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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune FridAy June 5, 2020 ShAwwAl 13, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 4965 QR 2

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Americas 7 Business 8 Sports 12 Trump trying to ‘divide’ Kuwari chairs meeting to address Third FIFA World Cup America, says ex-Pentagon challenges faced by private 2022 stadium chief Mattis sector due to COVID-19 outbreak completed

Qatar pledges $20 mn to global vaccines alliance

QNA of countries, heads of interna- equipment and construction DOHA tional and regional organisa- ● Qatar reiterates its support to the World of field hospitals, in addition tions and directors of many to providing $140 million HIS Highness The Amir of world companies supporting Health Organization for its coordinating worth of financial contribu- State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim programmes of GAVI. efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic tion for multilateral health- bin Hamad Al Thani on “COVID-19 pandemic and to promote global readiness to confront care institutions working to Thursday announced Qatar’s constitutes an unprecedented develop vaccines and ensur- pledge of $20 million to the challenge and threat to all hu- infectious diseases in the future ing the efficiency of health- Global Alliance for Vaccines manity at all levels. In the ab- care, especially in the least and Immunization (GAVI). sence of an effective vaccine ● This crisis has shown that there is no developed countries.” HH The Amir called upon or cure, some countries and alternative to international cooperation and “In this context, we call the international community societies have found them- upon the international com- to work jointly to ensure fair- selves faced with the choice exchange of experiences, which necessitate munity to work jointly to en- ness in providing necessary between two options, both of the redoubling of the joint efforts to sure fairness in providing nec- medicines and medical equip- which are bitter to swallow: eliminate COVID-19 with effective vaccines essary medicines and medical ment to all countries. either to seek prevention by equipment to all countries.” HH The Amir further re- lockdowns that may cripple and cures, and preparations for confronting HH The Amir said Qatar iterated the support of Qatar the economy, or put the lives new epidemics in the long run reiterates its support to the to the World Health Organi- of people at risk by opting not World Health Organization zation (WHO) for its coordi- to sacrifice the economy,” HH ● Qatar has spared no effort to enhance for its coordinating efforts to nating efforts to combat the The Amir said. combat the COVID-19 pan- COVID-19 pandemic and to “Some countries have cho- the rapid response to counter the serious demic and to promote global promote global readiness to sen compromising solutions repercussions of the crisis readiness to confront infec- confront infectious diseases by continuing to coexist with tious diseases in the future. in the future. the pandemic and fighting it HH The Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “I would like to announce This was stated during at the same time.” a new $20 million pledge HH The Amir’s speech at the HH The Amir said, “This from Qatar to GAVI alliance.” Global Vaccine Summit 2020 crisis has shown that there the joint efforts to eliminate “Qatar has spared no ef- preventive procedures and “Based on human solidar- In conclusion, HH The held virtually from London is no alternative to interna- COVID-19 with effective vac- fort to enhance the rapid re- measures to reduce its im- ity, we have provided medical Amir thanked the United with the participation of a tional cooperation and ex- cines and cures, and prepara- sponse to counter the serious pact, and protect the citizens assistance to more than 20 Kingdom for organising this number of heads of states and change of experiences, which tions for confronting new epi- repercussions of the crisis, and residents on its soil.” countries around the world in conference, hoping that it will governments, representatives necessitate the redoubling of demics in the long run.” and has promptly taken all HH The Amir further said, terms of supplies of medical achieve its desired objectives.

Qatar committed to fight ISIS despite COVID-19 crisis: FM Deputy prime Minister and Minister of QA network Foreign Affairs He Sheikh Mohammed expands to over bin Abdulrahman Al thani on thursday stressed that Qatar remains committed to 40 destinations (PG 2) combating ISIS in Iraq and Syria. It’s com- mitted to the goals of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS to create conditions for a permanent defeat of the terrorist group despite the exceptional circumstances due to the COVD-19 pandemic. the FM said that ISIS’ crimes against civilians require uncompromis- its cooperation to achieve the neces- ing measures and enhanced coopera- sary conditions for the recovery and tion across all coalition lines to ensure stability of Iraq and Syria and to provide the protection of civilians and to ensure the necessary assistance to legitimate that ISIS and its affiliates are unable partners on the ground, which are now A 12-page supplement to reconstitute any regional enclave or more important than ever in the context is being issued with pose an international threat to peace of the pandemic,” the FM said during a this edition and security. meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat “Qatar is determined to continue ISIS Small Group. (QNA) PAGE 2 We have succeeded in flattening the COVID-19 curve, says Dr Khal TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK “We are now regularly seeing DOHA more daily recoveries – this is part- ly due to the new 14-day discharge THE COVID-19 infection rate is criteria because evidence shows stabilising in Qatar and there’s no that people with mild symptoms significant surge in new cases, Dr are not infectious after 10 to 14 days Abdullatif Al Khal, Co-Chair of the of infections,” he said. National Pandemic Preparedness Dr Khal said, “We are seeing an Committee and Head of Infectious increase in the number of deaths Diseases at Hamad Medical Corpo- but Qatar continues to have one of ration, has said. the lowest death rates in the world, “We are three months into thanks to the measures put in place COVID-19 outbreak in Qatar and — effective preventive measures to we have succeeded in flattening the protect the elderly and those with curve and reducing the impact of chronic conditions, early detection, the virus by 75 percent, thanks to Dr Abdullatif Al Khal. early administration of treatment, the preventive measures, and the excellent care, sufficient acute and awareness and cooperation of the cases and hospital admissions ICU beds and redirecting of re- community,” Dr Khal said in an in- shows a levelling off and the com- sources.” terview with Qatar Television. ing week or two will confirm if this He said the latest data on new will continue to be the trend. Continued on page 2  02 Friday, June 5, 2020

