Doha, 30 August 2020 (QNA)
The Embassy of State of Qatar in Islamabad, Capital city of Islamic Republic of Pakistan handed over today on Sunday, medical and preventive aid to combat pandemic Covic-19.
The aid was sent by Qatar Charity as a demonstration of the State of Qatar's solidarity with Pakistan in the COVID-19 pandemic and an affirmation of the close friendship between the two countries.
Present on the occasion were Shehryar Khan Afridi, Minister of State for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and Federal Minister for Anti-Narcotics, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, ambassador of Qatar.
Shehryar Khan expressed his gratitude and appreciated Qatar's noble gesture on providing necessary medical assistance to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to number of other countries and also to Pakistan. He hailed bilateral relations between both the two countries.
Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatari envoy to Islamabad highlighted the distinctive nature of the Qatari-Pakistani relations and the joint cooperation between the two countries in various fields. He said that it was a show of the efforts of the State of Qatar to provide the necessary medical assistance to friendly countries to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He hoped that this gesture will support the Pakistani government's efforts in combating COVID-19 and hoped that this crisis will end soon.
Doha, 30 August 2020 (QNA)
National News Agency of State of Qatar, QNA has released announcement from Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) as follows :
In furtherance of Qatar's efforts to protect the interests of employers and employees alike, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) on Sunday (Today) has taken a major step forward in its labour reform program, introducing a non-discriminatory minimum wage and removing the No-Objection Certificate requirement to change jobs for employees.
According to, Law No. 17 of 2020 on Setting the Minimum Wage for Workers and Domestic Workers sets the minimum wage for all private sector workers, including domestic workers, at QAR 1,000 per month as a basic wage, as well as QAR 500 per month allocated by the employer for accommodation expenses and QAR 300 per month for food, unless the employer already provides adequate food or accommodation for the employee or domestic worker.
ADLSA will be working with employers to update all employment contracts where workers earn less than the amount established by the new Law, which will come into force after 6 months of its publication in the official gazette.
The minimum wage was decided following extensive consultations with a specialized national committee composed of relevant authorities in Qatar to consider the matter. The law is the first of its kind in the Middle East and will provide additional stability to Qatar's labour market.
In light of the above, a Minimum Wage Committee will be formed and tasked with frequently studying and reviewing the minimum wage of workers and domestic workers.
The government also introduced Decree Law No. 18 of 2020 amending some provisions of Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 and Decree Law No. 19 of 2020 amending some provisions of 2004 Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, which protects the rights of both employers and employees and facilitates the employer change process. This will drive greater competition in Qatar's labour market by allowing employees to change employers and allowing employers to attract the best talent on the local market.
The statement says that as part of our efforts to boost the effectiveness of the Wage Protection System, the new amendments to the Labour Law prescribe stricter penalties for employers who fail to pay their workers' wages and introduce penalties for employers who fail to provide adequate accommodation for their workers, in line with the standards established by the Ministry.
The new amendments also include increasing the number of labour dispute resolution committees in an effort to tackle the number of labour disputes, facilitate workers' access to the rights, and expedite legal proceedings.
Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs, said: "The State of Qatar is committed to creating a modern and dynamic labour market. In line with Qatar Vision 2030, these new laws mark a major milestone in this journey and will benefit workers, employers, and the nation alike."
Attracting the desired combination of migrant workers, protecting their rights, and ensuring their safety is part of the human development goals of Qatar's 2030 National Vision. With today's announcement, Qatar delivers on its promise to expand the labour market in a manner that drives competition, boosts investment in the local economy, and drives economic growth in Qatar.
To ensure compliance with the changes, ADLSA is working with competent authorities to upgrade the Wage Protection System, strengthen the capacity of inspectors, and apply stricter penalties to companies that violate the law.
Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, ambassador of Pakistan to State of Qatar has congratulated the State of Qatar on the promulgation of the historic new non-discriminatory Labour Laws. “The new rules are in line with the commitment of the State of Qatar towards providing a conducive, healthy and productive environment coupled with greater freedom and protection for expatriate workers” he stated.
He said that the Pakistani workforce has proudly contributed to the exemplary progress and prosperity of the State of Qatar, which is their second home, over the last 5 decades and would continue to do so in the future years.
Shah stressed on members of the Pakistani workforce to follow and obey the laws of the land in letter and spirit; whilst availing of the opportunities afforded by the new rules.
On this occasion, Dr Narad Nath Bharadwaj, ambassador of Nepal to Qatar has expressed his gratitude to Amir of State of Qatar for taking historic step to enhance the dignity of labor.
