Qatar Chamber’s Chairman, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani (pictured) said that the State’s 2021 budget, approved by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday, confirmed the resilience and durability of the national economy in spite of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the new budget has allocated huge spending on major projects, as well as on education and health, affirming that these sectors are of special interest for HH the Amir.
Sheikh Khalifa also pointed out that the allocation of QR 72.1bn to spending on major projects, a share of 37 percent of the total expenditures amounted to QR194.7bn, indicated the State’s continued efforts to complete the projects related to the 2022 World Cup in a timely manner. Citing the budget estimated average oil prices of $40 a barrel, he assured that the budget supports the State’s plans to continue accomplishing sustainable development, as well as reflects the sound financial plans adopted by the government in dealing with fluctuations in oil prices.
On his part, QC General Manager Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi said that the budget would enhance the State’s economic performance which has achieved positive progress despite the current circumstances related to the spread of COVID-19. Al Sharqi lauded the allocation of QR16.5bn to the health sector, a share of 8.5 percent of the total budget, affirming that this demonstrates the State’s interest in developing health facilities for the wellbeing of nationals and residents alike.
This also will ensure the establishment of more projects and expansion of medical and health facilities, he added. QC General Manager also praised the allocation of QR17.4bn to the education sector, a share of 9 percent of the budget, reflects H H the Amir’s keenness on developing education to match the education of developed countries. Al Sharqi also pointed out that the budget also included allocations to develop citizens’ land by providing an integrated infrastructure of water, electricity, sewage, roads and all other facilities in different regions of the country, and said that the development of these lands will lead to the expansion of residential lands in a way that enhances urban expansion.
