Qatar, with a majority of its population comprising of expatriates, has emerged stronger and more resilient since the unjustified blockade was imposed three years ago. Expatriates feel more confident and optimistic while living in the country.
The expatriates have come forward and expressed solidarity with Qatar during these testing times. They hail the policies of the government and the way it has dealt with the siege. Community recently spoke to expatriates from different countries about how successful Qatar has emerged from the ongoing challenge.
Anwar Ali Rana is a known figure among the Pakistani expatriate community, particularly those living in Al Khor. He has been involved in various welfare, social, sports and cultural activities. He believes Qatar has become more united and self-sufficient since the blockade started.
“Qatar continues to flourish despite the blockade that has been underway for more than 1,000 days. Before June 2017, Qatar used to import nearly all of its food through the Saudi border crossing and by shiping from Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port. Qatar brought in thousands of cows to meet the dairy demands. Qatar’s largest dairy farm – Baladna Food Industries – has now swollen with 2, 4000 heads. An official report in April 2019 stated that Baladna is producing 320 tonnes of milk every day. This is a significant accomplishment considering Qatar used to import 80% of its dairy at the time blockade started. Despite desert climate, Qatar is advancing well in the field of agriculture by using latest technologies. It is heartwarming to see locally produced food now available in the market.”
Anwar calls the blockade a blessing in disguise for Qatar. “The ‘made in Qatar’ has become an obsession. Two months back Qatar was short of hand sanitisers but now shops are full with stocks. That’s the impact of made in Qatar.”
Joseph Timothy Rivera is chairman of Association of Filipino Realtors & Entrepreneur Executives in Qatar and active member of the Filipino community. He said: “From a business and economic point of view, this country has successfully reinvented itself to be a robust state. Regardless of the perception on the initial difficulties and negative impacts, the country has proven itself strong defeating the bullying by the blockading countries.”
Joseph lauds the positivity vindicated by the people and government of Qatar. “The positive mental attitude and determination to succeed by the Qatari government has placed the country on a higher pedestal which is now more admired and respected. Qatar’s handling of the situation has definitely bestowed more confidence upon its people both citizens and residents alike. It has given the country zest of being more self-sustaining.
“As a Filipino stakeholder in Qatar’s economy, I can definitely pronounce with full pride and confidence that no siege can bring this nation down. In fact, the blockade has strategically made Qatar more prepared and independently capable in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Kumlachew Ketsela Mengistu is chairman of Ethiopian community in Qatar. He is also appreciative of Qatar’s steps in combating the impact of the blockade.
“After the blockade, there was some supply shortage initially but it was not as conceived by the blockading coalition. These shortages were mitigated by additional imports from Iran, Turkey, and air import from India. Shortly, after the blockade, we were able to get new brands in the market. The blockade does not come with problems for Qatar but with opportunities. Several opportunities were created for investors and businessmen. You cannot imagine Baldana without the blockade. It was an opportunity for businesses in the farming sector to expand and an opportunity for new investors to invest. Now we have fresh vegetables farmed locally almost in every store.
“Throughout the challenge, the people of Qatar and residents are together with common understanding of unity and support for the country. Qatar’s economy has done well in the following years and the contribution of the manufacturing and farming sector also increased. We are in a time where we don’t feel the impact of the blockade anymore.”
“From a business and economic point of view, this country has successfully reinvented itself to be a robust state”
Joseph Timothy Rivera, chairman of Association of Filipino Realtors & Entrepreneur Executives in Qatar
