DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, yesterday laid the foundation stone for Ras Bufontas project, one of the three Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being developed to achieve economic diversification.
The land plots for the first and second phases of development of the project will be delivered to investors in the first quarter of 2016.
The project is being developed by Manateq, a state-backed entity, which was specifically created in 2011 to provide the necessary infrastructure, policies, and services required by Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs).
The ambitious Ras Bufontas project, strategically located near the Hamad International Airport, is being developed in an area of over 4.1sqkm. The specialised zone will be dedicated to companies from communications, infotech, energy, logistics, construction, transportation and other sectors, with an aim to achieve sustainable and diversified economic development in the energy-rich economy.
The Prime Minister told the media that the new project is one of three new economic zones that will represent a big lift to the economy. Sheikh Abdullah added that the new zones are in compliance with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV-2030).
Ras Bufontas, along with two other SEZs – Abu Nakhla and Um Alhoul – will serve as the base of a homegrown private sector that comprises a complex yet harmonious web of successful SMEs.
He said that the new project includes storage spaces, exhibitions and a number of factories. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to the private sector, in accordance with the directives of the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the latest speech made at the Advisory Council.
The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, ministers and prominent businessmen, including
H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce; H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi, Minister of Environment; Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Information and Communications Technology; Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association and Fahad Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq.
“Ras Bufontas is a significant step towards the realisation of one of the four pillars of the Plan (QNV-2030), which is that of Economic Development,” added the Minister.
He said that Manateq aims to create further opportunities for business profitability and growth through the development and operation of world-class facilities that address the needs of a wide range of businesses, as well as the corresponding ease of doing business.
He said that the potential investors’ applications for Ras Bufontas will be received as of the second quarter of 2015, while lands allocation for the first and second development phases will be made in the first quarter of 2016.
The Peninsula
