DOHA: The government's plans to strip the dealerships of their exclusive right to import and market foreign goods and services, which has irked the private sector no end, is sure to dominate the Prime Minister-businessmen interface slated to be held this evening.
The dealership issue has in fact emerged to be on top of the agenda of the private sector for this evening's crucial event, relegating the demand for increasing share for private players in the 2022-linked mega projects to the number two spot.
Businessmen, under the auspices of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), representative body of the private sector, are going to plead with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, not to press ahead with the proposed amendments to commercial agencies' law.
Alterations in the law are being opposed on the ground that existing agencies have made huge investments in infrastructure and after-sales network so they would be suffering huge losses.
The private sector fears that if the amendments are extended to allow non-Qatari investments in the dealership business, shark players from neighbouring GCC states could enter the Qatari market. Already, the government's proposal to allow GCC citizens to set up wholesale businesses in Qatar has invited the wrath of the private sector which has so far enjoyed patronage of the state.
The Advisory Council is opposing the above move, arguing that this privilege be extended to GCC nationals only on a quid pro quo basis. In other words, only those nationals should be allowed this privilege whose countries extend similar rights to Qatari citizens.
The other major issues that are likely to come up at today's annual interface is illicit trade in work visas by companies that have no jobs to offer and the phenomenon of absconding workers.
The Prime Minister-businessmen meet is to be held at the Doha Sheraton this evening.
The QCCI says there are increasing complaints from manpower agencies that the illicit visa trade is growing and hampering their businesses.
Besides, there are huge risks involved if a foreigner arrives here on a 'free visa' and takes up work in violation of the country's laws.
In fact, a coordination committee that has officials from the QCCI and the Ministry of Labour on it has been grappling with the problem of 'free work visas' for quite a while looking for viable solutions but in vain.
The problem of absconding workers is equally serious as the phenomenon is on the rise posing grave threat to social peace and national security.
Most absconding workers are from the unorganised construction sector.
© The Peninsula 2011