He said that the decision of the Government of State of Qatar to raise the minimum wages for workers is a forward looking initiative which has addressed a long standing grievance persisting in the workers' community. Similarly,the abolition of the requirement for workers to obtain NOC from their employers to change employment has reiterated the workers' freedom to choose job, he added.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry has said that setting the minimum wage and facilitating changing employers are important additions to the labor market reforms that the State of Qatar initiated many years ago through its enhancing of labor laws and the protection of expatriate workers.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), He affirmed that these decisions will greatly contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the Qatari economy regionally and globally, as well as enhancing competition and productivity in the local labor market, thus providing the opportunity for private sector companies to contract with skilled and trained workers, which will contribute to diversifying the economy.
He indicated that the implementation of a minimum wage in the State of Qatar, which includes domestic workers, is a unique decision that will achieve a balance between the interests of workers and employers at the same time, and contribute to strengthening the stability of the local labor market.
He noted that facilitating the transition between different employers will provide an opportunity to rotate expatriate workers in the local market to meet the needs of companies for employment, which have acquired new experiences and skills.
Chairman, Chamber of Commerce of Qatar explained that the reforms of the Qatari labor market are in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, especially concerning attracting the required expatriate workers and taking care of their rights and enhancing opportunities for economic growth, noting that facilitating the transfer between different work agencies also contributes to reducing recruitment costs for private sector companies, and supports its plans to diversify its activities and expand into various economic sectors.
World Marks International Day Of The Disappeared
By Ashraf Siddiqui, 30 August 2020
World Human Rights organizations, Watchdog institutions, Indian Human Rights Commission, Jammu & Kashmir Human Rights Bodies have repeatedly issued reports on abduction, forced disappearances, illegal imprisonments, illegal use of force, inhuman and vast human rights abuses on innocent thousands of Kashmiri children, ladies, youths and elders. Among these organizations include Amnesty International, International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), ‘Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons’ (APDP), Int’l People’s Tribunal for Human Rights & Justice (IPTK) in Indian held Jammu & Kashmir base human rights organization.
Enforced disappearances, Unlawful killings and torture are violations of international human rights laws as well as constitute international crimes. These are set out in treaties of which India is a signatory.
Amnesty International has repeatedly asked Indian government to immediately condemn, and to ensure carrying out urgently prompt, thorough impartial and independent investigations into all sites of mass graves in the region by forensic experts as per the UN Model Protocol. However, Indian government has always been ignoring the silent cries from within occupied Kashmir region and world across.
Thousands of families of the missing persons continue to live in anguish, hoping one day to get any news about the fate of their dear ones.
Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the only majority Muslim State under Indian forced occupation since 27 October 1947 is oldest unsolved issue lying in cold storage of United Nations Security Council. Since then hundreds of thousand innocent people are killed, tens of thousands of ladies recorded raped, gone through severe tortures, illegal imprisonments and passing through humiliation, worst human rights abuses and severe psychological situation right from very young age.
Since decades, silent cries from Indian Occupied Kashmir are knocking at the doors of world bodies but are returned unheard from the deaf ears.
Human Rights Bodies across the world including Amnesty International and from India itself have been demanding probe on over 8, 000 Kashmiri missing persons, about mass graves, torture and illegal arrest of thousands of youths, inhuman blockade of only Muslim vast majority state of Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Revocation of Article 370 (1949) on 6th of August 2019 by Indian parliament followed by unending forced inhuman blockade since 5th August 2019 till today, draconian impunity legislation Section 7 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990 (AFSPA), providing armed forces, government sponsored militias (Ikhwanis) free hand for all kinds of widespread human rights abuses in Indian controlled Jammu & Kashmir, Public Safety Act (PSA) of 1978 are a few grave examples of so called world largest democracy having bills passed in different timings during last 73 years of forced and illegal occupation by the Indian governments and parliament witnesses real face of undemocratic and racist India.
Amnesty International in it’s several published reports during last number of decades have asked Indian government to investigate urgently number of unidentified mass graves, believed to contain victims of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other human rights abuses recorded in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. In a published report dated 02 March 1999, it says ' India: 'If they are dead, tell us' - "Disappearances" in Jammu and Kashmir
However, the national and State governments denied systematic human rights abuses in Kashmir. Indian government has also refused to carry out exhumations or forensic examinations of bodies found in unmarked mass graves. One of the Amnesty International report reveals that the Indian government has denied permission, or ‘sanction’ to prosecute under Section 7 of the AFSPA in every case brought against members of the army and paramilitary, or in a small number of cases, has kept the decision pending for years. It also documents a lack of transparency in the sanction process.
In rare exception (November 2014), Indian army had convicted and sentenced five soldiers for shooting and killing three men in a ‘fake encounter’. However, there is growing acceptance internationally that security forces involved in human rights violations should be tried in civil courts not by the military courts because of structural flaws in Indian Military courts related to their competence and impartiality.