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Environment Day activity Qatar remains committed to fighting confirms Qatar’s interest in preserving biological ıSıS despite COVıD-19 pandemic: FM diversity, says minister QNA partners’ concern about the QNA emerged from it to conserve DOHA emerging threat posed by ISIS DOHA biological diversity. affiliates, particularly in West He called on everyone to DEPUTY Prime Minister and Africa and the Sahel region. He THE Ministry Municipality collaborate to preserve the Minister of Foreign Affairs HE added that there is a need for and Environment’s participa- biological diversity in the Qa- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- more coordination while ad- tion in celebration of the World tari environment as part of rahman Al Thani on Thursday dressing the root causes of this Environment Day (WED), Qatar’s natural heritage and stressed that Qatar remains threat in those areas. which falls June 5 every year, legacy for future generations. committed to combating ISIS “We cannot fully claim confirms Qatar’s support to For his part, Assistant in Iraq and Syria, and to the that we defeated ISIS without international solidarity in pre- Undersecretary for Environ- goals of the Global Coalition strong accountability mecha- serving biological diversity mental Affairs at the Minis- to Defeat ISIS, to create condi- nisms for terrorist crimes and through clear plans and pro- try of Municipality and En- tions for a permanent defeat of addressing the challenges grammes, Minister of Munici- vironment Hassan Jumaa the terrorist group despite the posed by foreign terrorist pality and Environment Engi- Al Muhannadi said World exceptional circumstances due fighters in accordance with in- neer Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Environment Day indicates to the coronavirus (COVD-19) ternational law,” he said. bin Turki al Subaie has said. the importance of concerted pandemic. The FM pointed out that In his speech on the oc- efforts and solidarity of all The FM said that ISIS’ the issue of ISIS detainees and casion, the minister said the to protect the environment, crimes against civilians require their family members in north- special day reflects the im- whether at the global or na- uncompromising measures eastern Syria is an outstanding portance of promoting global tional level. and enhanced cooperation problem that needs a compre- awareness and working for the He said, in light of the across all coalition lines to en- hensive solution. protection and sustainability challenges facing biodiversity sure the protection of civilians The FM affirmed Qatar’s de- of the environment, since eve- at the international level, this and to ensure that ISIS and its He Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani termination to protect the col- ryone has the responsibility to year’s slogan ‘Biodiversity’ affiliates are unable to recon- lective security interests through address environmental chal- came to encourage all to take stitute any regional enclave or achieve the necessary con- more important than ever in made by the government of the work of the coalition. lenges facing the biological ambitious measures. continue to pose an interna- ditions for the recovery and the context of the pandemic,” Iraq in the war against ISIS, The FM thanked US Secre- diversity system. Muhannadi said the min- tional threat to peace and se- stability of Iraq and Syria and the FM said during a meeting which the Prime Minister said, tary of State Mike Pompeo and He said this year’s slogan istry has adopted many pro- curity. to provide the necessary as- of the Global Coalition to De- is one of the priorities of the Italian Minister of Foreign Af- ‘Biodiversity’ comes because grammes and projects that “Qatar is determined to sistance to legitimate partners feat ISIS Small Group. new government. fairs Luigi Di Maio for coordi- of the urgent need to take am- will maintain biological diver- continue its cooperation to on the ground, which are now He appreciated the efforts He said Qatar shares its nating the Small Group. bitious measures to develop a sity in Qatar. Head of Genetic global framework for biologi- Resources Division at the cal diversity beyond 2020 in Ministry of Municipality and a manner that contributes Environment Aisha Dasmal to achieving the goals of the Al Kuwari described plant ge- 1,926 people recover from COVID-19 infection: MoPH 2030 Agenda for Sustainable netic resources as one of the Development during the next national wealth of strategic QNA care to 239, the MoPH said. of contacts with infected family most important of which are to tre and Al Gharafa Health Cen- decade. The minister said and economic value owned DOHA The ministry said in a state- members who were infected in stay at home and observe social tre. Qatar has consistently incor- by countries. She said plant ment that the new cases are the workplace or through visits distancing. Qatar is still in the peak porated the environmental genetic resources are the bio- THE Ministry of Public Health expatriate workers who got in- and family gatherings, the min- The ministry has encour- phase of the virus outbreak, dimension and been keen on logical basis for food security (MoPH) on Thursday an- fected due to contact with in- istry said. The newly-infected aged those who have symptoms which is the reason for the rise the importance of preserv- and sustainable agricultural nounced the registration of dividuals who were previously persons have been put in com- of COVID-19 to either quickly in the number of infections re- ing biological diversity in its development, because it di- 1,581 confirmed new cases of infected, in addition to the new plete isolation in the various contact helpline number 16000 corded daily, the ministry said, development strategies in rectly or indirectly supports coronavirus (COVID-19) infec- cases among groups of workers medical facilities, where they or go directly to one of the desig- stressing the necessity to adhere a manner that balances be- human livelihoods. tion, while 1,926 people recov- in different regions. The new are receiving appropriate medi- nated health centres for testing. to the preventive measures. tween the protection of en- Kuwari described seeds ered from the virus in the past cases were identified through cal care. This is important as the earlier The ministry also stressed vironment and development as the main resource for plant 24 hours, bringing the total investigations by the research The MoPH revealed that the disease is detected, the eas- the importance for the elderly requirements. conservation, reuse and eval- number of recoveries in Qatar and investigation teams of the the infections increased due ier it will be to receive the right or those who suffering from He stressed the ministry uation, noting that, for this to 39,468. MoPH, that contributed to the to family gatherings and visits treatment and recover from it. chronic diseases and their fam- is guided by Qatar National reason, the Genetic Bank of Over 24 hours, 14 new cases early detection of cases. between friends and extended The four main testing cen- ily members to follow strict Vision 2030 and the develop- the Genetic Resources Divi- were admitted to intensive care The number of cases of in- families, and people ignoring tres are Muaither Health Cen- measures to reduce the chances ment plans and strategies that sion was established. due to the virus, taking the to- fections has increased among the preventive measures recom- tre, Rawdat Al Khalil Health of infection, including refrain- tal number of cases in intensive citizens and residents as a result mended by the authorities, the Centre, Umm Slal Health Cen- ing from social visits.

PHCC to close Dental Dept ‘Youngsters must take coronavirus seriously’ at West Bay Health Centre

Continued from page 1  below 30, and even 20 years,” Dr for testing, he added. “As we move those three would transmit to three said resuming business and other tHe Dental Department at West Bay Health “THE availability of sufficient num- Khal said. “More than 90 percent towards a new normal where we others and so on,” Dr Khal added. activities should be done gradu- Centre will be closed temporarily for mainte- ber of beds and medical staff in of the citizens and residents did not have to live with the virus, it is very Dr Khal said authorities are aim- ally and in a prudent manner, with nance from June 7 until further notice, the intensive care units contributed catch the virus, but they are vulner- important that people continue to ing to bring this number down to strict observation of social distanc- public Health Care Corporation (pHCC) has greatly to reducing the number of able to infection and they must take follow preventive measures,” he one and then the virus transmission ing, wearing masks and maintaining announced. deaths,” he said, adding that there full care to protect themselves from cautioned. Dr Khal advised people would recede. He said measures like hand hygiene to avoid resurgence of All appointments at the department and has been a decrease in the number the infection,” he noted. to exercise utmost caution against quarantining and social distancing the virus. “Following lifting of the re- urgent cases will be rescheduled to Qatar of cases entering ICUs. Dr Khal, He pointed out that ensuring COVID-19 as each new case is ex- will go a long way in achieving it. strictions, it is important for people university Health Center during the week, from however, noted that young people people with COVID-19 are treated pected to infect three more people. Dr Khal said the virus will not not to leave their houses unless it is Sunday to thursday, said a press statement too are at the risk of contracting the early is important to prevent their “Going by the basic reproduc- go away even if the precautionary absolutely necessary. This is particu- from the pHCC, adding that all urgent cases virus. “Young people have to take condition worsening. For this rea- tion number of the novel coronavi- measures have been eased and “we larly true for those who are 60 years will be rescheduled to Leabaib Health Center coronavirus seriously as there have son, it is important that people with rus, each infected person transmit must realise that the risk of the virus and older and those with chronic during the weekend -- Friday and Saturday. been deaths among patients aged symptoms present themselves early the virus to three others and each of has not been eliminated”. Dr Khal conditions,” he added. (tNN)

Qatar Airways’ network expands to more than 40 destinations Four Qatar Airways chartered flights to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Airport, recently voted the Best take temporary workers home in India DOHA Airport in the Middle East for the sixth year in a row. will leave for Kochi at 2.30 am proached, Qatar Airways and QATAR Airways’ (QA) grad- To ensure travellers can First flight to leave on Friday. the Indian Embassy in Doha ual rebuilding of its network plan their travel with peace of This is the first time an es- took immediate steps to com- continues with Bangkok, Bar- mind, the airline has also ex- for Kochi today tablishment in the private sec- plete the formalities to send celona, Islamabad, Karachi, tended its booking policies to tor is offering chartered flights the workers home. All COV- Lahore, Peshawar, Singapore offer even more choice to its SANTHOSH CHANDRAN for its workers to travel home ID-19 medical protocols will and Vienna resuming flights passengers. The airline will DOHA amid the COVID-19 pandemic. be maintained while flying this week, growing the airline’s allow unlimited date changes, Speaking to Qatar Trib- them out,” the official said. global network to over 170 and passengers can change QATAR Engineering & Con- une, a senior official at Qcon Many industrial contract- weekly flights to more than 40 their destination as often as struction Company (Qcon), said, “We have requested the ing establishments that re- destinations. they need if it is within 5,000 one of the leading establish- authorities concerned to oper- cruited skilled workers from The airline also announced miles of the original destina- ments in the oil and gas sector, ate 12 more flights to India to abroad for short-term jobs the upcoming resumption of becoming the largest interna- grounded their operations. tion. The airline will not charge will send back 3,000 to 4,000 repatriate our Indian workers have also taken initiatives to flights to Berlin, Dar es Salaam, tional carrier in the last two Qatar Airways’ wide net- any fare differences for travel temporary workers on char- who were brought for shut- arrange chartered flights to New York, Tunis and Venice months both in terms of availa- work of flights to over 40 des- completed before 31 December tered flights to India. down jobs. The repatriation send back their employees to while also increasing services ble seat capacity and passenger tinations across six continents 2020, after which fare rules A total of four flights with drive that begins on Friday will their home countries. to Dublin, Milan and Rome to kilometres transported. This has ensured it has stayed up- will apply. All tickets booked 177 passengers each, operated continue in the coming days.” Most of the reputed indus- daily flights. has enabled carrier to accumu- to-date with the latest in in- for travel up to 31 December by Qatar Airways, will depart Qcon has more than trial establishments have con- By maintaining a global late unrivalled experience in ternational airport procedures 2020 will be valid for two years from the Hamad International 10,000 workers, including siderable number of skilled network that never fell below carrying passengers safely and and implemented the most from the date of issuance. Airport (HIA) to Kochi, Ah- 3,000 to 4,000 temporary workers on short-term con- 30 destinations, Qatar Air- reliably during these uncertain advanced safety and hygiene For full terms and condi- madabad, Mumbai and Ma- workers. tract. These workers are re- ways has led the industry dur- times, especially in comparison measures on board its aircraft tions visit www.qatarairways. durai on Friday. “Sending them back is cruited on a temporary basis ing these challenging times to those airlines that have fully and in Hamad International com/RelyOnUs. The first of these flights our responsibility. When ap- to meet urgent requirements. Friday, June 5, 2020 03 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of islam Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and Islamic Affairs

