Welcome Message As part of the intensified national efforts to formulate strategies for sustainable development and the vision adopted by the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Heir Apparent HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to diversify Qatar’s economic sectors and enhance the country’s trade and economic relations on regional and international levels, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has given great attention to the importance of pursuing its main objective in maintaining national economic growth, stability and security for future generations as these issues have placed as a top priority on the agenda of the Governments' national policies. The vision confirms the soundness of the strategic course Qatar has been committed to for years to develop its industries of oil and natural gas and their by-products, make optimum use of Qatar’s large gas reserves and diversify means of dealing with this vital industrial resource. As a result of the attention given by the Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to enhance the national economy, Qatar has been able to improve its economic performance indices noticeably, which placed it in a forward international position for a number of major industries. The State of Qatar reviewed the trends and prerequisites of comprehensive development, and assessed their impact on the world economy in general, and in the region in particular.   While our economic system is continuing its march to modernization in accordance with the market mechanisms which require full application of transparency, the Ministry believes that the economic vision of both the public and private sectors in Qatar should build upon and harmonize the various economic and social sectors, so that a clear investment perspective is determined for the success of our efforts to realize its optimal solidarity for the welfare and prosperity of the Qatari citizen. Today, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce launches its website to support the above goals. The easy-access website would assist in achieving effective implementation of national strategies and the ministry is keen on making use of the distinctive capabilities of national companies and opening the door to welcome foreign partners and investors to invest their capital and administrative expertise and technological skills. They will indeed benefit from the stable political, economic and legislative atmosphere in our country, which we are always keen to develop in a way that has greatly enhanced the trust of monetary institutions in the ability of Qatar gas industry projects and the efficiency of its plans for present and future expansion. The site offers extensive coverage of the Ministry’s activities and services provided to the public and businesses. It also includes economic and commercial laws and legislations, procedures for finalizing the commercial paperwork and provides information about the investment opportunities. While providing electronic services to nationals and expatriates to activate economic activities in the country, the Ministry encourages interested parties and the website visitors to contact it with their remarks, ideas and inquiries on the Ministry’s policy. We would be very pleased to receive the visitors’ comments and suggestions, as the website was intended to be a mechanism to promote the Ministry’s activities and services and was designed as a means to communicate with people not only in Qatar but outside the country and get their feedback, either by direct contact, phone call or e-mail letters. The site will be updated frequently and changes could be made according to the feedback. We beseech God to bestow success on our work so that we can provide best services to meet the visitor’s satisfaction. HE Sheikh Fahd bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Abdurrahman al-Thani Minister of Business and Trade