Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Overview
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) is responsible for overseeing commercial and industrial activities for the State of Qatar as well as directing these activities in accordance with the requirements of national development. The Ministry’s sphere of influence includes business development needed to attract investments, and supporting and developing exports. MOCI’s other responsibilities include developing methods and procedures for providing public services to the business and investment sector, regulating the practice of trade professions, registering the commercial and investment establishments, issuing the necessary licenses to carry out their activities, and supervising the regulation and control of markets in its area of competence. It has headquarters in Lusail City but offices all around the country.
An essential aspect of the Ministry’s role is to take the necessary measures to protect consumers, combat commercial fraud, safeguard competition, and prevent monopolistic practices as well as protecting intellectual property rights. Of the many committees that function under the umbrella of the MOCI is the National Committee on Trade which was formed in 2011. The committee’s main objective is to coordinate with both the private and public sector to maximize the benefits of the State of Qatar’s membership in the World Trade Organization in such a manner that realizes the sustainable development objectives of Qatar.
The Ministry is spearheading efforts to develop general policies to promote industrialization and national industries, developing and exploiting its existing industrial zones, and proposing the establishment of new zones.