When Qatar found itself subject to an economic blockade in 2017, a number of financial data points were of immediate interest to economic observers. The sudden withdrawal of foreign deposits was an early concern, and one which the government quickly overcame by pouring capital from public bodies into the system (see Banking chapter).
A number of significant developments related to foreign direct investment (FDI) set to be implemented by the end of 2019 will further strengthen Qatar’s appeal as a destination for international investors. Expected developments include the opening of two special economic zones (SEZs), changes to foreign investment legislation and the launch of...
Qatar’s relatively small population and status as the world’s biggest gas exporter have helped it to become the world’s richest country in terms of GDP per capita. In recent years, however, it has faced strong economic headwinds. The oil price decline in the second half of 2014 was a challenge to hydrocarbons-producing states throughout the...
Decades of growth in trade and foreign investment have made the economies of the world more interdependent than ever before. This trend has been reinforced by the steady liberalisation of international trade and investment at the bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral levels. National economic specialisations, and regional economic and...
Global trade faces protectionist headwinds that are dampening the outlook for growth in the coming years. According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), trade volume grew by 4.7% in 2017 and is expected to have moderated to 3.9% in 2018 and dip further to 3.7% in 2019. Although this means growth will fall below the 4.8% average seen since...
How is the international relations strategy evolving to strengthen commercial ties with potential markets, and what are the related opportunities?
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