The family members of the disappeared have the right to know whether their loved ones are dead or alive. If they are alive, they want from Indian government to inform where are they. If they are dead, the families want the government to identify the graves of these persons.
All those involved in all these heinous crimes of forced disappearances should be prosecuted regardless of how powerful they are.
Turkey says it will hold live-fire exercises in the eastern Mediterranean on September 1 and 2, the latest in a series of military drills that have fuelled tensions with Greece.
The Turkish navy issued the latest advisory, known as a Navtex, on Thursday saying it will hold the shooting exercises in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Iskenderun, northeast of Cyprus.
The two NATO states have been locked in a bitter dispute over control of eastern Mediterranean waters that escalated after Ankara sent a seismic survey vessel to the disputed region this month - a move that Athens called illegal.
Turkey accused France of stoking tensions after Paris said it would join Italy, Greece and Cyprus in three-day air and sea military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Ankara would not be deterred by the show of force. "To believe that it would be possible to thwart the Turkish armed forces' operations with exercises and similar activities is nothing more than a pipe dream," Akar said in an interview with state-run Anadolu news agency.
The accusation came as European Union foreign ministers were set to meet in Berlin as they try to persuade EU member Greece and its neighbour Turkey to pull back from the brink of conflict.
The ministers were expected to debate a range of sanctions and other policy options that might convince Turkey to temper its insistence on drilling for energy reserves in disputed parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said the deployment of French military aircraft in Cyprus violated treaties regarding the control and administration of the island after independence from Britain in 1960.
Aksoy said France's stance was dangerously encouraging Greece and Cyprus to further escalate tensions in the region. Cyprus was divided in 1974 following a Turkish invasion triggered by a Greek-inspired coup. The island's Greek Cypriots live in the south, and Turkish Cypriots in the north.
'Path to ruin'
Germany's foreign minister on Thursday called for an end to military drills taking place in the eastern Mediterranean.
Heiko Maas, who engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Athens and Ankara earlier this week, stressed the need to "create the conditions for Turkey and Greece to resolve their problems directly with each other".
"The situation remains very difficult," Maas said. "The precondition for these talks is that the manoeuvres that are going on in the eastern Mediterranean be ended - each side can make its contribution to that and so create the space for diplomatic talks, because for sure the parties won't sit down at the table if warships are facing off in the eastern Mediterranean."
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned he would make "no concessions" in the eastern Mediterranean and that Ankara is determined to do whatever is necessary to obtain its rights in the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.Speaking at an event on Wednesday commemorating the 11th-century military victory by Seljuk Turks over the Byzantine empire at Malazgirt, Erdogan also called on Turkey's counterparts to avoid mistakes that he said would bring their destruction.
"We don't have our eye on someone else's territory, sovereignty and interests, but we will make no concessions on that which is ours," Erdogan said, urging Greece to "avoid wrongs that will be the path to ruin". "We will not compromise what is ours... We are determined to do whatever is necessary."
Later on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers Greece planned to extend the western limit of its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea from six to 12 nautical miles.
Mitsotakis said Italy and Albania had been officially informed about the plan and a bill on the matter would be submitted to parliament very soon. Such a measure does not affect the Aegean region, off Greece's eastern and southern coasts, where Turkey has previously warned a similar move by Athens would be a "casus belli", or cause for war.
Mitsotakis also said his country could eventually extend its territorial waters in other maritime areas where the distance between the two shores is smaller than 24 nautical miles.
'Honest mediation'
Tensions over energy resources escalated between Turkey and Greece after Ankara sent its Oruc Reis survey vessel to disputed eastern Mediterranean waters this month, a move Athens has called illegal.
"Greece will defend in the name of law its sovereignty and sovereign rights," the country's Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said. "Greece will defend its national and European borders. It does not have any other choice but to do so."
Germany has sought to mediate between Ankara and Athens.
On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Greece said they wanted to solve the matter through dialogue following separate talks with their German counterpart, Heiko Maas.
Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said Turkey had called Greece "a spoiled child that has unconditional support from the European Union", and had also stressed the importance of why honest mediation is necessary for dialogue.
"Turkey says it is open to dialogue with Greece only if there is a fair distribution of rights in the eastern Mediterranean," Koseoglu said."But if Athens continues to present conditions for dialogue and doesn't give up its uncompromising approach in the region, Ankara says a real conflict may become unavoidable."
Mediterranean military exercises
Meanwhile, France is joining military exercises with Italy, Greece and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Wednesday.
