HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Qatar government has decided to purchase local investment portfolios registered in DSM and owned by Qatari banks which are willing to sell them on condition that the purchase price will be equal to the portfolio price as stated in the bank registers on 28 Feruary 2009 excluding the allocations ensued until the end of Dec 31, 2008.
HE clarified that this procedure aims to support national banks. The banks to be affected by the decision are: Qatar National Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Al-Rayyan Bank, Al-Ahli Bank and Al-Khaleeji Bank.
HE said that this procedure reflects the government due concern in the banking sector and the attention it pays to it to contribute in accelerating development wheel. HE pointed out the purchase will be completed and finalized before the end of this month in coordination with Qatar central bank.
HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs declared that a new round of talks between Sudan and Chad is due to take place soon with Libya's assistance aiming at complementing the foundation of understanding between the two countries.
In reply to a question regarding HH the Emir's recent visits to Chad and Libya, HE said that these visits come in the context of continuation of Qatar's mediatory role and providing a positive atmosphere to reach a framework agreement to ensure ceasefire in Darfur. HE went on to say "Understanding between Sudan and Chad will help settle the crisis in Darfur."
Regarding the International Criminal Court's decision about the Sudanese president and the extent to which it affects the negotiations between the factions and the Sudanese government, HE pointed out "We as mediators are not comfortable with the ICC decision, but it will not stop us from continuing the mediation." HE stressed the strong desire of the Sudanese government and most of the factions for the mediation efforts to continue until positive outcomes are achieved.
In reply to a question concerning the Arab mini-summit that precedes the 21st regular session of the Arab League due to be held at the end of this month in Doha, HE said "there will be an Arab mini-summit and Qatar will take part in it."
Speaking of the Qatar-Vietnamese relations, HE stressed Qatar's keenness to develop and enhance its relations with Vietnam in the economic, agricultural, touristic, investment sectors and other sectors. HE expressed his happiness with the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to the State of Qatar saying that "This visit comes after my visit to Vietnam last year, and we pin hopes on the bilateral relations between the two countries which are developing continually."
HE noted that the bilateral talks tackled several domains of cooperation especially the economic domain adding that "We have established liaison points between competent ministries to enforce what has been negotiated." He also stressed the fact that the signed agreements and memoranda of understanding denote a sincere intention to move forward in enhancing cooperation between the two countries drawing the attention to the fact that enforcing the agreements is more important. HE expected that the Qatar-Vietnamese relations will witness further advancement and added "We pay the relations with Vietnam a great attention and we offered to establish a permanent exhibition to take advantage of the purchasing power in the region."
On the other hand, HE said that "Qatar has investments abroad and it is looking for new investments and it views Vietnam as a fertile soil for investment. "We have started these investments and hope to increase their volume and this was negotiated in today's talks," said HE Sheik Hamad.
In response to a question regarding estate credits from banks, HE stressed that "Qatar's market is promising and what is happening in the stock market is a common phenomena in all world markets." HE explained that banks loans are up to the banks themselves and that liquidity is sufficient and the government has taken measures to increase liquidity in the Qatari banks like buying shares in banks.
HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani pointed out that "There are other measures being taken regarding shares portfolios owned by the banks inflicted by big losses, as the government is considering a system whereby it takes these shares from the banks which will contribute to the increase of the loans volume because they will get rid of the burden of losing shares contemporarily."
HE continued by saying that "There is no fear in increasing the volume of loans at the local market, but it is very important that no leaps should be taken in the market without due consideration and we are growing at a rate commensurate with the local market demand especially in the estate market because it is almost a local and not an international market."
HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani emphasized that the projects especially in the oil and gas sector are proceeding in the best possible way and the infra-structure is functioning very well. HE noted that there is currently much concentration on agriculture and clarified that "This is an important aspect and we talked with the Vietnamese and we are talking about any opportunity in Asia and elsewhere and we would like to make more investments if we find them serving the interest of the Qatari people."
HE renewed emphasis on the solidity and strength of the Qatari economy and said "We have a strong economy and we are one of the biggest exporters of gas and we will be the biggest in the two coming years. We have our resources and we shall put Qatar on the map duly." HE added "We want the money to be spent wisely and smartly and we have our visions and we want to be distinguished in everything."