.Solutions Xchange, an interactive knowledge-sharing platform that happened parallel with the forum, saw the sponsors and exhibitors come together to address industry challenges and discover practical solutions, Xchange insights, and unlock new possibilities that will shape the chemical industry’s future.

Reflecting the volatile geopolitical situation and concerns on Chinese economy, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday fell 73 points as the Gulf institutions were seen.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**increasingly into net profit booking.The banks, transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.73% to 9,872.1 points.The foreign institutions turned bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 7.57%.About 76% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.59bn or 0.79% to QR577.28bn with midcap segments losing the most.The Arab individuals continued to be net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which however touched an intraday high of 9,962 points.The local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across 10 deals.The domestic funds were seen bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.73%, the All Islamic Index by 0.65% and the All Share Index by 0.72% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The banks and financial services sector index shrank 0.94%, transport (0.79%), telecom (0.78%), industrials (0.67%) and real estate (0.15%); while insurance gained 0.29%. The index of consumer goods and services was rather flat.Major shakers in the main market include Medicare Group, Inma Holding, Masraf Al Rayan, Qamco, Dlala, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Aamal Company, Barwa, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing and Mannai Corporation were among the gainers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR35.85mn compared to QR27.41mn on December 5.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.13mn against net buyers of QR15.68mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR22.12mn compared to QR14.71mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR18.86mn against net sellers of QR1.14mn on December 5.The foreign retail investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR6.53mn compared to QR2.59mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.34mn against net sellers of QR0.02mn on Tuesday.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking weakened considerably to QR0.88mn compared to QR4.47mn on December 5.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.06mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were down 3% to 109.33mn shares, whereas value shot up 6% to QR360.52mn and deals by 5% to 13,827.The venture market saw a 9% contraction in trade volumes to 0.29mn equities and 18% in value to QR0.28mn but on 71% surge in transactions to 36.

Qatar’s banking sector will see the advent of new products to support growth in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for corporates, special finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and savings and investment products for expatriates.Moreover, Islamic and ESG (environment, social and governance) products are also on the pipeline. These figured among the important suggestions made by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in the recently released third financial sector strategy as part of efforts to unlock the full economic potential of the country.The strategy, through which the central bank aims to enhance the financial sector's contribution to QR84bn in gross domestic product, highlighted the select growth areas within the banking pillar such as tailored financing, specialised advisory services and digital banking and payment solutions.The banking pillar suggested launching of new products to support growth ambitions in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for wholesale and corporate segments, developing special financing programmes to support SME growth, offering savings and investment products for the expats to encourage them to invest in Qatar (mortgages and investment products) and providing a range of Islamic and ESG product offerings.The initiative should be to increase financial service solutions to fill gaps and broaden market offerings, including digital and virtual asset service solutions, and net zero transaction offerings, the strategy said.It suggested initiatives to implement targeted market infrastructure guidelines to foster the growth of the fintech industry and facilitate the digital transformation of the banking sector.For improving the financial stability and operational effectiveness, the QCB suggested initiatives to develop measures to enhance the banking system's resilience and establish cybersecurity and business continuity frameworks that adapt to changes in banks' business models, market trends and external risks.On specialised advisory services, the strategy highlighted the need to create sophisticated capabilities to increase non-interest revenues; support local players to grow beyond Qatar and expand abroad; implement mentoring and coaching programmes for SMEs on financing, digital, and green transition; and develop wealth management services for premium retail customers.On digital banking and payment solutions, the strategy is to develop a payment hub with real-time transaction monitoring, fraud detection and to achieve increased efficiency; and expand advanced payment solutions such as digital wallets, virtual cards, and personal financial management tools.The strategy "will be achieved through eight initiatives and 68 action items including 29 priority action items", the central bank said.Highlighting that aspiration and set of outcomes were defined for each strategic step to ensure and measure success, it said the need of the hour is sophisticated and resilient banking sector excelling in diverse financial services and products, providing specialised advisory and structured funding built on regulatory and digital excellence.