Parents Must Teach Children Seeking Forgiveness: Tradition of Islamic Manners Question: Is it due upon the mother to teach her daugh- ter, after attaining the age of puberty, the necessity of re- moving the armpit hair or the pubic hair or is this required the Prophets and the Righteous only of the married woman? Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the HE Prophets, may Allah exalt their Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except mention, and the virtuous and Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is righteous people were the quickest His slave and Messenger. of all to comply with the call of Al- It is due on the parents to care about teaching their lah The Almighty. children the sound creed, Sharee‘ah rulings and Islamic TOur father Adam (Adam) and manners they need in order to be brought up on Islamic our mother Hawwaa’ (Eve), may teachings. Among those is to be told that removing the pu- Allah exalt their mention: bic hair and armpit hair is one of the characteristics of the They responded to the call of Allah Sunan of Fitrah (acts of natural predisposition), to which The Almighty immediately after they the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, guided us in his disobeyed Him when Shaytaan (Satan) statement: “Five are the characteristics of Fitrah: circumci- caused them to slip and drove them to sion, shaving the pubic hair, plucking the hair of the arm- commit a sin. They hastened to show pits, clipping the nails and cutting the mustaches short. remorse and to repent. Allah The Al- [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah] mighty Says (what means): {They said, this is not peculiar to the married woman only; rather, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, it is ordained for each Muslim person. It is part of the and if You do not forgive us and have Sunnah to remove the armpit hair and the pubic hair, cut mercy upon us, we will surely be among short the mustaches and clip the nails every time the hair the losers.} [Qur’an 7:23] and nails grow and are ready for that, provided that this is Nooh (Noah), may Allah exalt not delayed for more than forty days. It is proven that Anas, his mention: may Allah be pleased with him, said: When he, may Allah exalt his men- “We have been given a forty-day respite, and no more, tion, felt sympathy for his disbelieving to cut short the mustaches, clip the nails, pluck the hair of son, he said (what means): {…”My Lord, the armpits and shave the pubic hair.” [Muslim] indeed my son is of my family; and in- Allah Knows best. deed, Your promise is true; and You Are the most just of judges!} [Qur’an 11:45] Then Allah The Almighty Said to him tion, who was the intimate friend of Al- said: “By Allah! I ask for forgiveness with him, the best of this nation after (what means): {…”O Nooh, indeed he lah The Exalted, said in the verse (which from Allah The Exalted and turn to Him the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sal- The Cure for Pride and Arrogance is not of your family; indeed, he is [one means): {And who I aspire that He will in repentance more than seventy times a lam, asked the Prophet, sallAllahu whose] work was other than righteous, forgive me my sin on the Day of Recom- day.” [Al-Bukhaari] ‘alayhi wa sallam, “O Messenger of Al- Question: How can we help members of Islamic move- so ask Me not for that about which you pense.} [Qur’an 26:82] Furthermore, Allah The Almighty lah, teach me an invocation with which ments to get rid of pride and arrogance? have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise Moosa (Moses), may Allah ex- urges the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi I may invoke Allah in my prayers.” The Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the you, lest you be among the ignorant.} alt his mention: wa sallam, to seek His forgiveness. He, Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship [Qur’an 11:46] Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, the Exalted, Says (what means): {… said: “Say, ‘Allahumma inni thalamtu except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi Then, Nooh, may Allah exalt his says in the verse (which means): {He ask forgiveness for your sin and for nafsi thulman katheeran wa la yaghfir wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. mention, asked for the forgiveness of said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged the believing men and believing wom- ath-thunoob illa ant; ighfir li maghfi- the cure for pride and arrogance in the Islamic Allah The Almighty, repenting of what myself, so forgive me,” and He forgave en…} [Qur’an 47:19] ratan min ‘indik wa irhamni, innaka movement or any other is by remembering the following: he said. Allah The Almighty Says (what him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Yoonus (Jonah), may Allah ex- anta Al-Ghafoor Ar-Raheem (O Allah, Remembering the Greatness of Allah, the Almighty, means): {… “My Lord, I seek refuge in Merciful.} [Qur’an 28:16] He, may Al- alt his mention: I have wronged my soul very much and that pride is one of His Attributes. In a Hadeeth You from asking that of which I have lah exalt his mention, also says (what Prophet Yoonus, may Allah exalt his and none forgives the sins but You; so on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be no knowledge. And unless You forgive means): {[Moosa] said, “My Lord, for- mention, called out in the darkness of please bestow Your forgiveness and pleased with him, the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa me and have mercy upon me, I will be give me and my brother and admit us the whale’s belly (what means): {There mercy upon me. No doubt, You are sallam, reported that Allah the Almighty said that among the losers.} [Qur’an 11:47] into Your mercy, for You are the Most is no deity except You; exalted are You. the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merci- pride, Glory and Greatness are among His Attributes Besides, after Allah The Exalted Merciful of the merciful.} [Qur’an 7:151] Indeed, I have been of the wrongdo- ful).’” [Al-Bukhaari] which none of His creation shares with Him. thus, had punished the disbelieving people Muhammad, sallAllahu ‘alayhi ers.} [Qur’an 21:87] ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased he who claims to possess such qualities, Allah will of Nooh, may Allah exalt his men- wa sallam: Daawood (David), may Allah with him: punish him and doom him to Hell. [Muslim] tion, with drowning and saved the The Companions of the Prophet, exalt his mention: ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with Remembering man’s origin and weakness. Allah Says believing people with Nooh, may Al- sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, narrated Daawood, may Allah exalt his him, said to the Prophet, sallAllahu (what means): {He created man from a sperm-drop; lah exalt his mention, he said (which that the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa mention, supplicated Allah The Ex- ‘alayhi wa sallam, “O Messenger of Al- then at once he is a clear adversary}[Qur’an 16:4] means): {My Lord, forgive me and my sallam, used to seek the forgiveness of alted as Allah The Exalted Says (what lah, ask forgiveness for me.” Remembering the punishment for pride and ar- parents and whoever enters my house Allah The Almighty at least one hun- means): {And Daawood became certain There are numerous righteous rogance. In a Hadeeth on the authority of Ibn a believer and the believing men and dred times in each gathering, saying: “O that We had tried him, and he asked and devout people other than these, Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with him, the proph- believing women. And do not increase Lord, forgive my sins and grant me (ac- forgiveness of his Lord and fell down who used to seek the forgiveness of et, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, informed that he the wrongdoers except in destruc- cept my) repentance; for You are the Ac- bowing [in prostration] and turned in Allah The Almighty frequently; re- who harbours pride in his heart, even equal to the tion.} [Qur’an 71:28] cepting of repentance, the Merciful.” In repentance [to Allah].} [Qur’an 38: 24] pentance was their banner, their re- weight of a grain of mustard seed, will not enter Ibraaheem (Abraham), may another version: “… You are the Forgiv- Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased quest for forgiveness was their slo- paradise. [Muslim] Allah exalt his mention: ing, the Merciful.” [Abu Daawood] The with him: gan, and they repeatedly turned to Remembering that arrogance causes defeat and Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his men- Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased Allah The Almighty. failure. Allah Says (what means): {And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people.}[Qur’an 8:47] this refers to the people of Quraysh when they went into the Battle of Badr. Remembering that modesty, in contrast, results in might, honour and superiority. In a Hadeeth on the PerFecting our chArActer authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stat- AVING good morals and manners lims, he was humble. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, went to visit him. his/her little secret. Besides, you are ed that nobody becomes modest and humbles is an essential requisite of our faith ‘alayhi wa sallam, never belittled his Genuinely touched by the Prophet’s, going to make the person you are tell- himself for the sake of Allah, but Allah raises and H— and that takes much thought and Companions, may Allah be pleased sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, visit and ing promise not to tell anyone, just like honours his status. effort. with them. When someone would sincere thought, the man declared his you did. Enter moral code and you stop, Allah Knows best. The Beloved Messenger of Allah, speak to him, he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa belief in the Message of Muhammad, reminding yourself that a promise is a sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The sallam, would turn around fully to talk. sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. promise. best amongst you are the best in charac- He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did This teaches us that we should in- The lesson here is to be trustworthy, ter and manners.” (Al-Bukhaari) not answer carelessly while walking sist on being kindhearted to people, as whether it is with feelings, thoughts and Improving our character, however, away nor did he merely turn his head much as we can, and do it with sincerity, emotions or with material possessions. is not at all an easy task. One must go towards them. When he, sallallaahu sometimes even for those who are not This also was one of the Prophet’s, sal- through rigorous self-discipline, moni- ‘alayhi wa sallam, shook hands with nice to us. This is good character. lallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, great charac- toring and education in order to reform someone, he gripped with his whole The way to establish a good moral teristics. “And establish the Prayer. Indeed, our entire way of thinking and acting. hand and never was the first to release code is to clear our heads of bad ideas The last scenario takes place at a What is good character? How can his grip. When speaking with him, he, and interpretations. We have to teach coffee shop. You are happily sipping the Pryer prohibits immorality and we do good things? The simplest way to sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, never was ourselves different and better ways to your mocha latte and reading the news- answer these questions is to look at the the first to look away. When he walked analyse ideas and events that we may paper when you look at the time and wrongdoing” Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi into a congregation, he, sallallaahu come across. This may sound easy, but realise you are late for work. As you are wa sallam, as a role model. He, sallal- ‘alayhi wa sallam, never demanded to for most of us it requires intense train- scurrying to get your stuff together, you – [Qur’an 29:45] laahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is the perfect sit at the centre or near the front. He, ing and effort. spill what is left of your latte. You tell example of good character. Allah says sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, just sat Let us look at some scenarios as ex- yourself that it’s OK, one of the employ- about him, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sal- wherever he found space. amples. Let us say we are going out for a ees will eventually realise that there is a lam, in the Qur’an (what means): “You He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sal- walk. We are walking along and we get spill and clean it up. Enter your moral have indeed in the Messenger of Allah lam, encouraged his Companions, stopped by a homeless person who asks code that reminds you that someone a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any may Allah be pleased with them, to be us for money for food. Some of us will can slip and fall on that. Further, clean- one whose hope is in Allah and the Fi- the best they could be. He, sallallaahu completely ignore this person and in- liness is a part of Islamic belief. So you nal Day, and who engages much in the ‘alayhi wa sallam, brought out the best clude him in a stereotype we might have take a minute or two to clean it up. Praise of Allah.” [Qur’an 33:21] in all of his Companions, may Allah of homeless people. We might think There are a couple of lessons here. One salient attribute of the Proph- be pleased with them. He, sallallaahu that this person will use the money for First, you prevented a possibly harmful et’s, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, char- ‘alayhi wa sallam, took people who cigarettes or alcohol. We might even slip and fall accident. The Prophet, sal- acter was perfection — and that he used to bury their own babies alive and wonder why this person does not have lallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was reported sought perfection in everything he did. transformed them into compassionate, a job like the rest of us. Enter our new as saying: “Eeman (belief) consists of He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was caring human beings. and improved moral code — we can ei- more than sixty branches. The highest the best father, the best husband, the He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sal- ther give this person money for the sake of which is the declaration of the Sha- “Be conscious of Allah; do not curse Satan in best leader, the best teacher and the lam, did not accomplish this by sitting of Allah and ask him to buy food with it haadah (i.e. the testimony that there is best friend. around and telling people what to do. or run over to the nearest fast food res- None worthy of worship except Allah) public while befriending him in private.” According to his Companions, may The Companions, may Allah be pleased taurant and buy this person a meal. and the lowest of which is the removal – Wahb ibn Munabbih Allah be pleased with them, he, sallal- with them, emulated his actions, thus The lesson here is to never turn of harm out of the way.” (Ahmad) laahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was known to caused a domino effect. away a person who asks you for help. Secondly, you portrayed a positive be the most honest, patient, trustwor- There is a story of a disbeliever who This was the character of our beloved image of Islam and Muslims. thy, gracious and compassionate per- used to place fecal matter in the path Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Before we act or react to anything, son of their time. His wonderful charac- that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi Scenario number two: A friend of we should ask ourselves: “What would “Do not envy one another; do not hate one ter gave him a magnetic personality that wa sallam, walked every morning. The yours trusts you with a secret that he/ the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sal- everyone around him loved dearly. Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sal- she thinks is important. You promise lam, have done?” The prayer and fast- another; do not turn your back on one an- The lesson for us is to perfect every- lam, would see it in his path until one him/her not to tell anyone. Shortly af- ing alone will not guarantee us Para- thing we do, however small it is, even in day he did not. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi ter, you are speaking with a mutual dise. Righteous, positive character is other (in discontent); (but) be slaves of Allah mundane daily actions such as slaugh- wa sallam, thought this was strange so friend and you think his/her secret Islamic character. Once we develop as brothers.” tering animals for food. he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, asked would make a nice conversation topic. a more positive, Islamic approach on Although he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa about this man. It turned out that he After all, you do not know why your the events that occur, we will perfect – [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] sallam, was the leader of all the Mus- was ill. So, the Prophet, sallallaahu friend is making such a big deal out of our character. 04 Friday, June 5, 2020 Middle east / Africa

