Doha: The State Procurement Program 2026, organized by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with several government agencies, continued its activities under the theme "One Vision... Varied Opportunities."
According to Qatar News Agency, the program featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. One notable panel, titled "SME Support," delved into strategies to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to effectively compete in government tenders. The panel highlighted the crucial role SMEs play in economic diversification and increasing their contribution to the GDP. Key participants included Nayef Al Hababi, Director of Government Procurement Regulations Department at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank, and Ali Ahmed Al Mawlawi, Director of the Business Development Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The panel discussed a legal framework for classifying SMEs into micro, small, and medium categories, aiming to facilitate support and incentives from government agencies. This includes tax and customs exemptions and financing facilities. A comprehensive restructuring of the classification system for companies bidding for tenders was also addressed, ensuring fairness and transparency. The new classification links a company's commercial activity to its financial ceiling, protecting SMEs from unfair competition with larger companies by allocating specific tenders to them.
Participants noted that SMEs account for over 92 percent of registered companies in Qatar, yet their GDP contribution is below the levels seen in developed countries. The government aims to increase this sector's GDP contribution through the Third National Development Strategy by expanding participation in government procurement and offering additional incentives.
The panel concluded with an agreement on the importance of updating definitions, expanding exemptions, and supporting digital transformation for SMEs. The government is drafting a law to require agencies to allocate a percentage of procurement to SMEs, aiming to achieve competitive balance and enhance local added value. Qatar's vision for developing this sector aligns with its strategic objectives of building a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation.
The second panel discussion focused on enhancing in-country value and attracting investment. Participants included Amina Al Tamimi, Director of the in-country value project at the Ministry of Finance, and Issa Al Kubaisi, Consultant at the Ministry of Finance. The session emphasized the role of government procurement policies in supporting national projects and stimulating private sector participation. The in-country value program, launched in 2022, mandates the inclusion of local content requirements in tenders, giving an advantage to companies contributing to the Qatari economy.
From July 2026, obtaining an in-country value certificate will be mandatory for companies in government tenders. The session revealed a review of regulations to support local industry and expand the supplier base.
The forum included presentations by various ministries and health sector representatives, reflecting national efforts to enhance transparency and knowledge exchange between public and private sectors. The event, organized with Qatar Development Bank and strategic partners, fosters cooperation between sectors and supports economic growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The forum, now in its third edition, serves as a national strategic platform for government agencies to present future procurement plans and for the private sector to review and participate in upcoming projects, contributing to a modern procurement system that supports economic diversification.