"The eastern Mediterranean is turning into an area of tension. Respect for international law must be the rule and not the exception," Parly said on Twitter, adding that it "should not be a playground for the ambitions of some". Three Rafale fighter jets and a warship equipped with a helicopter will be part of the joint military exercises, she said.
Relations between France and Turkey have soured in recent months over Ankara's actions in NATO, Libya and the Mediterranean.
President Emmanuel Macron has called for the EU to show solidarity with Greece and Cyprus in the dispute over natural gas reserves off Cyprus and the extent of their continental shelves and pushed for further sanctions at EU level, although there are divisions in the bloc over the issue.
"Our message is simple: Priority to dialogue, cooperation and diplomacy so that the eastern Mediterranean becomes an area of stability and respect for international law," Parly said.
Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), 27 August 2020
Hundreds of journalists have written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for the release of Kashmiri journalist Asif Sultan who was detained two years ago.
The letter, released by the Committee for Protection of Journalists, has been signed by 400 journalists and civil society members worldwide.
Sultan was arrested on Aug. 27, 2018 and booked under a controversial anti-terror law.
“But interviewing alleged militants or having sources who are critical of the government is within the scope of a journalist’s job and does not implicate them in any crime. Events in Kashmir are of public interest, and covering them is a public service, not a criminal act,” the New York-based non-profit group said in the letter.
Sultan’s trial which began in June 2019 was slow and the authorities have repeatedly denied him bail, it added.
“Police have reportedly interrogated him about his writing and asked him to reveal his sources,” the letter reads.
The 34-year-old journalist covered politics and human rights for Kashmir Narrator, a monthly news magazine published from Srinagar, capital of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. He is married and has a 2-year-old daughter, who was six months old when he was arrested.
Showkat Motta, the editor of Kashmir Narrator, told Anadolu Agency: “Asif was framed. He has been targeted for his bold journalism."
He wrote for the magazine a detailed profile of Burhan Wani, a top militant leader who was killed in an encounter with the Indian forces in 2016 and has since become a symbol of protests against the government in the disputed territory.
The journalist is languishing at the Srinagar Central Jail, where reportedly more than 100 prisoners have tested positive for the coronavirus.
There is no immediate response from the Modi-government on the statement.
- More detentions
In a related development on Thursday, seven leaders and workers of the People’s Democratic Party, a pro-India political party that shared power with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir until 2018, were detained on Thursday.
Party spokesman Suhail Bukhari told Anadolu Agency the members were holding a peaceful protest outside the gate of the party headquarters in Srinagar when police took them away.
“They were holding placards and seeking the release of political prisoners detained since August 5 last year,” he said, referring the date when New Delhi scrapped the special status of the country’s only Muslim-majority state and split it into two federally administered territories.
Simultaneously, the government locked the region down, detaining thousands of people that include dozens of top politicians, imposing movement restrictions, and enforcing a communications blackout.
Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.
Since they were partitioned in 1947, New Delhi and Islamabad have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965 and 1971 -- two of them over Kashmir.
Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.
According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.
Doha, 23 August 2020 (Qatar Tribune)
The Pakistani community in Qatar hosted a reception in honour of the new Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar HE Mehmet Mustafa Goksu, outgoing Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar HE Ashud Ahmed and outgoing Kazakhstan Ambassador to Qatar HE Askar Shokybayev.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Ahmed described his tenure in Qatar as a diplomat as “the most memorable one in his diplomatic career so far”. He said Bangladesh and Qatar enjoy close bilateral relations in almost all fields, including political, trade, investment, cultural and tourism sectors. He said the two countries also share common stance on regional and international issues.
He thanked the Pakistani community for organising the reception, which gave him another opportunity to enjoy traditional Pakistani cuisines.
Ambassador Shokybayev said Qatar and Kazakhstan have developed strong bilateral relations during the last five years, including connecting both the countries
through direct flights.
He lauded the wise leadership the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The envoy said Qatar’s resilience and its flexible approaches
have helped in promoting successful relations with different countries.
The new Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar HE Goksu said the event was his first public engagement as he has recently submitted his credentials.
He thanked the Pakistani community for organising the reception to honour him and the outgoing ambassadors. He expressed happiness to see different communities living in harmony and enjoying strong relations in Qatar.
Ashraf Siddiqui, on behalf of Pakistani community, thanked all the guests for attending the reception held at Pakistani restaurant Spice & Sizzle.
The guests on the occasion included ambassadors and diplomats of Iran, South Korea, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as
Prof Mehran Kamrava, director, Center for International & Regional Studies at Georgetown University; Prof Farhan Chak, Qatar University; Anwar Hussain
Akon, chairman of Bangladesh Community; Iftikhar Ahmad, former president of Bangladesh Business Forum; Ramzan Miya, Nepalese Community leader; and
Joseph Rivera from the Philippine community.
