2009-11-19 09:07:30 - Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani, a very talented and devoted professional, has recently completed his PhD from UK’s Durham University. His thesis is titled as "Qatar's membership of the World Trade Organization: What are the economic benefits?" focusing on Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals.
A reporter interviewed him exclusively and wanted to know what actually he aimed in his research and how he thinks on general issues.

Reporter: You are a well- known personality in Qatar doing various activities. Tell us our readers about the short bio on you as a professional.

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: Thank you for your kind words. I am merely an ordinary human being engaged in business and professional activities. I am a hard working guy having full faith in Almighty. Currently,

I am associated with QatarGas. From your platform, I must say something about the vision of Qatar under the able leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al- Thani.
His Highness has vision that Qatari community as well as others here in Qatar should flourish. A number of schemes have been launched to educate Qatari students. Wherever I stand now, it is the outcome of this vision.

The comprehensive visions of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al- Thani were the important factors which brought development and all positive aspects to this country.

Reporter: You have been honoured with many appreciations in and out of Qatar. You are doing some humanitarian activities in your personal capacity. What would you like to say in this regard?

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: Thank you!! The inner conscience exemplifies the humanitarian spirit in business or professional life. My actions not only help build communities and goodwill, but also promote business activities and often make business sense and give opportunities for professional advancements.

Reporter: How would you describe Qatar’s real estate in the present scenario as you also deal with this business?

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: In my opinion, Qatar's property sector is getting matured by leaps and bounds. Although, the ongoing global financial crisis has hit the entire world’s economy including property market but the impact of the downturn is minimal as compared to the other markets in the region. This is mainly due to the overall government’s consistent policy and decision- making. There is stability in property prices here, developmental real estate laws, protection of investor's rights and greater competition among developers and investors. These are the symptoms of matured market.

Reporter: How would you describe the supply-demand rule in terms of Qatar’s real estate market?

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: The supply- demand rule seems to be balanced here as compared to others in the region. Pro- real estate laws and regulation have witnessed healthy competition giving more options to the consumers including tenants. New tenant law has come into force, therefore, tenants are very much safe. Qatar is booming in all sectors and it has created a big human resource market in Qatar. More and more jobs are being created. Peoples are coming to Qatar in bulk. This is creating demand obviously. Overall Qatar has become well known country for constantly initiating top world class projects offering unlimited opportunities, strong population growth, good rental returns among others.

Reporter: Tell us about your research.

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: The main aim of this study is to examine Qatar’s trade policy in light of its international trade commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO). A key issue is the extent to which trade policy contributes to its economic diversification. The implications of WTO membership on the economy of an oil and gas rich state are especially interesting, as one of the main intentions of policy makers is to ensure and promote diversification of the economy through trade and other related requirements as stipulated by the WTO.

The research has four main specific objectives:
1. To investigate the extent to which Qatar's WTO membership is helpful to its diversification policy.
2. How would Qatar benefit if the remit of the WTO is extended to the international oil and gas market, including consideration of pricing issues?
3. Do the GATS (The General Agreement on Trade in Services) provisions have implications for Qatar's plans for its services sector?
4. To what extent do Qatar's international agreement obligations limit its ability to pursue an independent foreign direct investment policy?

Reporter: Tell us something about your other activities.

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al-Qahtani: I am a professional and also run my business. I like studying book and watching discussion- based programs on TV. I keep myself involved in doing something for the community, humanitarian activity, religious affairs etc.