DHL Express sees great potential in Qatar economy

The rapid economic expansion occurring in Qatar, is giving companies operating in the logistics and transport sectors a major boost, according to Daniel Kearvell, country manager, DHL Express (Qatar).

"Qatar is a young country and legislation is improving. We are increasingly serving SMEs, manufacturers and service-related companies such as consultants and financial service institutions," he said.

Qatar is one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide for logistics and with the recent decision granting Qatar the hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup, the country’s profile is being raised even higher among foreign investors.

Despite the rapid expansion, Kearvell believes the pace of the country's economic growth is manageable.

"Qatar is experiencing something of a gold rush, but it is balanced. I would describe it as a sustainable rush." he said.

Kearvell is confident that the US$20 billion overhaul planned for Qatar's road network, which is forging ahead with renewed zest following the World Cup announcement, would solve many of the country's transportation problems.

"The pace of road construction has shifted up a gear recently," he said. "Qatar will be an easy place to move around once all the major road works are finished."

The country's plans for an underground transport network should also ease traffic congestion and play a part in tackling parking problems, particularly those in Doha.

Kearvell said that the $11 billion, New Doha International Airport (NDIA), which is scheduled to open next year, would play a key role in driving growth in the country's logistics sector, saying: "Infrastructure works are helping business, and the NDIA will be a big leap forward for the country's logistics capability."

He added that plans to overhaul the Customs system by simplifying procedures and introducing new technology, would speed up clearance times.

"Qatar already ranks among the top five regionally for clearance speed, with 96% of all shipments cleared routinely without intervention," he said; "and the system stands to improve from greater deployment of technology."

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