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Doha: The free zones run by Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) are attracting large number of local and international companies.
“So far, there are 120 companies with us in free zones operating in different sectors such as logistics, technology and services,” said Business Development Manager at QFZA, Hamad Al Mohannadi.
Speaking to Qatar TV, Al Mohannadi said that new agreements have been signed with a number of local companies operating in health sector and logistic service to join the free zone. He said that QFZA was established to attract investment from Qatar and abroad.
“We have two free zones — Umm Alhoul near Hamad Port and Ras Bufontas near Hamad International Airport focusing on three key sectors — logistic services, technologies and light and heavy industries,” said Al Mohannadi.
Replying to a question about the production facility in Umm Alhoul Free Zone, he said that the factory was built by a partnership between iLife Digital, a leading electronics company based in Florida, US, and Prime Technologies, a subsidiary of Ali Bin Ali Holding.
“The factory which is supposed to start production from August this year will produce electronic devices, including laptops, PCs, smart watches and mobile phones, among others,” said Al Mohannadi.
He said that the factory is the first of its kind in the Middle East will produce 350,000 units of electronic devices in a year. “It is expected to generate 160 job opportunities including 140 with high skills,” said Al Mohannadi.
He said that the products will be supplied to local market and exported to international markets in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and other countries.
“Qatar is located in a strategic geographical location in the centre of Middle East and connecting point for three continents,” said Al Mohannadi.
He said that the free zones provide excellent global connectivity and infrastructures of international standard which will help in reducing the production cost and reach to global markets.
Speaking about the initiative of QFZA to bring foreign companies and investors, he said that this is main target of the authority.
“The efforts are being made through Qatar Chamber and in coordination with private sector. The production facility in Umm Alhoul Free Zone is best example of partnership between local company and foreign company,” said Al Mohannadi.
He said that another example is the deal between Yutong (Chinese company) and Mowasalat for establishing electric bus (e-buses) manufacturing plant in Umm Alhoul Free Zone for FIFA World Cup 2022 and beyond.
“The joint venture between the French Gaussin Company and Al Attiya Motors and Trading Company, was to assemble electric vehicles and accelerate the deployment of emission-free vehicles,” said Al Mohannadi adding that first shipment of the product was sent to Q-Terminal of Hamad Port.
“We are focusing on this sector in addition to the partnership of the private companies with international companies and to provide suitable business environment for them.”
He said that the special focus is on technologies that cover all manufacturing sectors like electric vehicles and project of Yutong which is using sustainable energy and those products with high potential to export to international markets.
