*PM announces steps in implementation of directives of His Highness the Amir to support private sector
*Exemption of food and medical goods from customs duties will continue for an additional three months
*Electricity and water fees waived for three more months for sectors such as hospitality and tourism, retail , small and medium industries, commercial complexes and logistic areas
*Logistic areas, small and medium industries exempted from rent for a period of three months
*Ceiling of National Guarantee Programme managed by QDB raised from QR3bn to QR 5bn; programme extended for three months
In implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to provide financial incentives amounting to QR 75bn to the private sector affected by the Covid-19 precautionary measures, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior announced a slew of measures including extension of exemption food and medical items from customs duties and waiving of electricity and water charges for three more months as well as raising the ceiling of the National Guarantee Program managed by Qatar Development Bank to QR 5bn.
These were among the steps included in a statement issued by HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi after HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani chaired the Cabinet regular meeting held at its seat at the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday.
In accordance with the directives of His Highness the Amir to overcome all difficulties and obstacles facing the private sector, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior directed that:
- The exemption of food and medical goods from customs duties will continue for an additional three months. This should be reflected in the selling price to the consumer.
- The exemption from electricity and water fees will continue for an additional three months for the following sectors: hospitality and tourism , retail , small and medium industries, commercial complexes in exchange for providing services and exemptions to tenants, and the logistic areas.
- The exemption from rents for logistic areas and small and medium industries will continue for a period of three months.
- The ceiling of the National Guarantee Programme that is managed by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) will be increased from QR3bn to QR 5bn, in addition to extending the programme for an additional three months. Qatar Development Bank will issue the necessary controls and conditions for this.
- The automatic renewal of expired licences and commercial registrations will continue for an additional three months, provided that the fees due are paid later.