Prominent Pakistani community members present on the occasion included heads of various community forums, professionals, business community figures
such as Abdul Qahar Khan, Riaz Bakali, Aamer Khan, Rana Anwar Ali, Adeel Akbar, Furqan Paracha, Engineer Javed Iqbal, Ishaq Burney, Hafeez Ullah and Najeeb Ullah.
Doha, 22 Aug. 2020
Qatari-German Business Forum held webinar presentation recently presided by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassin AlThani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Peter Ramsauer, President, Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Among the participants were Ambassador of Qatar to Germany, Mohammed bin Jaham al Kuwari; Vice President, Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Olaf Hoffmann; General Secretary, Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Al Mikhlafi and Qatar Chamber General Manager Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi. During the forum, both sides reviewed trade and investment cooperation and discuss establishing alliances and partnerships that support both economies.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim AlThani stressed on the forum’s importance in shedding light on bolstering cooperation between Qatari and German businessmen. He asked private sector of both the countries to to explore new opportunities especially under the current challenges related to the outbreak of Covid-19 and it's economic impacts.
Sheikh Khalifa praised the strong and close relation linked between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany, especially in economic and commercial aspects, noting that their bilateral trade grew by 10%, from $ 2.1 billion in 2018 to $ 2.3 billion last year. “This means that Germany is a very essential trade partner for Qatar,” he added.
He noted that the two countries’ bilateral relations have evolved considerably following the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani to Germany in 2018 which witnessed the announcement to allocate investments of 10 billion euros to support the German economy during the next five years and signing of many important agreements that contributed to further developing cooperation ties and stimulating investments between both countries.
Regarding mutual investments, Sheikh Khalifa said that there are about 300 German companies operating in Qatar, whether with Qatari partners or with full German capital,which are active in many fields such as rail, trade, contracting, services, communication, infrastructure, medical equipment and devices and others. “Germany is one of the most important investment destinations for Qatar, where the value of Qatari investments in Germany exceeded 25 billion euros in many sectors including the automotive industry, telecommunications, hospitality, banking and other important sectors,” he noted.
He pointed out that Qatar’s economy offers a plenty of investment opportunities that attract foreign investors and international companies, especially in the presence of a set of economic laws and legislations that provide a safe and stable environment for investment.
Elaborating these laws, he said that they include the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, which provides several investment incentives for non-Qatari investors, including the allocation of land, exemption from income tax, exemption from custom duties and freedom of transfer and other incentives, adding that Qatar enjoyed a highly developed infrastructure and state-of-the-art economic and free zones and offered a wide range of attractive incentives for foreign investors.
Sheikh Khalifa assured that the Chamber highly welcomes German companies willing to invest in Qatar and benefit from the investment incentives and available opportunities, pointing out that there is a significant room for German companies to participate in the projects pertaining to the host of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
He also invited the Qatari companies to identify the opportunities available in Germany and establish active partnerships and economic alliances with the German side in various sectors.
Peter Ramsaue, President of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Qatar and Germany are linked with close relations at all fields, affirming that Qatar has managed to accomplish great development and is moving rapidly toward achieving the economic development.
He also noted that there is a large business delegation will be visiting Qatar after the end of this pandemic to meet their Qatari counterparts and explore the Qatari market.
“Qatar has defeated the siege imposed on it since 2017. It has benefited much from that siege through reordering its economic priorities and achieving the self-sufficiency,” he added.
Ramsauer paid tribute to the Qatari stimuli package and measures taken by the government during the current crisis to support the private sector.
Mohammed bin Jaham al Kuwar, Ambassador of State of Qatar to Germany said that Germany and Qatar are bound by a close partnership that not only looks back on a long tradition but also covers a wide range of political, social and particularly economic areas, emphasizing that Qatar is interested to further intensify the excellent relations with Germany.
He said that the forum would contribute to further strengthening the outstanding cooperation and networks as well as attracting new entrepreneurial opportunities allowing us to face these global challenges ahead with strong economic, political and sustainable commitment.
He referred to the meeting between Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the occasion of the Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum 2018, noting that the meeting witnessed Qatar’s announcement to invest massively and long-term-focused in the German economy and to further expand its already extensive economic relations.
“Qatar offers great possibilities and opportunities for German companies. Partly due to its geographical location, it has developed into a global trading center that offers excellent conditions for production facilities with secure energy supplies. Qatar benefits from an outstanding logistical, financial, and digital infrastructure combined with an open welcome culture. Within this framework, the underlying state strategy “Vision 2030” offers the opportunity of shaping tomorrow’s future together with a key economy in the gulf region” he added.
