Qatar’s logistics market is forecast to outpace all competitors in the GCC region in terms of growth between 2020 and 2026 and it ranks in the top 20% in logistics performance globally
Zawya – Qatar offers abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs and foreign entities. The country has developed advanced logistics systems, tying in world-leading air and sea ports with modern road and warehousing infrastructure.
Qatar’s logistics market is forecast to outpace all competitors in the GCC region in terms of growth between 2020 and 2026 and it ranks in the top 20 percent in logistics performance globally and is second in the Middle East according to a recent report by Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar).
The key drivers of its flourishing trading sector include, access to capital as the country has ready and complete industrial facilities for SME owners and entrepreneurs; also, it has a robust support system that is world-class free zones, industrial areas and logistical parks that offer a business-friendly environment and other support services for foreign investors.
Qatar also has a resilient transport and logistics evident by the global connectivity through Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Hamad Port with one of the world’s largest air cargo carriers, along with diversified trade partners for critical commodities and goods. Also, in technological infrastructure, it ranks third in the Arab world on the Network Readiness Index 2021 and continues to work towards innovation, for example, the Qatar Centre for Artificial Intelligence develops the latest AI tools and tech in the logistics, warehousing, and management space.
The country’s logistics market experienced a 7 percent uptick in the last five years alone. One of its greatest feats has been the successful integration of the entire trading value chain, seamlessly connecting key players from the import/export side such as Milaha and Maersk, and logistics providers like DHL and DB Schenker with warehousing companies and retailers, noted the report.
The world continues to search for ever-faster, more sustainable and streamlined ways to transport, store and deliver goods, much of this activity will focus on integrated logistics hubs such as Qatar creating a wealth of opportunities for investors and businesses in Qatar’s supply chain and logistics related sectors.
For foreign investors, it is a space of untapped potential, not least due to exponential growth in e-commerce and Qatar’s extensive trade and investment treaties, covering over 25 bilateral investment treaties, more than 80 double taxation treaties, and over 20 free trade agreements.
With 2 billion people across more than 25 countries worth $6 trillion in combined GDP within just 3,000 km reach, Qatar benefits from a unique sense of connectivity. Its national airline, Qatar Airways, connects to more than 150 international destinations, while Hamad Port, the largest multipurpose port in the region, services over 15 direct shipping lanes.
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