Your country has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and the economy has expanded tenfold in the last decade. Today, Qatar is the world’s second-richest country in terms of GDP per capita, after Lichtenstein. The government of Qatar has also been taking steps to diversify the economy, as most of the income has come from oil and gas. What are the economic achievements of Qatar over the last ten years?
Since H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar took power in the country in 1995, Qatar went through tremendous changes and achievement happened in all aspects of life in many fields such as in politics, economy, education, culture, knowledge, sports and the whole society in general.
The economy of Qatar developed tremendously, GDP grew to $184.3 billion in 2011, compared with $153 billion in 2010 and $131.2 billion in 2009.
The Government of the State of Qatar is trying to diversify its revenue away from its natural resources – namely, oil and natural gas. Investment increased from abroad in many sectors such as real state, hotels, industries, etc.
There are big expectations for education. I believe that part of this economic transformation has been the education of the Qatari people.
Investment in the human being is an important factor in Qatar and it has got the highest priority; therefore, education plays an important role in development in Qatar. In this sense, the government built important universities like Cornell, Georgetown, Virginia Commonwealth, Texas Technology, institutions, and established the Qatar Foundation (for education, science and community development) to improve the education and the society in general. Qatar is considered one of the most literate countries in the world, without any discrimination between men and women in education and in fair employment opportunities. This required a healthy society with advanced hospitals, which have been built by the government as well.
What are the key areas for this diversification?
There are several areas beside the development of the country’s main resource (gas, petrol and crude oil), depending on industry such as steel, cement, petrochemical plants, manufacturing industry focusing on small and medium industries, increasing Qatari investment abroad. All this is to provide permanent revenues for the future generation.
This diversification is taking place outside in various sectors and also inside the country, such as in the financial sector.
True, Qatar has emphasised the financial sector by establishing the Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatari active exchange market.
Would you say that Qatar has an internationalisation strategy to satisfy the needs of future Qatari generations?
Yes, by the diversification of the resources of the income. Under the Qatar National Vision 2030, for the economic, social, human and environmental development, that encompasses a system dedicated to social welfare and protection for all citizens and to bolstering women’s role in society and empowering them to be active community members. Social advancement also means equal educational employment and career opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or gender and a tolerant and fair society that embraces Islam’s values of peace, welfare, justice and community. Under the QNV 2030, Qatar will serve as a regional and global example with an increased role in the Middle East and the world. Economic development is an essential part of QNV 2030 as the engine that drives progress by providing better opportunities and a better way of life for the country’s citizens. Human development according to the QNV 2030 entails a holistic and modern health care infrastructure that caters to all and educational system at par with the highest international standards.
All of this economic progress has created a situation where everybody wants to collaborate with Qatar. I also want to talk about social progress. The five pillars of progress that have been set for education, leisure, conferences and culture have allowed Qatar to attract such international events as the World Cup. Why is it that the Qatari government regards social matters as being so important?
Qatar considers that social matters are very important because we believe that human beings and society are very important, in order to build up the country.
The priority of the government of the State of Qatar is more essential developing the mind of the human being than to build material things; because providing high standards of education, culture and institutions, this would reflect on the development of the Qatari society.
I believe that this is why Qatar is so respected in the region. This brings me back to the point of policy and the strategy of Qatar itself. You have mentioned the internationalisation of the economy around the world but Qatar plays a very important role in the region. It maintains stability and democracy. It is important in these times when we speak about the Arab Spring or North Africa. I believe that Qatar is an example for the world. It is very interesting to know what the foreign policy strategies are for Qatar when we talk about diplomacy, not just business. Is it regional? Global?
The strategy of the State of Qatar is very simple; it is to maintain respect for all international rules and justice and the relationships between the peace, security and harmony for the whole world not just for the region. And to maintain good relationships between nations and solve conflicts through negotiation rather than wars.
You are contributing to reshaping the region.
Qatar doesn’t interfere in the interior affairs of other countries, unless it’s asked to help and mediate and solve issues in a peaceful way that just contribute to that.
Now I think it is a good moment to analyse the relationship and opportunities with Spain. Because of the new wave of opportunities that exist for Spanish businesspeople in the Middle East including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc., we believe that there are many opportunities between Qatar and Spain. Qatar has also been strongly supported by our current situation. We are very good in infrastructure and education and we are also very competitive in industry as well. I know that the spectrum of opportunities in business is growing on a daily basis. I would like to know your vision on the current state of these relationships and how you see them evolving in the future.
I think there are many opportunities for both countries and businessmen to exchange trade and increase investment. And I think Spanish companies can do a lot for the development in Qatar because of its competitiveness and reputation in the world.
I do know that there have been some ministerial visits in the region.
That is true. There have been some ministerial visits to Doha.
Talking about the FIFA World Cup and knowing that Spanish businesses are quite good in terms of infrastructure, are there opportunities for Spanish businesspeople in Qatar?
Yes there are great opportunities as I said before because of the high standard level of quality and reputation. Also there are several well-known Spanish companies who’ve been working in Qatar for several years.
Qatar is investing more than $100 billion for the World Cup 2022 and for the most advanced stadiums, infrastructure such as rails, roads, hotels, residence buildings for the players, etc.
So I think Spanish businesses can play a big role because of their experience and good reputation.
Economically speaking, Spain has been buying gas from Qatar. There are already economic relations.
Yes there are economic relations not just in oil and gas imports in Qatar but also Spain exports to Qatar many items and industrial products.
What about Qatar looking into Spain with opportunities?
We are always searching for good opportunities all over the world and especially in our friendly country of Spain. I believe there are several good opportunities at this time to take advantage of and for the benefit of both sides.
What is your wish for the Spain-Qatar relationship? Where do you want to see this relationship develop?
My wish for the Spain-Qatar relationship is to continue our good relationship and development especially after the recent official visit of H.H. The Emir of the State of Qatar to Spain where we signed several agreements in politics, economics, investment, security and aviation, to enhance the relationship between the two countries.
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