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Doha, October 21 (QNA) - The State Procurement Program 2026, organized by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with several government agencies across the country, continued its second day under the theme "One Vision... Varied Opportunities." The forum featured a number of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. In a panel discussion titled "SME Support," an in-depth discussion was held on ways to enable this vital sector to compete effectively in government tenders, and its pivotal role in supporting economic diversification and enhancing its contribution to the gross domestic product. The panel, which was attended by Director of Government Procurement Regulations Department at the Ministry of Finance Nayef Al Hababi, Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank (QDB) Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, and Director of the Business Development Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ali Ahmed Al Mawlawi emphasized the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of these companies in government procurement. The panel also addressed the legal framework for defining small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into three categories: micro, small, and medium. This classification aims to open the way for government agencies to provide various types of support and incentives, both financial and non-financial, including tax and customs exemptions and financing facilities. Participants in the panel pointed to a comprehensive restructuring of the classification system for companies bidding for tenders, ensuring fairness and transparency in competition. They noted that the new classification links a company's commercial activity to its financial ceiling, identifying the category eligible to compete within specific financial limits. They indicated that this measure will help protect SMEs from unfair competition with larger companies, as specific tenders will be allocated to this category to ensure they have fair opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, work is currently underway to implement a unified electronic system for classifying suppliers, enabling tracking of their performance and ensuring their compliance with required standards. Discussing the figures, the participants explained that SMEs represent more than 92 percent of the total number of registered companies in the State of Qatar. However, their contribution to the GDP remains below the ambitious level compared to developed countries, where this percentage reaches approximately 60 percent of the GDP. They added that the government, through the Third National Development Strategy, is working to increase this sector's contribution to the GDP by expanding participation in government procurement and providing additional incentives in specific priority sectors. At the conclusion of the panel, participants agreed that updating definitions, expanding exemptions, and supporting digital transformation collectively constitute a fundamental pillar for enabling SMEs to compete effectively in the local market. They emphasized that work is underway to draft a law requiring government agencies to allocate a percentage of their procurement to this category, which will provide a strong impetus toward achieving competitive balance and enhancing local added value. They also emphasized that Qatar's vision for developing this sector is consistent with its strategic objectives aimed at building a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation, and that supporting SMEs is not an option, but rather a national necessity to ensure sustainable economic growth, create new job opportunities, and achieve a true partnership between the public and private sectors. The second panel discussion of the State Procurement Program 2026 focused on ways to enhance in-country value and attract investment. Director of the in-country value project at the Ministry of Finance Amina Al Tamimi and Consultant at the Ministry of Finance Issa Al Kubaisi participated. The session outlined the pivotal role of government procurement policies in supporting national projects and stimulating private sector participation to achieve economic development goals. It added that the in-country value program, launched in 2022, represents a qualitative shift in promoting local content as government entities are now required to include in-country value requirements in all tenders, giving companies that contribute to the Qatari economy an advantage in awarding contracts. In attracting investment field, the panel discussion highlighted that linking government contracts to local content opens the way for foreign companies to establish local partnerships or manufacture within the country to benefit from this advantage, enhancing the attractive investment environment. Speakers during the session noted that, starting in July 2026, obtaining an in-country value certificate (ICV) will be a prerequisite for companies participating in government tenders. These certificates will be issued through a dedicated portal in cooperation with the Localization Program in QatarEnergy. Regarding future legislation, the session revealed a comprehensive review of regulations before the end of this year. This review includes mandatory lists of national products that government agencies must adhere to, ensuring support for local industry and expanding the supplier base. The two sessions' attendees raised questions about topics addressed by the speakers, including the mechanism for obtaining an ICV certificate and the challenges companies face in meeting the requirements. Extensive presentations at the forum today were delivered by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and the health sector (represented by the Ministry of Public Health, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Novel Rehabilitation Center). The presentations reflect national efforts to enhance transparency and knowledge exchange between the public and private sectors and support the competitiveness of the national economy. Previously, representatives of the Ministry of Municipality and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) reviewed the most prominent projects scheduled for implementation during 2026 within the State Procurement Plan. Organized by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank and several strategic partners, the State Procurement Program 2026 saw broad participation from government agencies and the private sector. It also featured several workshops that addressed prospects for cooperation between the public and private sectors and the role of government procurement in supporting efficiency, sustainability, and growth within an integrated economic system that seeks to consolidate public spending governance and enhance the participation of national companies in implementing government projects. This event is within the State of Qatar's efforts to enhance transparency in the procurement system, activate the private sector's developmental role, and empower entrepreneurs to contribute effectively to the process of construction and development, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030. This is the third edition of the forum, which has become a national strategic platform that enables government agencies to present their future procurement plans and provides the private sector with the opportunity to review upcoming projects and plan their participation in them, contributing to building a modern procurement system that supports economic diversification. (QNA)