The demand for virgin and circular polyethylene is expected to be strong and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is well-positioned to provide feedstocks and has access to wider geographies, according to a top official of Chevron Phillips Chemicals."We expect demand to be strong for virgin polyethylene and circular polyethylene, so there is clearly a push and will be for native materials and then for circular materials. This region is well positioned because it plays an important role in providing feedstocks," Bruce Chinn, president and chief executive officer of Chevron Phillips Chemical told CEOs fireside chat at the 17th annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemical Association (GPCA) forum.The GCC is also well-positioned because it has access to markets, whether it be Europe or Asia, he said, adding it has a long history of partnerships here in the region, he said at the session themed Chemical industry’s role in becoming the ultimate ‘hidden climate champion’.Highlighting that the Gulf region will play a key role in access to capital, he said its partners have demonstrated the willingness to ‘seek growth, recognise growth and invest in growth’.“It's clear the region recognises the challenges of transformation and the role that chemistry will play in that,” Chinn said."There is a potential and growing opportunities for circular economy and we are also focused on low carbon footprint," he said, highlighting that it has set a target of 15% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2030.The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.Chemicals are part of the fabric of the societies, with as much as 96% of everything that is produced needing chemicals. That means, when chemical products become more sustainable, there is a huge multiplier effect, according to GPCA.Peter Vanacker, chief executive officer of LyondellBasell said the global demand for circular products is slated to be 15mn tonnes and supply of 10mn tonnes by 2030, so there is the supply shortage."We need to engage with entire value chain," he said, adding waste management infrastructure is going to be key way to evolve the circular economy.In this regard, he said in Belgium, 60% of the basic waste is being recycled. There are good cases not just in Belgium, but in other European countries where these schemes work fine, according to him.Chinn said collaboration is the key as he highlighted the joint effort of Chevron Phillips Chemical, Technip Energies and LyondellBasell on the design, construction and operation of a demonstration unit for Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology, designed to cut the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the olefins production.Vanacker said plastics are needed for a sustainable future and circular solutions are not going to be replaced in foreseeable future.In mature economies, as much as 50% of the growth is going to be in circular solutions, he added.Dr. Bernd Elser, who leads Accenture's global Chemicals and Natural Resources practices and was the moderator for the fireside chat, said various reports suggest that as much as $200bn worth demand has been estimated for sustainability-related chemicals by 2027.

Qatar's non-energy private sector continued to see improved business conditions towards the end of 2023, with growth of new business and output accelerating in November, spurring further investments, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).New business increased for the 10th successive month in November, with strong sales for the goods producers and construction firms in particular, according to the QFC's purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey data.Output has risen every month since July 2020, except for a brief correction in January following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The PMI registered 51.5 in November, up from 50.8 in October, signalling a tenth successive month-on-month improvement in business conditions, and the first acceleration in growth since July."The rise in the headline PMI is welcome news towards the end of 2023, reflecting faster rates of expansion in both new business and output," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer of QFC Authority.November's rise in outstanding business, the first in over a year, suggests that companies are increasingly busy, he said, adding "this will spur further investment as customer numbers rise and companies bring improved products and services to the market."The pick-up in demand in November translated into a rise in outstanding business for the first time in 16 months. This increase in pressure on capacity occurred despite a sustained expansion in employment.The headline PMI is a composite single-figure indicator of non-energy private sector performance. It is derived from indicators for new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases.The PMI is compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, reflecting the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data.Supply chains continued to improve in November, as lead times for inputs shortened for the nineteenth consecutive month.Purchasing of inputs expanded for the ninth straight month and at the fastest rate in four months as firms aimed to address rising backlogs. Input stocks rose for the first time in three months as a result, the QFC said.Highlighting that the overall cost pressures at Qatari firms rose slightly in November, having fallen in October; it said, the rate of input price inflation was relatively weak, with only slight increases in both staff and non-staff costs.Prices charged for goods and services were broadly stable following increases in September and October."Inflationary pressures remain manageable, with only a slight rise in input prices and broadly stable charges in the latest period," al-Jaida said.Qatari financial services companies recorded another jump in total business activity in November. The seasonally adjusted Financial Services Business Activity Index posted 54.7, still comfortably above the overall private sector figure of 52.5 albeit the lowest in over two years.Growth of total activity remained solid despite the slowest increase in new business in over a year, the QFC said."That said, demand was strong overall and more robust than the non-energy sector average, and the 12-month outlook for activity improved," it added.

