Mohamed bin Twar (second right), Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and other officials at the meeting.
Qatar Chamber’s Trade and Research Committee organised a meeting of Qatar Ports Management Company 'Mwani Qatar' officials and food staff importers at the Chamber headquarters on Thursday for reviewing problems faced by them.
The meeting analysed latest actions taken by the Mwani, increase of fees imposed on importers, and some other obstacles faced by food importers in Qatar.
QC vice chairman Mohamed bin Twar; Head of QC’s Trade and Research Committee Adel Al Mannai, and QC Director General Saleh Al Sharqi were present at the meeting, along with Director of Director of Doha Port Management Captain Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Yafei and Head of Operation Omar Al Khyyat. Bin Twar said that the Chamber is very keen to be informed about all obstacles facing its members including food importers so that it could discuss with authorities concerned for suitable solutions.
He praised the efforts exerted by the government to streamline business environment and overcome all obstacles facing private sector. Bin Twar pointed out that there is an upcoming visit that would be organised by the chamber for traders and business owners to visit Hamad Port to inform them on all operations, procedures and work flow inside the port. He paid tribute to the port and its role in opening new horizons for business and facilitating the business climate.
Adel Al Mannai emphasised the importance of giving traders a chance before implementing any new procedures in order to be prepared well for these new instructions.
Abdulaziz Al Yafei thanked the chamber for hosting this event, assuring that “Mwani Qatar” is very interested to know the importers’ suggestions and visions so that it could find appropriate solutions in accordance with its standards.
He said there are 56 systems that are used to save time and effort during the release of cargos in Hamad Port. He praised the cooperation with Qatar Chamber, General Authority of Customs, shipping lines and all competent bodies.
He mentioned about the first marine line which was launched in January between Hamad Port and Shanghai, China. The second line will be inaugurated soon, he said. Regarding Mwani tariffs, he said that the list of fees prepared by the port management was based on extensive study, noting that tariff of fees ensure flexibility and clarity to all users. Various services have been combined to provide a comprehensive service that takes into account the interests of traders and importers.
Speaking about the generator sets, he said that the installation of generators on the containers is imposed according to a request from the Ministry of Health because in the case of separation of refrigerated generators for containers for more than three hours, it results in the growth of salmonella bacteria.
Mwani’s specification of the generator fuel tank to be sufficient for 48 continuous working hours, attendees and Mwani’s officials agreed to be reduced to only 20 hours.
