Qatar: US hopes for movement on free-trade pact in ’06
Gulf Times, Doha, 28 January, 2006
US hopes for movement on free-trade pact in ’06
Staff Reporter
THE US hopes to see during this year the beginning of the process to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Qatar, Ambassador Chase Untermeyer told a press conference on Thursday.
A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement was signed by the US with Qatar in 2004 as a precursor in this regard, he pointed out.
“Reaching a FTA is a very long process,” the envoy observed while explaining that Qatar must make itself ready by opening its economy to all countries, and getting rid of state monopolies and other enterprises.
“As Qatar focuses on and resolves issues related to labour sponsorship laws, obstacles to investment in the telecom sector and lowering of trade barriers, among others, we will be able to go for the ultimate goal of a FTA,” he said.
Once Qatar completes the formalities, formal negotiations can be held, followed by the approval of the FTA by the US Congress, the ambassador said. He described Qatar’s investment climate as supportive of foreign investment.
“Bahrain and Oman recently finished the process and signed the FTA, taking at least two years for the process,” Untermeyer said.
He was in touch with Minister of Economy and Commerce HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani to take steps in this connection, he added.
In addition to co-operation on key security issues, Qatar and the US enjoy extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector, the envoy observed.
There is substantial US investment in Qatar that continues to expand. Most recently, Qatar hosted the US Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman, who witnessed the launching of significant projects such as the General Electric-Conoco Phillips joint venture and the third phase of the RasGas-ExxonMobil joint venture.
“Qatar will eventually become the largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas to the US and will supply 20-30% of US LNG needs,” he said.
Qatar and the US co-ordinate closely on many issues, including regional diplomatic initiatives and efforts to increase security in the Gulf region, as demonstrated by Qatar’s “generous” hosting of the US and Coalition forces at Camp As-Sayliyah and Al-Udeid airbase.
Describing the US-Qatar relationship as very strong, dynamic and constantly expanding, the ambassador said progress and reform are two words that accurately characterise the vision and actions of HH the Emir and HH Sheikha Mozah.
“The US welcomes the steps HH the Emir has taken toward the democratisation of Qatar’s political system, including the promise of elections for the National Advisory Council, with universal suffrage,” Untermeyer said.
The US Republican Party’s International Republican Institute has offered to train the candidates and those campaigning for them in various aspects of the elections.
“The Republican Party has its attention on Qatar, which happens to be a coincidence and not connected to politics,” the envoy said while pointing out that the two major political outfits in the US, the other being the National Democratic Party, select and work with various countries.
Untermeyer observed that in recent days Qatar has seen the Permanent Elections Committee begin its work of reaching out to Qatari voters and potential candidates.
The Committee held a training session to address questions and concerns from women interested in participating in the political process.
“The US looks forward to witnessing many more steps in the next few months, including a flowering of political debate in the press and other forums over issues of concern to Qatari voters,” he said.
The US ambassador described Qatar as a strong ally in support of the international vision of a stable and independent Iraq, as well as in the global struggle against terrorism.
“The US is strongly appreciative of Qatar’s important role in attempts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its generous support of the Palestinian people, and its willingness to engage in dialogue with the Israeli government,” he said.
The envoy commended Qatar for the recent legislation against using child jockeys in camel races, and the establishment of a Human Rights Department within the Ministry of Interior, as well as a shelter in Doha for domestic workers seeking protection from abuses.
“This is a solid beginning and the US looks forward to further progress on protection of foreign workers’ rights,” he said.
Such progress may include a formal evaluation of Qatar’s Labour Law by the International Labour Organisation, extending labour rights to domestic workers under the new Labour Law, and re-visiting sponsorship rules.
“HH the Emir has also earned the gratitude and appreciation of Qatar’s sizeable expatriate Christian community by granting them land and permission to construct churches in Qatar, demonstrating once again Qatar’s strong commitment to religious tolerance and to peaceful co-existence among religions,” Untermeyer said.
The ambassador also expressed appreciation for HH Sheikha Mozah’s pioneering role in leading the reform and expansion of Qatar’s education system, across its entire range, from pre-school to higher education.
“The US applauds these efforts and stands ready to offer support as requested,” he said while observing that the branch campuses of five US universities in the Education City constitute the largest community of American learning and research outside the US.