Qatar's hospitality sector witnessed improved rooms' yield in October 2023 on an annualised basis on higher occupancy, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The growth in revenue-per-available room came largely due to the five-star hotels as well as deluxe and standard hotel apartments; while occupancy increase was witnessed across the board, notably in the hotel apartments and three-star hotels in the review period.The higher rooms’ yield year-on-year comes amidst 288,831 visitor arrivals, which registered 60.8% and 16.9% increase year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in October 2023.Qatar's hospitality sector overall saw a 7.94% year-on-year jump in average revenue per available room to QR272 and occupancy by 10% to 66%, even as the average room rate declined 9.66% to QR414 in October 2023.The five-star hotels witnessed the average revenue per available room surge 11.89% to QR367 and occupancy by 7% to 62%, even as average room rate was down 1.49% to QR594 in the review period.The visitor arrivals from other Asia (including Oceania) were 81,878 or 28% of the total, the Gulf Co-operation Council or GCC 78,130 (27%), Europe 76,053 (26%), other Arab countries 23,549 (8%), Americas 22,008 (8%), and other African countries 7,213 (2%) in October this year.On an annualised basis, the visitor arrivals from other Asia (including Oceania) zoomed 113.8%, Europe by 104.3%, Americas by 63.5%, GCC by 29.7% and other Arab countries by 17.6%, while those from other African countries fell 30% in October 2023.On a month-on-month basis, the visitor arrivals from Europe shot up 71.6%, Americas by 24%, other Arab countries by 13.7%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 12.3% other African countries by 8%, whereas those from the GCC declined 7.8% in the review period.The deluxe hotel apartments registered a 7.94% year-on-year increase in average revenue available per room to QR231 this October with occupancy jumping 14% to 68%, even as the average room rate in the category was seen dipping 14.21% on an annualised basis to QR338 in the review period.In the case of standard hotel apartments, the room yield improved by 5.56% year-on-year to QR152 and occupancy by 16% to 71%, even as the average room rate shrank 17.94% to QR215 in October 2023.However, the average revenue per available room in the four-star hotels plummeted 12.5% on a yearly basis to QR140 in October 2023 as the average room rate were lower by 27.67% to QR217, but the occupancy zoomed 10% to 64%.The three-star hotels saw a 2.61% year-on-year contraction in average revenue per available room to QR149 as the average room rate shrank 18.78% to QR173, even as the occupancy rose 14% to 86% in the review period.The two-star and one-star hotels' average revenue per available room was down 0.69% year-on-year to QR143 this October as the average room rate tanked 11.11% to QR152, even as the occupancy grew 10% to 94% at the end of October this year.

Reflecting the volatile geopolitical situation, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday fell more than 76 points and its key index retreated below 10,000 points..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**The industrials and real estate sectors saw higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.76% to 9,959.96 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.75%.More than 67% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.41bn or 0.75% to QR582.92bn with midcap segments losing the most.The Arab individuals were seen bearish in the main market, which however touched an intraday high of 10,063 points.The foreign retail investors were net sellers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 8,632 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across six deals.The local individuals continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.76%, the All Islamic Index by 1.01% and the All Share Index by 0.7% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The industrial sector index tanked 1.43%, realty (1.08%), telecom (0.69%), banks and financial services (0.59%), consumer goods and services (0.24%) and insurance (0.16%), while transport gained 0.19%.Major shakers in the main market include Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan, Masraf Al Rayan, Gulf International Services, Inma Holding, Lesha Bank, Qatari German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Qamco. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Gulf Warehousing, Dukhan Bank, Meeza and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main market. In the juniour bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR28.59mn compared to QR7.99mn on December 3.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR4.87mn against net buyers of QR3.6mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.24mn compared with net buyers of QR1.61mn on Sunday.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR21.77mn against QR5.38mn on December 3.The foreign institutions’ net buying zoomed drastically to QR16.02mn compared to QR2.55mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net profit booking declined perceptibly to QR2.96mn against QR4.65mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling eased marginally to QR0.13mn compared to QR0.49mn on December 3.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shot up 17% to 145.81mn shares, value by 26% to QR403.94mn and deals by 52% to 16,065.The venture market saw a 7% jump in trade volumes to 0.29mn equities, 23% in value to QR0.38mn and 6% in transactions to 30.

