A key regional hub
Qatar wants to expand its maritime and logistics capacities and attract international investors to the region – not only with a view to the 2022 football World Cup. Christian Doepgen spoke to QFZA representative and head of logistics Helmut Kaspers.
What prompted you to move to Qatar, Mr Kaspers, having worked for Kuehne + Nagel, Logwin, Schenker as well as Ceva, amongst others, for around 30 years?
I was attracted by a new challenge, having led operational units with 10,000 employees for a long time. Now I can make a contribution to the development of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).
Qatar has set itself rather ambitious targets, hasn’t it?
Indeed. It’s about the country’s overall strategy, which aims to build as well as attract industries, including those for the substitution of imports, and also to create the concomitant logistics infrastructure.
In recent years, almost USD 70 million has been invested in infrastructure projects. Two free-trade zones are currently under development; one is close to the international airport; the other one has direct access to the maritime port. They are both also ideal for SMEs. The managers’ horizon doesn’t stretch to 2020, but rather to 2030.
What is the core logistics objective?
Since the emirate is not located at the crossroads of major shipping lines, Qatar has to position itself differently in the commercial segment from global players. Due to its geography, infrastructure and framework for international investors, Qatar has what it takes to position itself as a regional hub for East Africa, Turkey, India.
What homework has already been done?
In the port of Hamad, stage II of an expansion scheme has been completed and stage III been decided on. Companies wishing to establish themselves in one of the free-trade zones can apply to an existing fund for investment aid worth a total of USD 3 billion. The investments are interlinked – with the aim of attracting more exporters to Qatar.
What’s your role in this?
I have numerous tasks. Supporting individual sectors with their development, encouraging international forwarders to invest, or promoting concrete logistics matters, such as the expansion of the paperless customs system in Doha.
What investors is Qatar looking for?
The strategy of diversifying beyond the oil and gas industry is geared towards high-end sectors, amongst others. These include players that need a lot of energy for their production, and firms that have established the potential for regional sales. This applies to many medical products, for example.
What does Qatar offer – besides money?
Political security in Qatar should not be underestimated; nor should the stable legal framework for investors. Its geographical location makes near-sourcing and near-selling possible for many.
How have things developed for QFZA?
20% of our area has already been developed, with a few palm trees planted too. We expect a number of large companies to arrive at a decision concerning their settlement in Qatar over the coming 12 to 18 months.
In terms of business, QFZA’s team of 65 is being expanded, and offices are being added in Europe and the USA. We’ve had enquiries from Asia, Japan and South Korea, as well as from the logistics sector.
