The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) today announced the results of its analytical report on the developmental role of small enterprises in the State of Qatar as part of its efforts to enhance the efficiency of the economic sectors and increase their competitiveness by analyzing the performance of productive and service activities.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, the report monitored developments in small enterprises, which employ less than 10 workers in all its various production operations.
The report underlined the importance of the developmental role played by small enterprises in the national economy as one of the most important pillars of the policy of economic diversification adopted by the State of Qatar to achieve its national vision 2030.
It noted that the number of micro enterprises increased from 13 600 establishments in 2010 to about 16500 establishments in 2015, an increase of about 2 900 establishments.
The report pointed out that this remarkable growth in the number of small enterprises includes all productive and service sectors, except for the wholesale and retail trade sector, which has about 8,000 establishments. While small enterprises in the transportation and communications sector witnessed a decline from about 326 companies in 2010 to 178 companies in 2015.
The report stated that the personal and social services sector is the most attractive sectors for small enterprises. This sector includes personal and household services, such as sports services, personal and household maintenance, computer maintenance, cleaning services, decoration and other services.
While the number of micro-enterprises operating in this sector increased by more than 1100 establishments within 5 years, reaching a total of about 2200 in 2015, constituting about 86% of the total number of establishments operating in the sector.
The report dealt with the industrial and energy sector, particularly light industries such as furniture and clothing. The sector witnessed a significant expansion in its small facilities, from 13 00 in 2010 to 1900 in 2015.
In contrast, the contribution of these establishments to the total number of establishments operating in the industrial and energy sector decreased by 3 percentage points to reach 56% in 2015. This growth coincided with a sharper growth in the growth of larger enterprises, from 912 in 2010 to 1509 in 2015, a growth of 65.5 percent.(QNA)