news Africa CDC tries to ramp up coronavirus tests as lockdowns ease in brief AFP said. month for the next six months, ADDIS ABABA As of Thursday morning, Nkengasong said. woman responsible for 42 covid Africa had recorded 162,000 Despite this progress, he infections in lebanon, says minister AFRICA needs to triple its cor- cases and 4,600 deaths, with acknowledged that conduct- onavirus testing in the coming an average of 5,400 new cas- ing 10 million tests would still beiruT A lebanese woman who recently returned from saudi months “to move ahead of the es per day in the past week, cover less than one percent of Arabia is responsible for infecting 42 people with covid-19 in curve” as more countries ease Nkengasong said. Africa’s population. the village of barja, south of beirut, health minister hamad lockdown measures, the direc- Those numbers could spike Africa would need to con- hassan said on Thursday. tor of the Africa Centres for as countries ease lockdown duct 65.5 million more tests hassan called on returnees to abide by the self-quarantine Disease Control and Preven- measures imposed to limit the “to achieve the high rate of rules to avoid “danger for others.” he added that there will be tion said Thursday. spread of the virus, he added. ‘mass testing’ being seen in a meeting with mayors across the country on Friday to discuss The continent has so far “Our situation will likely Europe and elsewhere that is ways to ensure people arriving from abroad stay home and conducted 3.4 million tests, get worse before it gets better,” required to contain the virus,” avoid contact with others. a figure that director Dr John Nkengasong warned. A worker measures the temperature of a client in a small furniture Kate Dooley of the Tony Blair A barja resident told dpa that the woman had received Nkengasong told journalists he “As we begin to relax some shop in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. (AFp) Institute for Global Change many relatives and friends after her arrival, many of whom wants to see climb to 10 mil- of the lockdown measures, said in a statement Thursday. became infected. he added that some 111 polymerase chain lion “in the next two or three which is part of balancing be- Yet some countries still ratory kits, and that’s where we The institute has called reaction (Pcr) coronavirus tests were conducted, focusing on months”. tween saving lives and saving don’t have the kits they need. are actually getting squeezed on the Africa CDC and Afri- those who have been in contact with her. The current total trans- the economy, we expect to see South Africa reported last now,” Health Minister Zweli can governments to source on Thursday, lebanon registered 50 new cases of corona- lates to a rate of 1,700 tests that numbers will increase.” week it had more than 83,000 Mkhize said last week. antibody tests, which it says virus, raising the total number to 1,306. (DPA) per one million people across The Africa CDC has so far samples that were unprocessed A platform established to are “cheaper and easier to ad- Africa, far below the UK’s rate distributed 2.5 million tests to for lack of supplies. help African countries procure minister” and can help “gather of 30,000 tests per million and African Union member states, “The whole world is scram- supplies to combat COVID-19 further information on where nigerian army kills almost 400 bandits Italy’s 37,000, Nkengasong the director said. bling to get all the kits, the labo- has secured 15 million tests per transmission has taken place”. during land, air operation lAgos soldiers have killed almost 400 bandits during land and air offensives in northern nigeria, the army said on Thursday. Palestinians The criminals had attacked and killed civilians during raids on villages in the region, army spokesman major general John iran reports most refuse tax enenche said in a statement. The heavily armed gangs of ban- dits regularly raid villages to steal livestock and other goods, while indiscriminately killing whomever gets in their way and money kidnapping residents, according to enenche. President muhammadu buhari ordered the military opera- from Israel, tion on may 28, after about a hundred gunmen raided several new virus cases since villages in sokoto state and killed more than 60 people in a single night. (DPA) accusing it of ‘blackmail’ Syrian ground defences confront israeli outbreak began DPA airstrikes: State media teL AVIV/RAMALLAH AFP DAMASCuS Syrian ground defences confronted an Israeli air teHRAN THE cash-strapped Palestin- attack in the countryside of north-western Hama province, Syr- ian Authority (PA) has refused ian state media reported late thursday. IRAN announced 3,574 new to accept the 200-million-dol- the state-run Syrian News Agency (SANA) said the Israeli coronavirus infections Thurs- lar monthly tax revenues col- “aggression” targeted the area outside of the city of Misyaf. day, the most in one day since lected by Israel, accusing it of A Syrian military source told dpa the sound of loud explosions the pandemic started, as au- “blackmail.” were heard. thorities increase health warn- Its refusal to accept So far, there has been no comment from Israel. ings following a resurgence in the money, announced on A Lebanese security source said Israeli planes used Leba- recorded cases. Wednesday night, means that nese airspace to hit targets in Syria. After hitting a near two- the PA will not be able to pay the Britain-based Syrian Observatory, a watchdog, said month low in early May, novel its employees salaries for the Israel targeted military posts for the Syrian government troops. coronavirus infections have month of May. Israel had previously conducted strikes against targets in been on a rising trajectory in The PA’s government Syria, claiming they were part of an effort to prevent Iran from the Islamic republic, which spokesman, Ibrahim Milhem, building up its military influence in the region. is battling the Middle East’s said on Thursday morning iran has been a major ally of syrian President bashar deadliest outbreak of the dis- that Israel had demanded the al-Assad since a pro-democracy uprising erupted against his ease. PA contact it through the co- regime in 2011. (DPA) Thursday was the fourth ordinating office if it wants the straight day that the daily money transferred. caseload had topped 3,000. Since the PA has ended all The previous high was contact with Israel, it refused 3,186, recorded on March 30, to do so. at the height of the initial out- The Israeli Finance Min- S African govt to appeal break. istry declined to comment on The health ministry has the matter. court judgement declaring been taking no chances and Palestinian President has stepped up a public health Iranians walk along a street in Tehran. The spread of novel coronavirus has accelerated again this month Mahmoud Abbas in May de- lockdown rules ‘invalid’ campaign in recent days. in Iran. (AFp) clared an end to all agree- “Not respecting social dis- ments and understandings AFP Gauteng High Court decision... tancing and public and per- of wider testing rather than a ing late last month that Iran ommended the use of masks with Israel and the United JOHANNeSBuRG on an urgent basis.” sonal hygiene rules, along second wave of infection. was “among the countries that and urged Iranians to limit States, in response to Israeli The government also ex- with undertaking unneces- Jahanpour said Thursday have succeeded”. unnecessary travel. plans to annex settlements in SOUTH Africa’s government tended by another month a sary travel, can have irrepa- that Iran had now conducted But Health Minister Saeed According to state tel- the Jordan Valley in the occu- on Thursday said it would ap- state of national disaster de- rable consequences,” warned more than a million tests. Namaki, who is a doctor by evision, he expressed concern pied West Bank. peal a court ruling that struck clared at the start of South Af- an announcement running on The state TV channel has profession, and other officials that the population seemed Previously, the money was down a raft of coronavirus rica’s coronavirus outbreak in repeat on the state television also been broadcasting an ani- are using more tempered lan- less convinced than before sent at the end of every month lockdown regulations. mid-March, and which is now information channel. mated info-graphic, accompa- guage. about the need to stay home through direct bank transfer A provincial division of expected to end on July 15. Health ministry spokes- nied by dramatic music, say- On Tuesday, the minister and respect social distancing. without any coordination. the High Court on Tuesday Africa’s most industrialised man Kianoush Jahanpour said ing that Iran was faring much lamented that people were ig- Meanwhile, life in Teh- The PA, which is expected ruled in favour of a community economy rolled out one of the Thursday that 59 people had better than other countries in noring social distancing rules. ran, a city of some 10 million now to borrow money from group that filed a legal chal- world’s strictest lockdowns on died of COVID-19 over the the pandemic. “The fact that people have people, has almost returned local banks to pay salaries, lenge against the government’s March 27, shuttering almost all past 24 hours, taking Iran’s Although it has registered become completely careless to normal, with traffic jams hopes a third party, such as response to the pandemic last businesses and banning non- overall official toll to 8,071. the most deaths from the virus regarding this disease” was of and crowded streets, buses the United Nations, the World month. essential outings. Despite the uptick in new in the Middle East, official fig- great concern, the ISNA news and metros, though wearing a Bank or the European Un- Judges declared confine- But the economic costs have infections, the official number ures put its toll far behind sev- agency quoted him as saying. mask is compulsory on public ion could intervene to get the ment measures imposed under been heavy, stoking frustra- of daily deaths has remained eral other countries in Europe “Certain people and cer- transport. money to the PA. levels three and four of a five- tions about the government’s below 100 in recent weeks. and beyond. tain officials do not take (the But nine of the country’s Last year, the PA for tier lockdown to be “uncon- handling of the outbreak. A total of 164,270 people The Islamic republic’s threat of) coronavirus seri- 31 provinces are still under a months refused all tax and stitutional and invalid”, after South Africa’s main op- have tested positive for the archfoe, the United States, ously”, state TV cites Namaki “health alert”, Jahanpour said customs money collected on which the verdict was suspend- position, the Democratic Al- virus since the first cases were which has reimposed crippling as saying in its rolling health Wednesday, while the south- its behalf by Israel, after Israel ed for 14 days. liance, also contested some announced in February. sanctions on Iran’s economy, messages. western province of Khuz- began to freeze a portion of “We are of the view that lockdown rules in court last There has been some scep- has reported the highest total Since April, authorities estan remains classified as a the money, contesting its use another court might come to month, including a ban on e- ticism at home and abroad number of cases and deaths have progressively lifted re- “red zone” -- the highest level to help the families of Pales- a different conclusion on the commerce and a night curfew. about Iran’s official figures, worldwide from the disease. strictions imposed to curb the of risk in the country. tinian attackers killed or jailed matter,” the cabinet said in a The country has Africa’s with concerns the real toll President Hassan Rou- outbreak. People “either have total by Israel. statement released after a vir- highest number of coronavirus could be much higher. hani has praised the Iranian Iraj Harirchi, a deputy confidence in us or think the In October, the PA agreed tual meeting. cases, with 35,815 infections Officials have appeared government’s performance in health minister who tested coronavirus has gone. The lat- to take the money again after “Cabinet has therefore and at least 755 deaths record- to suggest that the surge in dealing with coronavirus as a positive for the virus in late ter is not true at all,” Namaki reaching an agreement with decided to appeal the North ed to date. new cases could be the result source of “great pride”, say- February, has “strongly” rec- said. Israel.