He said that hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 would also offer enormous economic opportunities for German companies that are intended to contribute to these efforts.
In his statement during the forum, QC board member Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh Al Hajri said that Qatar and Germany enjoyed strong relations, and they are keen on developing such relations to higher levels and establishing more alliances and partnerships that are of advantage for their economy.
The forum’s Qatar-German Matchmaking Platform witnessed large turnout and business meetings from many Qatari and German companies.
There were couple of presentation during the forum from both sides.
Hamad Rashid Al-Naimi, Manager, Investor Relations, Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar highlighted on Qatari economy, economic incentives offered by Qatar and the role of Investment Promotion Agency in Qatar. He said that Qatar economy is expected to maintain strong and stable during the next year, while the GDP is expected to grow by 5% in 2021.
Al-Naimi also noted that Qatar offers a set of incentives to attract more investments such as a highly developed infrastructure, access to main markets as well as possibility of full ownership for foreign investors and exemption from taxes and other incentives.
Abdulla Al-Naimi, Investment Manager at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) said that the Park established 15 years ago with the aim to provide an international place for researches, energy, environment, technology and education. He noted that it played a key role in accelerating the pace of innovation and tech entrepreneurship.
He pointed out that the QSTP’s Product Development Fund (PDF) helps encourage local startups and SMEs in the private sector to develop products and services relevant to local market needs.
Fahad Al-Kuwari, Markets Manger, Qatar Free Zone Authority, delivered a presentation on free zone, noting that Qatar ranked highly across a range of global competitiveness metrics, proving a strong and reliable place to do business.
He said the authority oversees many free zones including Ras Bufontas, and Umm Alhoul, noting that these zones offer distinguished services for local and foreign investors.
Al Kuwari said that both Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul zones offer real estate solutions and industrial units, noting that Umm Alhoul offers 54 pre-built facilities dedicated to industries with various areas from 700sqm to 2,500sqm, while Ras Bufontas zone includes 24 pre-built facilities with diversified options for offices, warehousing and land plots.
Doha, 19 August 2020
Qatar National Library recently hosted an international panel discussion examining how library services across the world have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event, “Libraries and the Pandemic: Preparing, Planning and Providing Services,” brought together leading librarians from Qatar and across the world to share knowledge and highlight how library services are evolving in 2020. Webinar was moderated by Eiman Al Shamari, Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library.
RandaChidiac, Executive Director of the Projects and Grants Unit at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon, and the VicePresident of the Lebanese Library Association, gave an emotional address to delegates after the explosion in Beirut and spoke about the crucialrole of the Lebanese Library Association and the importance of information governance during the country’s current situation.
Chidiac also spoke about advocating for copyright reform in Lebanon to allow digital sharing during the pandemic, and the changing role of the librarian during this year—particularly in promoting public health awareness and increasing remote working.
Carol Ann Daul Elhindi, Manager of Reference Services at Qatar National Library, spoke about libraries in the US as “second responders,” institutions that step up during times of disaster to provide a range of services that serve the needs of their communities. These include professional training programs, mental health programming and support, and supplemental support for the census, tax forms and elections.
Alicia Yeo, Deputy Director of the National Library Board at Singapore National Library, spoke about the importance of creating a strong workplace culture in libraries after the pandemic, including encouraging good personal hygiene and infection control practices across organizations.
She also elaborated on her library’s safety measures, including dividing staff into split teams with staggered reporting and lunch hours, temperature reporting, “clean desk” policies, and avoiding physical meetings. Staff members are also encouraged to telecommute and stay home if they are unwell.
Yeo also shared that Singapore National Library has been documenting the impact of COVID-19 through archiving websites and television broadcasts, as well as librarians taking photographs and collecting pandemic-related ephemera. Together with the National Museum of Singapore, the library launched a public call to contribute materials that document experiences of the pandemic, aiming to capture a fuller picture of life during these times for the future. Members of the public can contribute videos, audio recordings, memes, photographs, flyers, posters, journals and diaries.
Dr. Milena Dobreva, Associate Professor of Library and Information Studies at UCL-Qatar, gave an analysis of the reopening plans of 40 libraries across the worldand spoke about the key themes for reopening: “Safety, Spaces, Staff, Sanitization and Services.” She also suggested that the pandemic has allowed libraries to rethink their strategies on digital transformation.
Amani S. Alyafei, Head Librarian in the science section of Qatar National Library, said of the event:
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for Qatar National Library to bring together an expert panel to share knowledge and experience from across the world and see how libraries have taken different approaches to the unprecedented situation of the global pandemic.
“Knowledge sharing is critical for libraries to continue to play their vital role in their communities and on the world stage. One important unifying theme thatthe prevealed was how integral libraries have been during the global pandemic, and how the role of the library has adapted to provide more digital support.
