Economy

• Qatar, with proven gas reserves of over 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its North Field, and oil reserves of over 15.2 billion barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and highest per capita incomes in the world.
  
  
• In just decades, Qatar has developed into a major global supplier of energy and is set to become the largest exporter of LNG in the world and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production.  By 2011, the North Field Development Project is aiming to produce 77 million tons of LNG.
  
  
• Whilst developing its huge hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar has also diversified its economy, and emphasis is being placed on private-sector industrial development and tourism.
  
  
• Investment laws allow for up to 100% foreign investment in projects related to petroleum industry - subject to dispensation from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

International Relations

• Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strives to establish and develop close ties with all-peace loving countries and peoples of the world.  It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns and challenges that the gulf region encounters.
  
  
• Qatar was actively involved in the discussions leading to the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
  
  
• Qatar has 40 diplomatic embassies and six consulates abroad, while over 50 foreign Diplomatic Missions are represented in Qatar.

Transport and Communication

• The Country is well served by Doha International Airport, and the new airport is expected to start operating in 2012.
  
  
• Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and a new, comprehensive transport system, including a bus service, was introduced by Karwa.
  
  
• Qatar has a modern road system linking Qatar with GCC countries.  A US$3 billion Friendship Bridge linking Qatar to Bahrain is currently under negotiation.