Qatar has suggested three point-agenda, which includes greater investment in energy efficiency and low carbon innovation and coordinated policies and incentives, for equitable, secure and sustainable energy transition, which not only protects earth but also propels economic growth.This suggestion was made by HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, at the ministerial session of the 17th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) forum in the presence of Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia; and Salim bin Nasser bin Said al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman.Hamad Rashid al-Mohannadi, former general manager, Qatar Petrochemicals Company (QAPCO), was chosen for the fifth GPCA legacy award in recognition of extraordinary contributions to foster and strengthen the chemical industry.The forum featured an exhibition that showcased new projects, industry journey, youth pavilion, sustainability district, cultural majlis and publications.Highlighting that secure, equitable sustainable energy transition will not only help protect the planet but also provide economic growth; al-Kaabi said "to achieve this goal, we need to remain focused on three important areas that are essential in energy transitioning."The first and foremost, according to him, was the greater investment in energy efficiency and low carbon innovation.This includes renewable energy integration, carbon capture and sequestration, low carbon solutions for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the carbon intensity in the chemical manufacturing, he said.Other areas include optimising resources use, waste reduction, waste management and developing circular economies through improving recycling and the reuse of materials."We need coordinated policies and incentives to support the petrochemical industry's success," al-Kaabi said.Terming the third enabler as awareness; he said it was not fair to put the onus on energy producers alone as there was a need for the real story to be told within workforce, across societies and among consumers about the critical role chemical industries plays in bettering lives worldwide.In Qatar, the growth and evolution of petrochemical industry has been on a steady path of success, al-Kaabi said, adding the country is building the world's largest blue ammonia plant with annual 1.2mn tonnes capacity."This plant will be most sustainable facility of its kind. As part of this project, we are implementing CCS technologies to capture and sequester 1.2mn tonnes of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the electricity for this project comes from a solar power plant currently under construction," he said.He reminded that QatarEnergy in partnership with Chevron Phillips recently announced the start of the construction of two ethane crackers with a capacity of more than 2mn tonnes per annum each, one in Qatar and one in the US. The expected start is before the end of 2026, he added.The Saudi oil minister said the demand for petrochemicals is expected to grow by more than 50% by 20240 with demand for basic chemicals such as ethylene and propylene slated to expand more than 60%, quoting market report and analysts.The sector is also advancing through innovative technologies to maximise the yield of crude oil, he added.

Lenders in Qatar registered the biggest quarter-on-quarter increase in net interest income (NII) and topline growth and the lowest operating cost within the Gulf banking industry during the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic think-tank."Qatari banks recorded the biggest quarter-on-quarter increase in net interest income during Q3-2023 at 10.8%, followed by Kuwaiti and the UAE-listed banks with growth of 6.9% and 5.5%, respectively. Saudi banks were next with a growth of 3.8%," Kamco said in its latest report.The quarterly trend in the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) remained largely positive with only Omani banks seeing a decline during the quarter while the rest of the GCC aggregates showed growth, the report said.The aggregate net interest income reported by banks listed in the GCC witnessed growth for the second consecutive quarter to reach a record during Q3-2023, it said, adding the increase came despite cost of funds reaching one of the highest levels on record at 3.7% compared to 3.2% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023.On topline, Kamco Invest said total bank revenue for the GCC banks once again registered quarter-on-quarter growth during Q3-2023 by 5.3% to a new record high of $30.7bn. A growth in aggregate net interest income as well as non-interest income supported the growth in total revenues.The quarterly increase was led by a broad-based improvement in revenues across the GCC lenders during the quarter, barring Omani banks."Qatari banks reported the biggest increase during the quarter at 9.2% followed by Kuwaiti and the UAE-listed banks with growth of 7.9% and 5.1%, respectively. Saudi-listed banks also reported a healthy quarter-on-quarter growth of 3.5% during Q3-2023," the report said.Referring to operating costs, the Kamco report said Qatari banks reported the lowest ratio of 35.9% despite reporting the biggest quarter-on-quarter jump of 200bps (basis points) during Q3-2023.Saudi and the UAE-listed banks followed with the ratio at 37.9% (+110bps quarter-on-quarter increase) and 40.7%, respectively.After remaining subdued for the previous seven quarters at the sub-40% mark, the cost-to-income ratio for the GCC banks increased by 80bps during Q3-2023 to 40.1% compared to 39.2% in Q2-2023. The increase was broad-based as seen from growth in the ratio for five out of six country aggregates during the quarter.The aggregate return on equity (RoE) for the GCC banking sector continued to show improvement during Q3-2023, reaching one of the highest levels over the last few years at 13.3% against 13% at the end of Q2-2023, reaching almost pre-pandemic levels, Kamco Invest said.At the country level, the UAE-listed banks once again topped in the region with the highest RoE at the end of Q3-2023 at 16.5%; closely followed by Saudi Arabian and Qatari banks with RoE of 12.9% and 12.3%, respectively.The aggregate gross loans of the GCC banks reached a new record high of $1.95tn, up 1.5% quarter-on-quarter and 6.8% year-on-year, mainly led by strong growth in banks in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and marginal growth in Qatar, according to Kamco Invest.Saudi-listed banks once again reported the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth in lending at 2.8% at the end of Q3-2023. The UAE-listed banks followed with a growth of 2.4% in gross loans, followed by Qatari-listed banks with a growth of 0.3%.