“The current pandemic has been a catalyst for change in library services across the world, and the key role that libraries play in facilitating learning, curating programs and engaging with the public has evolved significantly. Librarians are still at the very heart of this process, and we as curators of knowledge must continue to evolve also.
“We at Qatar National Library were delighted to be able to share what we’ve learned during this time with other libraries across the world, and we hope to run similar events in the future to ensure we provide the best service we can to our patrons.”
Doha, 19 August 2020
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Since the onset of the pandemic Qatar Airways network has never fallen below 30 destinations with continuous services to five continents. He said that Qatar Airways has lead the industry in offering passengers more choices and greater flexibility so they can plan and book travel with confidence. We have also implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures onboard including becoming the first airline to require passengers to wear face shields in addition to face coverings, he added.
Al Baker said that “With our investment in one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient long haul fleets, strategic network management and the Best Airport in the Middle East, we have been able to quickly and effectively rebuild our network to more than 550 weekly flights to over 85 destinations across six continents. He assured that as the global recovery continues, Qatar Airways will remain focused on its fundamental mission of carrying passengers across the globe safely and reliably.”
The airline’s continuous operations throughout the pandemic and its variety of fuel-efficient efficient aircraft has also enabled it to rapidly increase frequencies, offering passengers more flexible travel options to many destinations including:
- Ankara (increasing to daily from 1 September)*
- Cebu (increased to daily from 12 August)
- Clark (increased to six-weekly from 12 August)
- Dhaka (increasing to five-weekly from 23 August)
- Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore (increased to double daily from 10 August)
- Istanbul SAW (increasing to 11 weekly from 20 Aug then triple daily from 1 September)*
- Jakarta (increased to double daily from 17 August)
- Kuala Lumpur (increased to double daily from 17 August)
- Los Angeles (increased to daily from 12 August)
- New York JFK (increasing to double daily from 1 September)
According to the latest IATA data, Qatar Airways has become the largest international carrier between April to June by fulfilling its mission of taking people home. This enabled the airline to accumulate unrivalled experience in carrying passengers safely and reliably and uniquely positioned the airline to effectively rebuild its network. The carrier has stringently implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board its aircraft and in Hamad International Airport.
Doha, 17 August 2020
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Exclusive interview with Chinese Envoy to State of Qatar, ambassador Zhou Jian on China’s decision for the continued operation of the 6th Legislative Council of Hong Kong
1. China’s National People’s Congress has made a decision for the 6th Legislative Council of Hong Kong to continue performing its duties. Could you introduce the details of the decision?
On July 28, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR submitted a report to the central government on matters concerning the postponement of the 2020 Legislative Council (LegCo) election, informing that in response to the emergencies brought by the recent COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council has decided to postpone the election of the 7thterm LegCofor one year, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 6, 2020. The report has asked the central government to request the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee to make arrangements on the vacancy of the LegCo incurred due to the postponement.
On 8th August, the State Council presented a draft bill on behalf of the central government to Chinese lawmakers, requesting the NPC Standing Committee to make a decision for the 6th LegCo to continue operation and explained the bill to lawmakers at its21st session. Lawmakers then reviewed the bill and asserted Chief Executive of Hong Kong’sannouncement on the postponement of the LegCo election due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. As the legislative body of Hong Kong, the LegCoplays an important part in the political system and exercises the rightsto formulate, amend and abolish laws, review and approve important decision-makings such as budgets, taxes and public expenditures.In the case of vacancies in Hong Kong's legislature, lawmakersof the Standing Committee agreed that it is imperative and proper for the NPC Standing Committee to make decisions on matters regarding the operation of 6th LegCo. The decision will be conducive to upholding the constitutional order and rule of law in the HKSAR, and to ensuring the region's normal governance and functioning of the Hong Kong society.The decision is in conformity with the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law.
On 11th August, at the 21st session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress Chinese, lawmakers voted to adopt the decision for the 6th Legislative Council (LegCo) of Hong Kong SAR to continue performing its duties. According to the decision, after Sept. 30, 2020, the 6th LegCo will continue performing duties for no less than a year until the 7th LegCo is elected and starts its 4-year term.
2. The decision has drawn wide attention of the world. What is the consideration behind the above-mentioned decision?
The decision adopted by the NPC Standing Committee is in line with the actual conditions of the epidemic in Hong Kong, it will help safeguard public security and health of people, as well as the justice and fairness of the election. It is in line with the internationay practice by many countries of postponing elections in response to the pandemic. The decision is imperative andtimely, which serves public interests, and shows the Central Government’s strong sense of responsibility toward the overall interests of Hong Kong and the utmost concern for the vital interests of the people.