Head of Libya unity govt says ‘determined’ to control whole country Jordan says to lift ‘most’ AFP Thursday it was back in full ment on the battlefield say- coronavirus restrictions ANKARA control of the capital and its ing it was right to use “self- suburbs after more than a year defence”, adding that Haftar AFP new infections to less than 10 THE head of Libya’s UN-rec- of fighting off an offensive by cannot remain at the negotiat- AMMAN per day over the last week. ognised unity government, eastern strongman Haftar. ing table. Jordan has confirmed a cu- Fayez al-Sarraj, said on Thurs- Haftar is supported by “An individual who con- JORDAN announced Thurs- mulative total of 765 cases of day that his forces were “deter- neighbouring Egypt and the stantly threatens the future of day it will lift most restrictions the respiratory disease in the mined” to take over the entire United Arab Emirates as well Libya cannot have a represen- imposed to curb the spread kingdom, of which just nine country from his rival, military as Russia. tation capability at the table,” of the novel coronavirus, with have been fatal. commander Khalifa Haftar. A January truce brokered the Turkish leader said. mosques, restaurants and Mosques, churches, ports, “Our fight continues and by Turkey and Russia has He also criticised outside churches allowed to reopen. business activities, restaurants we are determined to defeat been repeatedly violated, the countries backing Haftar, say- There will be “a period of and cafes will be allowed to re- the enemy, impose state con- UN said talks on a ceasefire ing they were “the biggest ob- general easing” of the lock- open and travel between cities trol on the whole of the home- resumed Wednesday, welcom- stacle before peace” in Libya. down, Prime Minister Omar will also be authorised from land and destroy all those who ing it as a “positive” first step. Turkish President Recep Tayyip erdogan (right) and Libyan Prime “History will judge them.” al-Razzaz told reporters on Saturday, authorities say. jeopardise the construction of In Ankara, Sarraj said: Minister Fayez al-Sarraj (left) hold a joint press conference at the Erdogan also said Turkey Thursday. Tourism activities will also a civil, democratic and modern “We will always stay loyal to Presidential Complex in Ankara on Thursday. (AFp) would advance its cooperation Information Minister Am- be allowed for Jordanian resi- state,” Sarraj said in Ankara af- the blood of our martyrs and with Libya including search- jad al-Adayleh said most re- dents, with internal flights re- ter meeting Turkish President the sacrifices of our heroes, process.” tasted defeat at the doors of ing for hydrocarbons in the strictions imposed over the last suming and hotels re-opening. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his hence our decision not to sit at He also urged countries Tripoli. Leave us alone.” eastern Mediterranean, as part two months to rein in the virus But schools, universities main supporter. the table with the war criminal backing Haftar to stop doing so. For his part, Erdogan wel- of a bilateral maritime deal would be lifted from Saturday. and cinemas will stay closed Sarraj’s Government of (Haftar) because he has never “Your bet has failed and comed the recent advances reached between the two gov- The announcements come and a suspension of interna- National Accord (GNA) said been a partner in the political we will sue you after you have made by the Tripoli govern- ernments. amid a decline in confirmed tional flights will remain. Friday, June 5, 2020 05