Ahead of the oil grouping’s meeting to discuss the output strategy, the Qatar Stock Exchange saw its key index plunge 167 points and capitalisation erode QR8bn this week, which saw the Qatar Central Bank unveil third financial sector strategy.The transport and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index plummeted 1.63% this week which saw Qatar register trade surplus of QR19bn in October 2023.As much as 59% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Qatar’s real gross domestic product estimated to have grown 1% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2023, mainly on faster expansion in hydrocarbons.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw Edaa reduce the capital of Mazaya Qatar by 13.61%.The local retail investors were also increasingly net sellers in the main market this week which saw Team Services and Rentals, a subsidiary of Mahhar Holding, secure a three-year contract from a downstream operating company.The Gulf individuals turned bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.22mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.48mn trade across 49 deals.The Arab institutions were seen net profit takers this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.07mn change hands across 13 transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute more than 65% of the total trade volume main market.Market capitalisation was seen eroding QR7.54bn or 1.27% to QR587.49bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase both in the main bourse and venture market this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 1.63%, the All Share Index by 1.37% and the All Islamic Index by 1.62% this week which saw Wasata Financial Securities intent to provide market making for as many as 11 constituents.The transport sector index tanked 3.54%, industrials (3.06%), realty (1.49%), consumer goods and services (0.81%), banks and financial services (0.74%) and insurance (0.13%), while telecom shot up 1.09% this week.Major losers in the main market included Doha Bank, Milaha, Industries Qatar, Doha Insurance, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Masraf Al Rayan, Dukhan Bank, Qatari German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qamco, Beema, Mazaya Qatar and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Mekdam Holding, Medicare Group, Beema, Qatar Insurance, Meeza, Estithmar Holding, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market this week.The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR56.09mn compared to QR23.87mn the week ended November 23.The local retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR28.07mn against QR34.64mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR12.57mn compared with net buyers of QR0.98mn a week ago.The Arab institutions were net sellers to the tune of QR0.1mn against no major net exposure the week ended November 23.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened drastically to QR9.79mn compared to QR34.64mn the previous week.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR4.29mn against QR8.38mn a week ago.However, the foreign institutions turned net buyers to the extent of QR77.46mn compared with net sellers of QR5.95mn on November 23.The foreign retail investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR5.3mn against QR1.62mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 4% jump in trade volumes to 693.33mn shares and 16% in value to QR2.37bn but on 6% fall in deals to 69,434 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes almost quadrupled to 8.83mn equities and value more than doubled to QR8.74mn on 60% surge in transactions to 469.

Reflecting the general mood in the regional markets on strengthening international oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange yesterday gained 50 points on the back of foreign institutions' strong buying interests.The telecom, insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.5% to 10,041.72 points.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 5.99%.About 67% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.08bn or 0.36% to QR587.49bn with small and midcap segments gaining the most.The Gulf individuals were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels in the main market, which regained from an intraday low of 9,966 points.However, the Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 5,055 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn trade across three deals.The domestic funds and the local retail investors turned net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.5%, the All Islamic Index by 0.63% and the All Share Index by 0.36% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index soared 2.5%, insurance (0.87%), industrials (0.69%), consumer goods and services (0.31%), banks and financial services (0.13%) and transport (0.01%); while real estate declined 0.72%.Major gainers in the main market included Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ooredoo, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, Estithmar Holding, Medicare Group, Qatari Investors Group, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Beema, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Barwa, Milaha and QNB were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying strengthened drastically to QR90.67mn compared to QR11.89mn on November 29.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.65mn against net sellers of QR1.34mn on Wednesday.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.14mn compared with net sellers of QR0.11mn the previous day.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR45.52mn against QR24.37mn on November 29.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR24.46mn compared with net buyers of QR5.44mn on Wednesday.The local retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR20.74mn against net buyers of QR6.55mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.74mn compared with net buyers of QR1.95mn on November 29.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market zoomed 90% to 214.36mn shares and value more than doubled to QR918.47mn on 26% jump in deals to 17,464.The venture market saw 75% plunge in trade volumes to 0.16mn equities, 70% in value to QR0.24mn and 67% in transactions to 27.

