Qatar achieves development in manufacturing despite blockade: minister

DOHA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has achieved great developments in the manufacturing sector in spite of the ongoing blockade by its Gulf neighbors, said a minister on Saturday.

Qatar's Minister of Energy and Industry Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada made the remarks on the sidelines of the industrial exhibition known as "Made in Qatar."

Qatar has witnessed a large amount of investment in its manufacturing sector, indicating the Gulf country's balanced and sustainable industrial development amid the ongoing crisis in the region, the minister said.

The latest statistics showed that the manufacturing sector increased by 1.2 percent year on year during the second quarter of 2017.

"The manufacturing sector has become one of the most attractive investment opportunities in Qatar following the new legislation which facilitates the process and provides investors with more incentives," Sada said.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates imposed a blockade on Qatar on June 5, and severed diplomatic and transport links, accusing the country of supporting extremist groups and Iranian-backed Shiite militants. Qatar denies the charge.

Ever since the economic blockade, Doha has adjusted its economic strategy, especially in its industrial sector, in an attempt to make it self-sufficient and self-reliant. Enditem