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 opinion hAMAd Bin suhAiM Al thAni CHAIRMAN Adel Ali Bin Ali MANAGING DIRECTOR dr hAssAn MohAMMed Al AnsAri EDITOR-IN-CHIEF China’s Position On The Latest Legislative Decision Of National Security In Hong Kong The legislation for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong is China’s internal affair, and no foreign country has the right to interfere. The Chinese government is determined to safeguard the nation’s security to implement ‘one country, two systems’

HE ZHOU JIAN arbitrarily imposes the national se- all voiced their endorsement. Many lent into a halt, and provide a more DOHA curity legislation on Hong Kong’, people also expressed their support peaceful and stable society, a more Such critics need to understand that online. This fully demonstrated that perfected legal system, and a more RACTICES at home and the Central Government is respon- it is the majority of public opinion predictable business environment. abroad have shown that na- sible for upholding national secu- towards stability, development, and Only in this way can we consolidate tional security is the very rity in China, as is the case in every the rule of law in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong’s position as an interna- foundation for a country to country. The Central Government legislation, which is passed by an tional financial, trade and shipping survive and thrive; without holds the primary and ultimate re- overwhelming majority in the NPC, centre, and the legitimate rights and Pit, peace, stability development sponsibility for national security in fully reflects people’s will and the interests of foreign investors and and prosperity would be impossi- all local administrative regions. This mainstream trend. travelers can really be guaranteed. ble. No country, including China is the basic principle of national sov- In regards to fear shown from Throughout the history of Chi- and Qatar, will ever turn a blind ereignty, and a common practice in some quarters as National Secu- na and Qatar, our two countries eye to illegal acts that jeopardise all countries around the world. The rity Legislation may damage Hong both uphold a consistent position national security. NPC’s decision has very legal princi- Kong’s status as a global financial in regards to national sovereignty At present, Hong Kong is facing ples to follow. centre, which will affect investor’s and security, and are determined unprecedented risks and challenges First, Hong Kong is a special confidence in Hong Kong, I will say in opposing any external interfer- in safeguarding national security. administrative region of China. As that in recent years, Hong Kong, ence. This is our common tradi- During the turmoil last year, radical Article 31 of China’s Constitution the ‘Pearl of orient’, has become a tions, so we believe that our Qatari separatists advocating “Hong Kong stipulates, “The state may estab- popular destination for investment friends can understand, respect independence” ramped up with es- lish special administrative regions and tourism for Qataris. There are and support China’s position and calating violence and even terrorist when necessary. The systems to be two flights per day between Doha efforts in maintaining national se- acts, some external forces also came instituted in special administrative tries like UK, France, Germany while protecting the overwhelming and Hong Kong, carrying Qatari curity through this legislation. We in meddling with Hong Kong affairs. regions shall be prescribed by law and Japan have also established majority of law-abiding Hong Kong friends for business, tour and shop- also hope that our friends in Qatar Hong Kong, known as the “pearl of enacted by the National People’s legal systems regulating national residents. Only when national secu- ping, enjoying the prosperity, stabil- will have more confidence in Hong orient”, became a frontier of instiga- Congress in the light of specific con- security. China’s decision has the rity is safeguarded can “one coun- ity and charm of this international Kong’s future. We welcome you to tion, secession, subversion and infil- ditions.” Therefore the NPC has the same as any other country, which try, two systems” be fully, faithfully metropolis. Qatar has a consulate go to Hong Kong for business, in- tration. The metropolis has turned supreme power and the obligation to is to safeguard national security. It and smoothly implemented, then in Hong Kong, and maintains close vestment and tourism, so that the from one of the safest cities in the fulfill its constitutional duty to safe- is simply unfair to stigmatise and Hong Kong residents could really economic, trade, and investment ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and Qatar as world to a battlefield of violence. All guard national security in accord- demonise others’ efforts to plug gain a sense of security, certainty cooperation with the SAR. We are ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ will shine together these have jeopardised national se- ance with the Constitution and the national security loopholes, while and happiness. pleased to see that in 2019, the QFC and benefit both peoples. curity in Hong Kong, posing a huge Basic Law, and take necessary legis- calling their own national security Every country in the world has has signed a MoU of investment Hong Kong is a special admin- threat to its long-term prosper- lative actions in line with the needs measures at home as completely its own national security legisla- cooperation with the Hong Kong istrative region of China. It is a ity and the implementation of “one in the HKSAR, including enacting justified. In other words, national tion. How could such legislation Investment Promotion Agency and common practice for the Central country, two systems” principle. legislation concerning national se- security should not be a privilege harm democracy and freedom? On the Hong Kong Chamber of Com- Government to implement national Meanwhile, 23 years after Hong curity in the SAR, and establishing for only a few, or exploited as an the contrary, China’s decision on merce. Qatar National Bank opened security legislation and enforcement Kong’s return, the legislation re- relevant legal system and enforce- excuse, we do not accept double the legislation will not affect the its first branch in Hong Kong, and mechanisms in any local adminis- quired by Article 23 of the Basic Law ment mechanisms. Therefore, the standards on this issue. basic rights enjoyed by Hong Kong Qatar Airways also purchased large trative region. No country would regarding national security is yet to NPC’s decision has solid legal foot- Then there are some people residents, but will provide a safer shares of Cathy Pacific. All this ever allow activities within its own be completed, and even is under ing and supreme legal authority. who worry that the Chinese Central environment to better protect their shows Qatar’s deepening interests territory that advocate separatism the risk of being “paused” for a long Second, through Article 23 of government will gradually tighten rights and the freedom of speech, in the Hong Kong SAR. and undermines national security. term because of the obstruction of the Basic Law, the Central Govern- its grip on Hong Kong, changing news, demonstration, etc. Regrettably, since the turmoil The United States has dozens of na- anti-China radicals and external ment authorises the HKSAR to en- the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ The Chinese government is last year, “Hong Kong independ- tional security legislation and regu- interference. Added with the lack act laws on its own, but it does not and the autonomy, democracy and firmly committed to implement the ence” and local radical separatists lations, building up an unbreakable of effective execution of existing change the fact that national secu- freedom of Hong Kong. To such “one country, two systems”, which colluded with foreign forces, and wall of national security, but in- legal provisions related to national rity legislation is within the purview critics, my reply would be that the is guided by two principles: the first ramped up violent activities, advo- sisted on breaking holes on China’s security, the legal and enforcement of the Central Government, nor does original mission of “one country, is to ensure that “one country, two cating independence and paralys- wall and efforts to secure its own mechanism in the HKSAR faces it prevent the Central Government two systems” is to uphold national systems” will stay unchanged and ing the government. This not only country. This shows nothing but the severe deficiencies in safeguard- to take necessary steps to fulfill its sovereignty, solidarity and ter- be upheld unswerving; second is severely damages national security, double standards and political sup- ing national security, and Hong constitutional duty. Especially when ritorial integrity, and to maintain to ensure that the policy is applied but has also thrown Hong Kong into pression of the. Kong remains an “unguarded” city national security faces imminent long-term prosperity and stabil- without being bent or distorted. the most dangerous situation since We would like to tell the US, against activities that endangers the risk, and the SAR Government en- ity in Hong Kong. “One country” The legislation will not change the its return to mainland in 1997. In- that the legislation for safeguard- national security, which is highly counters difficulties in enacting rel- is the prerequisite for and founda- existing capitalist system in Hong ternational rating agencies have re- ing national security in Hong unusual in the world. In order to evant laws on its own because of the tion of “two systems”, while “two Kong, or its high degree of auton- peatedly downgraded Hong Kong’s Kong is purely China’s internal safeguard national security and turmoil, the Central Government systems” are subordinate to and omy and the independence of legal credit rating. Hong Kong has lost its affair, and no foreign country has long-term prosperity and stability has to act decisively, and enact legis- derived from “one country”. Should system. The rights and freedoms of position as the world’s freest econo- the right to interfere. The Chinese in Hong Kong, and to protect the lation at the state level. The decision the “cone country” principle be un- Hong Kong residents, as well as the my after 25 years, and its GDP has government is firm in its determi- legitimate rights and interests of is compelled by recent turmoil and dermined, “two Systems” would be judicial power and final jurisdic- seen reduction for the first time over nation to safeguard China’s sover- 7 million Hong Kong residents, it the need to target anti-China forces. impossible. Who is undermining tion of the SAR will not be altered. a decade. Their business was affect- eignty, security and development is imperative to close loopholes in Furthermore, I also want to “one country, two systems”? It is The international community has ed, people’s lives were affected, and interests, to implement the princi- existing laws and create a ‘security point out that national security those who undermined the territo- the very reason to stay assured of all its trading partners were affect- ple of “one country, two systems” net’ for Hong Kong. Therefore, na- legislation is an international rial integrity and advocates sepa- the legislation. ed. Qatari friends have also faced and to oppose any external inter- tional security legislation in Hong practice. After the 9-11 terrorist ratism and terrorism, and those National security and stabil- with hurdles when travelling and ference in Hong Kong affairs. If Kong is right and proper and of attacks, the United States quickly who blatantly meddled in Hong ity of Hong Kong are the common doing business in Hong Kong. someone is bent on harming Chi- greatest urgency. introduced the USA Patriot Act, Kong affairs. The NPC’s legisla- aspirations of the vast majority of The national security legisla- na’s interests, China will take all In regards to some reservations the Homeland Security Act and tive decision targets precisely acts residents. After the decision of the tion precisely targets the deadly necessary measures to hit back. from some Western politicians on other legislations regarding na- of secession, subversion, terrorism legislation was approved, the SAR loopholes in Hong Kong’s national claiming that the legislation has tional security. Nowadays, nation- and external interference, which government, the Legislative Coun- security. Its aim is to eradicate the (HE Zhou Jian is Ambassador ‘bypassed the legislative process of al security laws in the US are even would be a small minority of crimi- cil and its members, as well as rep- ground of radical separatists, put of People’s Republic of Hong Kong’ and ‘unilaterally and more diverse and complex. Coun- nals jeopardising national security, resentatives of all walks of life have the long lasting disorder and vio- China to State of Qatar)

