Doha, September 01 (QNA) - The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that cumulative investment in the industrial sector reached QAR 248.44 billion in the second quarter of 2026. Indicators also showed growth in business formation activity, with 6,745 new commercial registrations recorded, an increase of 6.6 percent compared with the first quarter of the year.

The figures were announced during the second quarterly meeting to review the Ministry's performance for 2026, chaired by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and attended by HE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement that indicators for services provided through the Single Window platform during the second quarter reflected its continued efforts to develop its service system and advance digital transformation. A total of 131,269 transactions were completed, up 4 percent from the first quarter of 2026, with 86 percent conducted electronically. Customer satisfaction with electronic services reached 93 percent, while satisfaction with services provided at government service centers stood at 96 percent. A total of 15 services were developed, representing growth of 25 percent compared with the first quarter, helping to simplify procedures and improve service efficiency.

Regarding efforts to attract foreign investment, the statement said 5,272 non-Qatari companies were established during the second quarter, an increase of 60 percent compared with the first quarter, reflecting the attractiveness of Qatar's business environment and the opportunities and facilities it provides to investors.

The Ministry also continued its efforts to provide an environment supportive of innovation and creativity. During the second quarter of 2026, 1,454 trademarks were registered, 130 patents were granted and 81 copyrights were registered, representing growth of 88.4 percent compared with the first quarter.

The Ministry said 11 new factories began production during the second quarter, bringing the total number of factories that started production since the beginning of the year to 28, with combined investments of QAR 253 million, supporting the expansion of the industrial base and the diversification of productive activities in the country.

The Ministry noted that export indicators showed the proportion of exporting factories rising from 23 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to 25 percent in the second quarter. Private-sector exports increased from QAR 0.8 billion to QAR 0.9 billion, representing growth of 12.5 percent, reflecting stronger export capabilities and an expanding presence for Qatari products in international markets.

As part of efforts to support national products and strengthen their competitiveness, the number of national products increased by 8 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Customs duties totaling QAR 11 million were also collected through the implementation of measures to combat harmful trade practices by the end of the second quarter of 2026, contributing to a competitive environment that supports national industries and products.

To facilitate procedures for industrial investors, the processing time for obtaining initial approval was reduced to one working day, helping accelerate the launch of industrial projects, improve the investor experience and enhance the sector's competitiveness.

Regarding the consumer affairs sector, the Ministry said it had strengthened its market oversight and responsiveness to public feedback. A total of 83,339 inspection visits were conducted, an increase of 11.5 percent compared with the first quarter of the year, supporting effective market oversight and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. At the same time, the effectiveness of communication channels and responses to public feedback was enhanced, with the average time required to resolve complaints reduced to 3.5 days, reflecting faster responses and quicker resolution of cases.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said consumer affairs indicators also included the issuance of 3,498 specialized licenses during the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 84.4 percent compared with the first quarter. These included licenses related to discounts and promotional offers as part of efforts to regulate promotional activities and enhance market transparency. Within the subsidy system, the cumulative number of beneficiaries of food commodity subsidies reached 451,492, while the cumulative number of beneficiaries of animal feed subsidies reached 6,392 by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

As part of efforts to enhance the readiness of the strategic stockpile system and ensure continuity of supplies, the statement said the volume of strategic stocks had increased by 42 percent compared with the beginning of March 2026, strengthening the ability to meet market needs and maintain supply stability amid current developments.

At the shared services sector level, the Ministry continued investing in the development of its personnel and improving institutional performance. The number of training and development programs offered to Ministry employees increased by 40 percent, with 12 training programs conducted during 2026, in addition to specialized courses on combating illicit financing, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, and patent examination. These programs are intended to strengthen professional capabilities, develop skills and improve performance across the Ministry's various sectors.

At the conclusion of the second quarterly meeting to review the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's performance for 2026, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani said the results achieved during the second quarter reflected the efforts of teams across the Ministry's various sectors.

He stressed the importance of building on the progress achieved, accelerating the implementation of approved plans and initiatives, and continuing to improve performance efficiency and service quality.

His Excellency stressed the importance of continuing to work in line with the Ministry’s vision of achieving leadership in commerce, industry and consumer protection, as well as its mission to enhance the attractiveness of the business environment, encourage investment, develop national industries, support national products, strengthen their competitiveness and expand their access to international markets. These efforts support the competitiveness of the national economy and contribute to achieving the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)