Doha, October 29 (QNA) - HE Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Abdullah Al Thawadi affirmed that Qatar is working to build an integrated ecosystem for film and visual production industry to promote Arab stories globally, attract investment, create jobs, and develop talent in Qatar and across the region.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the "Global Perspectives: In Doha" event, he explained that Qatar's strategy focuses on creating an environment that supports Arab filmmakers and storytellers and strengthens their access to international markets through cooperation with global production companies and by leveraging the region's capabilities.

Qatar is seeking to identify a model that enables Arab content to reach global audiences, drawing on successful cinematic experiences such as those of South Korea, India, and Spain, he said.

Arab talent has significant potential, he added, and the priority is to develop an ecosystem that enables filmmakers to bring their stories to international audiences while generating sustainable economic returns.

He noted that the film industry and creative sectors are important not only for their cultural and humanitarian contributions, but also as economic drivers that support diversification, create jobs, attract investment, and develop expertise. Qatar's approach aims to deliver tangible benefits across both the economic and creative sectors, he said.

In this regard, Al Thawadi explained Qatar is seeking to strengthen cooperation with international production companies and capitalize on opportunities across the region, which offers considerable talent and potential. Efforts are also underway to provide a stable and reliable production environment.

Qatar's approach is based on integration and cooperation with existing regional initiatives rather than competition, he stressed.

He underlined that the aim is to position Qatar as a platform through which Arab content creators can access international markets and as a gateway for international production companies seeking to operate in the region and benefit from its capabilities.

HE Al Thawadi also highlighted Qatar's production incentive program supporting film and television productions. The program allows eligible productions to recover up to 50 percent of qualifying expenditures incurred in Qatar, with a portion of production spending in selected regional countries potentially eligible under the program's terms.

This, he said, enhances Qatar's appeal as an international production destination and supports regional cooperation.

He also indicated that hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 helped build national capabilities and expertise in organizing major events, while developing infrastructure and strengthening Qatar's position as a destination capable of hosting international events efficiently and professionally.

Preparations for the tournament over 13 years provided valuable experience in addressing challenges and exceptional circumstances, he said, adding that the skills developed in event management can also be applied across other economic sectors.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy plays a role in coordinating major events with relevant entities to advance social and economic development and diversify the economy, he added.

The World Cup legacy, he mentioned, also included strengthening the tourism sector and capitalizing on the momentum generated by the tournament, alongside developing human resources and organizational capabilities.

He underscored the importance of leveraging these achievements to support future development.

HE Al Thawadi stressed that investment in film-making and storytelling extends this approach by harnessing culture and creativity to strengthen the Arab presence on the global stage and build a sustainable industry connecting local and regional talent with international markets. (QNA)