Your Brand Shouldn’t Stay Silent About The Killing of George Floyd

Silence about social justice issues does more harm than good. Here’s how to speak up

SONIA THOMPSON As I’ve perused my social channels over Floyd has unleashed the pent-up pain ways that people work through their pain to one another, and to find healing in our TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE the past week, I’ve seen numerous com- of years, as have the killings of Ahmaud is by talking about it. common humanity. We also have free re- ments such as this one, which captures the Arbery and Breonna Taylor. We say Provide opportunities for those on sources that can help, including our Em- HE United States is in an uproar with critical need for brands to speak up: their names and hold a too-long list of your staff to talk about what’s going on. ployee Assistance Program and mental all the protests in response to the po- This is the first time in my life where others in our hearts. When you try to silence or limit these con- health resources you can learn about on Tlice killing of George Floyd. While I started pulling up on social to see what At a minimum, simply say the words versations to forums outside of your work the People site. what’s happening may seem like a social side of history the people I follow stood on. “Black Lives Matter.” place, you communicate that your com- In these conversations, you don’t have justice issue, brands cannot afford to stay Those who aren’t saying anything, that’s Be clear about the actions your pany is not a “safe space” to tackle such to advise anyone or position yourself as an on the sidelines. all I needed to hear. It can’t be business brand is taking. Social media posts important issues. expert on racial inequality. You don’t have Your customers, particularly your as usual when there is an assault on a seg- and email broadcasts are a great first So, encourage and engage in dia- to provide solutions for all of society’s black customers, want to know whether ment of the American population. start--but they’re just a start. You have to logue. Hold space for those who are problems. Just asking how people are do- the brands they spend their hard-earned Don’t stay silent. Here are some quick demonstrate your commitment to mak- connected to your company. Be active ing, creating a safe environment for them dollars on are for them. They want to know guidelines to help you along as you craft ing positive change by working to ad- in comments and discussions on social to share, and then listening to what they that your brand cares about them as peo- your response to this growing movement vance the cause. media. Organise team meetings. When have to say can work wonders. Being em- ple, not just as customers. and pivotal point in history. Donating to organisations doing im- possible, provide resources to help your pathetic will almost never steer you wrong. Business is about belonging. And for Acknowledge the injustices that portant work to dismantle systemic rac- team work through this. And if the conversation begs for an- your customers to feel like they belong have negatively impacted the black ism, ensuring that your own workforce is In his email to employees, Apple CEO swers you don’t have, it’s okay to admit with you, you have to demonstrate that community. We can’t begin to fix the diverse, and making your marketing ef- Tim Cook encouraged communication: it. Commit to working together to figure you see them, you value them, and you problem until we recognise that it exists. forts inclusive are all great ways to do so. For all of our colleagues hurting right things out, and then follow through. care about the fundamental issues that Target did it by naming those whose Be a part of the ongoing dialogue. now, please know that you are not alone, Both your team and your customers concern them, especially when they are senseless killings occurred in the past People--both your team members and and that we have resources to support need you to speak up and lead. Don’t leave being treated unjustly. few months. The murder of George your customers--are hurting. One of the you. It’s more important than ever to talk them hanging, or they just might leave you.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. 06 Friday, June 5, 2020 Asia / world