First, the decision has solid constitutional and legal basis. The HKSAR Chief Executive made the order to postpone the LegCo election in accordance with Hong Kong's Emergency Regulations Ordinance. On the basis of this, the NPC Standing Committee made its decision on the operation of the 6th Legco according to the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law.It aimsto deal with the vacancy of the 7thLegCo at the constitutional level, which provides a legal ground for the continued operation of the 6thLegCo, helping to maintain constitutional order and the rule of law in Hong Kong, as well as ensuring the normal administration of SAR Government and the normal operation of local society.It reflects the Central Government’s basic principle of rule of law and is essential to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Second, it is necessary and proper. It falls in line with the actual conditions of the epidemic development in Hong Kong. Since the start of July, a new round of COVID-19 epidemic broke out in Hong Kong. The sudden and rapid spread of the virus poses severe challenges. Health experts have warned the risk of a major community outbreak is rising. Hong Kong's public health system will be on the verge of collapse, if not responded and controlled in time. The rampant epidemic has a serious impact on the normal operation of the Leg Co election.
If the election were to be held, the large number of voters and the small space of polling stations will result in mass gathering, with high risks of cross infection. Also, as a part of the SAR government’s health measures prohibiting the gathering of more than 2 people, it would be hard for candidates to hold election campaigns. Furthermore, according to statistics, there are 527,000 Hong Kong residents staying in the Mainland for the past 3 months, while another tens of thousands stranded overseas. It is very difficult for them to return to Hong Kong on the polling day because of the epidemic. Additionally, there are more than 600,000 elderly voters over the age of 71, who are likely to abstain from voting for health concerns.Many political groups, social organizations and public figures think that if the election is held as scheduled, it will not only be difficult to ensure fairness and openness, but will also increase the risks of infections, endangering the health and safety of voters, supporters and polling staff. They have been urging the government to follow other countries’ practice and postpone the LegCo election.
Facing the current circumstances, the decision to postpone the election and the continued operation of 6thLegCo demonstrates the sense of responsibility to protect the security and health of Hong Kong residents. It is conducive to safeguarding public security and ensuring fairness and justice in the LegCo election. It will minimize social instability and enable the whole society to focus on the most pressing task of curbing the epidemic. I wish to emphasize that as the epidemic in Hong Kong remains challenging, Hong Kong residents are eagerly awaiting an early victory over the epidemic, a gradual restoration of order, and a better relief of their difficulties. We are confident that with the firm support of the Central Government, and the joint efforts of the Hong Kong SAR government and all sectors of society, we will win the battle against the new outbreak soon.
3. What is China's position on criticism on Hong Kong national security law ?
Since the turmoil last year, radical separatists advocating “Hong Kong independence” have ramped up with escalating violence and even terrorist activities, and some external forces also meddled in with Hong Kong affairs, turning Hong Kong to an unstable, insecure region “defenseless” from activities that end anger national security. In order to fix the loop holes in Hong Kong’s national security legislation, and to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong,the Central Government decided to enact and implement the national security law in Hong Kong, to protect the legitimate rights and interests of 7 million Hong Kong residents, and safeguard“one country, two systems” policy. This move has won broad supports from Hong Kong residents and 1.4 billion Chinese people.
The central government is responsible for national security affairs in China, as is the case in every other country. National security laws in the United States are extensive and complex, only codified laws mount as many as 20. In Britain, there is also a comprehensive system of specialized national security laws. The newly enacted national security law in Hong Kong has clear targets and objectives. It targets precisely acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and external interference, which would be a small minority of criminals jeopardizing national security, while protecting the vast majority of law-abiding Hong Kong residents. Implementing the law will not infringe the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed and exercised by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, nor will the existing capitalist system in Hong Kong, its high degree of autonomy and the independence of legal system will be changed.
Hong Kong is part of China's territory, and Hong Kong affairs fall within China's internal affairs. Recently, western politicians have been hyping up and attacking China’s national security law in Hong Kong, introducing so-called Hong Kong bills, and announcing sanctions on Chinese government officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs. This is a blatant interference in China’s domestic affairs, an act of hegemony and a gross violation of international law and basic norms of international relations.
I would like to stress that the Chinese government is firm in its determination to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, to implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and to oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs. We firmly reject any party to meddle in Hong Kong affairs, and will not allow the US and other foreign forces to use Hong Kong to carry out their infiltration and subversion against China.
China is different from what it was like over 100 years ago. The Chinese people will not be scared by intimidation and threats. Any intimidation and threat from the United States is doomed to bankruptcy and will be self-defeating.
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