Qatar registered a trade surplus of QR19.03bn this October with Asia accounting for about 64% of the country's exports, according to the official estimates.The country's total exports (valued free on board) amounted to QR29.09bn, while the total imports (cost, insurance and freight) was QR10.06bn in the review period, said the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority.However, the trade surplus shrank 24.2% and 4.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in October 2023.The share of petroleum gases in the country's total export basket was seen declining substantially on an annualised basis, while those of crude and non-crude increased robustly in the review period.Qatar’s exports to Singapore and China were on the rise year-on-year this October.The country's total exports of domestic goods amounted to QR28.13bn, which however declined 24% and 0.6% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.In October 2023, Qatar's shipments to China amounted to QR6.11bn or 21% of the total exports of the country, followed by India QR3.52bn (12.1%), South Korea QR2.51bn (8.6%), Japan QR2.19bn (7.5%), and Singapore QR2.08bn (7.2%).On a yearly basis, the country's exports to South Korea plummeted 45.55%, India by 23.9% and Japan by 5.19%; while those to Singapore and China grew 20.23% and 8.53% respectively in the review period.On a monthly basis, Qatar's exports to South Korea plunged 27.03% and Singapore by 22.39%; whereas those to China shot up 22.44%, Japan by 12.31% and India by 2.92% in October 2023.The country’s exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons were valued at QR16.38bn, which fell 35.7% on an annualised basis in October 2023, and other commodities QR2.96bn, which shrank 24.9%.However, the exports of crude and non-crude rose 18.1% and 8.7% to QR6.36bn and QR2.43bn respectively in October 2023.On a monthly basis, the exports of non-crude were seen declining 22.9%, other commodities by 2.8% and petroleum gases by 2%; while those of crude shot up 18.5% in the review period.Petroleum gases accounted for 58.23% of the country’s export basket in October 2023 against 68.77% the previous year period, crude 22.61% (14.56%), non-crude 8.64% (6.05%) and other groups of commodities 10.52% (10.64%).Qatar's total imports showed a 22.1% decrease year-on-year; even as it zoomed 6.9% on a monthly basis in October 2023.The country's imports from China amounted to QR1.74bn or 17.3% of the total imports; followed by the US QR1.42bn (14.1%), India by QR0.66bn (6.6%), Italy QR0.58bn (5.7%) and Germany QR0.39bn (3.9%) in the review period.On a yearly basis, the country's imports from Germany declined 45.67%, the US by 35.45% and China by 16.75%; whereas those from Italy and India grew 7.65% and 5.56% respectively in October 2023.On a monthly basis, Qatar's imports from China soared 30.83% and India by 27.94%; while those from the US tanked 31.07%, Germany by 22.04% and Italy by 13.49% in the review period.In October 2023, the group of "Turbojets, Turbo propellers and Other Gas Turbines; Parts Thereof" was at the top of the imported group of commodities and valued at QR0.6bn, showing an annual increase of 19.2%.In second place was "Motor Cars & Other Motor Vehicles for The Transport of Persons”, with QR0.5bn, which was up 2.4% year-on-year in October 2023.The "Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony/Telegraphy, Telephone Sets Etc. and parts thereof" group saw imports of QR0.4bn, which however fell 15.7% on an annualised basis in October 2023.

The Qatar Stock Exchange yesterday lost more than 15 points as the transport counter witnessed higher than average selling pressure.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down 0.15% to 9,991.81 points, with investors remaining cautious ahead of a crucial meeting of the oil grouping to decide on the output.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 6.45%.More than 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR585.41bn with microcap segments losing the most.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which touched an intraday high of 10,002 points.The Arab retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.03mn trade across three deals.However, the foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the main barometer in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.15%, the All Islamic Index by 0.11% and the All Share Index by 0.05% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index fell 0.94%, industrials (0.15%), insurance (0.14%) and real estate (0.04%); while telecom gained 0.42%, consumer goods and services (0.11%) and banks and financial services (0.06%).Major losers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Meeza, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank and Nakilat.In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Beema, Vodafone Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Untied Development Company were among the movers in the main market. In the juniour bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR24.37mn compared to QR2.19mn on November 28.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.34mn against net buyers of QR4.51mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.11mn compared to QR0.09mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR1.95mn against QR5.37mn on November 28.However, the foreign institutions’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR11.89mn compared to QR8.39mn on Tuesday.The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR6.55mn against net sellers of QR17.86mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying expanded markedly to QR5.44mn compared to QR1.87mn in November 28.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 14% to 113.02mn shares, value by 12% to QR364.18mn and deals by 12% to 13,856.The venture market saw a 59% plunge in trade volumes to 0.64mn equities, 59% in value to QR0.79mn and 47% in transactions to 83.