Prime Minister participates in National Development Forum

Forum explores private sector’s role in Third National Development Strategy implementation

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the National Planning Council, the National Development Forum convened today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The landmark event focused on highlighting the development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 and creating a suitable platform for dialogue and discussion among all stakeholders working to implement the Third National Development Strategy.

Organised by the National Planning Council, the forum brought together ministers, CEOs, business leaders and representatives from local and international corporations with an established presence in Qatar. 

During a panel session, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the forum continues Qatar’s tradition of structured community dialogue designed to enhance awareness among citizens and residents about the nation’s strategic priorities and future direction. 

HE Prime Minister stated that under Qatar National Vision 2030, the nation has achieved remarkable progress beyond what many thought possible. He commended the thoughtful leadership that set distinct objectives which have strengthened Qatar’s standing across sectors. 

In this regard, HE the Prime Minister highlighted the private sector’s pivotal role in implementing the Third National Development Strategy, explaining that the government is restructuring its operations to focus on regulatory functions, paving the way for private entities to deliver services and generate economic opportunities. 

HE Sheikh Mohammed added that successes achieved in recent years, especially in infrastructure, represent the beginning of a new phase of economic growth, focused on increasing exports and encouraging Qatari companies to compete globally.

From there, HE the Prime Minister discussed the development of a comprehensive strategy backed by Qatar Investment Authority to leverage artificial intelligence and support tech startups. He noted that there has been a significant increase in Qatari nationals working in the private sector since the government launched its incentive program.

Addressing priority sectors, HE the Prime Minister announced a pilot program launched in partnership with the private sector to address delayed medical appointments. On education, HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to modernise the education system to meet current demands, particularly prioritising STEM fields. 

On housing, HE the Prime Minister announced that after completing comprehensive studies, the government is preparing to launch a new system, which will provide wide options to meet citizens’ current and future housing needs. 

He added that the government has implemented numerous business-friendly initiatives, including reducing administrative fees by up to 90% and streamlining commercial licensing procedures. Regarding the local industry, HE the Prime Minister praised QatarEnergy’s In-Country Value nationalisation program, confirming plans to expand this model to strengthen local manufacturing and investor participation. 

HE the Prime Minister also praised the tourism sector’s remarkable growth, recording 100% increase since 2022 and contributing about 10% to GDP, adding that it reflects the success of economic diversification strategies. This accompanies the expansion of LNG production to 160 million tonnes—the world’s largest such expansion—which will create lucrative investment opportunities. 

Another standout session was a panel discussion on Qatar National Vision 2030’s economic pillar, featuring participation from HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank; HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance; HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs; HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality; and HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The session examined key mechanisms for empowering private sector participation in sustainable development, facilitating the transition towards a competitive, productive and sustainable economy, cultivating an optimal business environment conducive to private sector-led economic growth, attracting investment and fostering innovation-centred private sector initiatives.

HE Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Planning Council, said: “The success of Qatar National Vision 2030 and our Third National Development Strategy fundamentally depends on seamless communication among all stakeholders in our national ecosystem.

This forum marks the beginning of an important series of focused discussions that will address each development pillar in turn. Effective implementation requires not just cooperation from all sectors, but also a recognition of past achievements as we address future challenges—with the private sector serving as the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth in this critical phase of our national journey.” 

He added: “We recognise that effective implementation of strategic initiatives and plans necessitates collaborative effort and leveraging existing accomplishments. We anticipate the private sector will fulfil an essential role in the upcoming phase of sustainable economic development.”

The National Development Forum reflects Qatar’s commitment to realising its National Vision 2030 by positioning the private sector as a key partner in driving the country’s sustainable development goals.