Cooperation between the Qatar Free Zone and Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area is brewing, according to the Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA). 

(Photo/Kankanews.com)

During the “Sail of Shanghai to Qatar” campaign, the Shanghai delegation paid a visit to Doha on September 14 and 15, and exchanged views with QFZA regarding industrial investment and corporate and personnel exchanges. 

The Qatar Free Zone is now seeking cooperation with the Lin-gang New Area, a latest expansion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, said Lin Minghui, CEO of QFZA. Perks, like tax and rent exemption will be available for enterprises that have settled in Lin-gang, so as to provide them with convenience in future development in the Qatar Free Zone, added Lin.

During their visit to Doha, the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) submitted an initiative promoting the establishment of a friendly cooperation between Shanghai and Qatar’s free trade zones.  

Covering 38.1 square kilometers, the Qatar Free Zone consists of the Ras Bufontas Airport Free Zone and the Umm Alhoul Port Free Zone, with a development focus on logistics, petrochemicals, and emerging technology. It is now attracting high-quality enterprises from all over the world through a range of preferential policies in finance, taxation and talent introduction.

Since China and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1988, the two countries have maintained close ties in trade and investment.

At present, over 190 Chinese companies have locations in Qatar, with around 5,000 Chinese staff members, covering engineering, consulting, contracting, IT, commerce and services. Chinese companies have actively participated in the construction of major infrastructure such as Qatar’s ports, airports and the World Cup stadiums. The two countries are also promoting their cooperation in the fields of energy, finance, aviation and tourism. For the 2022 World Cup, Akbar Al Becker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said they will increase the number of flights between China and Qatar, while using large passenger planes to attract more Chinese fans to watch the game.