news India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China tensions loom in brief AFP as they hailed an upgrade of The foreign and defence in a media briefing later Thurs- Japanese student NeW DeLHI their strategic partnership. ministers will now meet at least day that “there was no discus- held after two killed “India is committed to fur- biannually to discuss strategic sion on China” in the summit. INDIA and Australia strength- ther intensifying comprehensive issues, the two nations said in a But analysts said Beijing’s with crossbow ened defence ties Thursday, relations with Australia,” India’s joint statement. increasing assertiveness in the tOKyO Japanese police on including sealing a pact to boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi Other agreements on edu- region, as well as ongoing US- thursday arrested a univer- military logistics support and said in opening remarks. cation, mining, and defence sci- China tensions, was pushing In- sity student suspected of maritime cooperation, as both “This is important not only ence and technology were also dia and Australia closer togeth- killing two members of his nations experience heightened for our two nations, but is also inked during the summit, which er to mitigate some of that risk. family with a crossbow and tensions with regional super- needed for the Indo-Pacific re- took place after two earlier “I didn’t expect these two injuring two others in a rare power China. gion as well as for the world.” scheduled visits by Morrison to would mention the ‘C’ word, violent crime in the country. In a virtual summit held on- His Australian counterpart India were postponed because China, but it was very much at police in takarazuka line as the coronavirus pandem- Scott Morrison added that “in of the Australian bushfires and the back of their minds,” Asian city near Osaka in western ic restricts international travel, a time like this, we want to deal the pandemic. Studies Adjunct Professor A man wearing a face mask watches on a monitor as Indian Prime Japan said they took the the two leaders signed a Mutual very much with friends and A senior Indian foreign Purnendra Jain of the Univer- Minister narendra Modi speaks during a bilateral virtual summit with 23-year-old student, identi- Logistics Support Arrangement trusted partners”. ministry official told reporters sity of Adelaide told AFP. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday. (AFp) fied as Hideaki Nozu, into custody at the scene of the incident in a residential neighbourhood. two women in their 40s Thousands and 70s were confirmed attend funeral dead, while two others -- Hong Kong protesters defy ban, also family members -- were ceremony of injured and sent to hospital, a police official told AFp. well-known “Details, including his cleric in Kabul motive, are under investiga- rally to remember Tiananmen tion,” the official said. DPA the man reportedly KABuL confessed saying: “I killed AFP tional security threat. several members of my HONG KONG Critics, including many DESPITE a pandemic, several family.” Western nations, fear it will thousand people, including Local media said TENS of thousands of people bring mainland-style political politicians and government of- police were alerted when a across Hong Kong lit candles oppression to a business hub. ficials, attended the funeral cer- woman called saying: “My and chanted democracy slo- In mainland China, au- emony of a well-known cleric grandchild shot me with an gans on Thursday to commem- thorities do not allow any open who was killed by a bomb ear- arrow.” (AFP) orate China’s deadly Tianan- discussion about the Tianan- lier this week. men crackdown, defying a ban men crackdown and censors The funeral prayer was held South Korean against gathering as tensions scrub any mention of it off the on Thursday at a football sta- prosecutors seek seethed over a planned new se- internet. dium in the east of the Afghan arrest warrant for curity law. The candle emoji has been capital, Kabul, under strict se- The biggest crowds de- unavailable in recent days on curity conditions. Samsung heir scended on Victoria Park that China’s Twitter-like Weibo Imam Mohammad Ayaz Ni- SeOuL South Korean has hosted huge Tiananmen platform. azi was one of two people killed prosecutors are seeking an anniversary vigils for the past Police in Beijing prevented after a bomb exploded in a Ka- arrest warrant for Samsung three decades, with smaller ral- an AFP photographer from en- bul mosque on Tuesday. Anoth- Group heir Lee Jae yon, lies erupting in multiple shop- tering Tiananmen Square to re- er two worshippers were hurt as part of an investigation ping districts and local neigh- cord the regular pre-dawn flag- in the attack, which struck in a into a controversial merger bourhoods. raising ceremony on Thursday high-security diplomatic area. between two group units Police arrested some dem- and ordered him to delete Niazi was buried inside the five years ago, local media onstrators in one shopping some photos. compound of the mosque. reported on thursday. area, in scenes reminiscent of Activists hold a candlelit remembrance outside Victoria Park in Hong Kong on Thursday after an annual vigil The United States and Tai- Islamic State has reportedly the Seoul prosecutor’s seven months of violent pro- that traditionally takes place in the park to mark the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown was banned. (AFp) wan issued statements calling claimed responsibility for the office said that it was seek- tests last year, although they on China to atone for the dead- attack. ing arrest warrants for Lee allowed the main rally to pro- old man who gave his surname the terms of its 1997 handover one party rule”, in reference to ly crackdown. Many prominent politi- and two former executives, ceed. as Yip told AFP as he joined the from the British. the communists who hold mo- “Around the world, there cians, including President Choi Gee Sung and Kim The displays of resistance crowds inside Victoria Park. This year’s vigil was nopoly power in China. are 365 days in a year. Yet in Ashraf Ghani, paid their last re- Jong Joong. came hours after Hong Kong’s “Because Hong Kong is banned, with authorities cit- Crowds have swelled at China, one of those days is pur- spect to his body at the hospital, the suspects are legislature passed a bill crimi- experiencing the same kind of ing coronavirus restrictions on Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vig- posely forgotten each year,” where he was taken - and later expected to appear before a nalising insults to China’s na- repression from the same re- group gatherings even though ils whenever fears have spiked Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing- died - after being injured during magistrate on Friday. tional anthem, which the pro- gime, just like what happened people are allowed to commute that Beijing is prematurely wen tweeted. the bomb explosion. they are suspected of democracy movement sees as in Beijing.” in packed trains to work. stamping out the city’s own Secretary of State Mike Ghani has announced that involvement in a scheme to yet another example of eroding Hundreds of people -- by As dusk fell on Thursday, freedoms, an issue that has Pompeo tweeted a photo of an elite team will investigate the pave the way for Lee’s suc- freedoms. some estimates more than a many thousands of people, in- dominated the finance hub for him meeting prominent Tian- bombing. With a master’s de- cession of his ailing father China also last month thousand -- were killed in on cluding prominent democracy the past 12 months. anmen survivors. gree in Islamic economics and a by inflating the value of moved to impose the secu- June 4, 1989, when China’s leaders, began pouring into In response to the seven China’s foreign ministry doctorate in international rela- Cheil Industries and lower- rity law on Hong Kong which communist rulers deployed the Victoria Park and lit candles months of protests last year, described calls for Beijing to tions, Niazi was active as Friday ing the value of Samsung would outlaw subversion and military into Beijing’s Tianan- as an act of remembrance and China announced plans to im- apologise for Tiananmen as prayer leader at the Wazir Ak- C&t prior to their merger has cemented fears that the men Square to crush a student- resistance. pose the security law, which “complete nonsense”. bar Khan mosque. He was also in 2015, the yonhap news semi-autonomous city is losing led movement for democratic Some wore black t-shirts will be approved by national “The great achievements a Kabul University professor in agency reported. its treasured liberties. reforms. with the word “Truth” embla- authorities in Beijing and by- since the founding of new China the Islamic law department. Lee was the largest “I’ve come here for the vigil Commemorations of the zoned in white. Others were in pass Hong Kong’s legislature. over the past 70 or so years fully His death sparked wide shareholder in Cheil Indus- for 30 years in memory of the event are forbidden in main- office attire. China says the law is need- demonstrates that the develop- reactions across the country. tries with a stake of 23.2 victims of the June 4 crack- land China but have been al- Many shouted pro-democ- ed to tackle “terrorism” and mental path China has chosen is Many people posted his photos per cent. (DPA) down, but this year it is more lowed in Hong Kong, which has racy slogans including “Stand “separatism” in a restless city completely correct,” spokesman on social media to express their significant to me,” a 74-year- been granted liberties under with Hong Kong” and “End it now regards as a direct na- Zhao Lijian told reporters. sorrow and condemn the attack.

Philippines allows churches to resume Spike in Malaysia virus cases Mass as caseload tops 20,000 Taiwan urges Beijing to acknowledge as migrants are infected DPA been allowed in restaurants in Tiananmen crackdown AFP detained on suspicion of being MANILA these areas, according to a reso- KuALA LuMpuR in the country illegally. lution by the country’s corona- AFP the incident is forbidden on been forced to reckon with its Relatively affluent Malaysia THE Philippine government virus task force. tAIpeI the Chinese mainland, with own authoritarian past before MALAYSIA reported 277 coro- attracts migrants from poorer on Thursday announced it was “This is good news for censors scrubbing mentions its transition to democracy in navirus cases Thursday, its Asian countries, including My- allowing churches to resume those who really want to go to TAIWAN called on China to of protests, and dissidents the 1990s. biggest daily increase, due to a anmar, Bangladesh and In- Mass and other religious gath- church,” Roque said. officially acknowledge the often visited by police in the “There were once days growing outbreak at a migrant donesia, who work in sectors erings in areas with a low risk of The Department of Health 1989 Tiananmen crackdown days leading up to the June 4 missing from our calendar, detention centre, sparking accu- ranging from agriculture to coronavirus infections. reported 634 new Covid-19 on Thursday, as the island anniversary. but we’ve worked to bring sations the government is failing manufacturing. Of Thursday’s Religious gatherings and cases on Thursday, bringing the marked the anniversary of the “Around the world, there them to light. I hope one day to protect foreign workers. cases, 270 were among foreign- work conferences are allowed national tally to 20,382. There day student-led protests were are 365 days in a year. Yet China can say the same,” she The Southeast Asian nation ers held at one detention centre to take place at 50-per-cent were also 10 more deaths, bring violently crushed by tanks. in China, one of those days wrote. has had a relatively small out- in the capital Kuala Lumpur, venue capacity in areas under that toll to 984, it added. Hundreds of people were is purposely forgotten each Tsai’s comments came a break, reporting 8,247 cases in senior health ministry official the so-called modified general Nearly 60 percent of the killed during the Communist year,” Taiwan’s President day after the Mainland Af- total, and imposed a weeks-long Noor Hisham Abdullah said. community quarantine, the cases and more than 74 percent Party’s suppression of dem- Tsai Ing-wen said on Twitter. fairs Council called on Beijing lockdown that largely kept the That centre has now report- most lax restriction protocol, of the deaths were in the capital, onstrations calling for demo- Tsai said Beijing needed to offer “sincere apologies” situation under control. ed more than 600 cases, while said presidential spokesman Metro Manila, which is under a cratic reforms. to confront the legacy of the over the Tiananmen crack- But cases have been in- over 100 infections have been Harry Roque. stricter quarantine protocol un- But open discussion of incident, just as Taiwan had down. creasing rapidly since last week recorded at several other mi- Dine-in services have also til the middle of the month. at centres where foreigners are grant detention facilities.

N Korea threatens to end military agreement over activists’ leaflets Rohingya refugees running scared from coronvirus tests AFP So far only 29 infections have been found, according to DPA Kim Yo Jong is first vice COx’S BAzAR have been detected, although the official. SeOuL department director of the 16,000 Rohingya are in quar- The first Rohingya fatal- Central Committee of the ROHINGYA refugees infected antine zones within the camps. ity from the coronavirus was NORTH Korea has threatened Workers’ Party of Korea. with coronavirus are fleeing It was not immediately announced only Tuesday, and to pull out of a military agree- She was referring to anti- quarantine in their Bangladesh clear how many tests have been health officials say they desper- ment with South Korea unless Pyongyang leaflets sent across camps because they fear being conducted in the camps, but a ately need to increase testing to the government in Seoul takes the border last week by a transferred to an isolated is- senior health official said two see how widespread the virus action on activists sending leaf- group of North Korean defec- land in the Bay of Bengal, com- people who proved positive had may be. lets into the reclusive neigh- tors, South Korean news agen- munity leaders said Thursday. “fled the isolation hospital”. But Khalilur Rahman Khan, bouring nation. cy Yonhap reported. At least two infected refu- He added that only 20 refu- the government administrator South Korean authorities Some 500,000 leaflets gees have gone missing since gees agreed to be tested in the of one camp block, said doctors would be “forced to pay a dear criticizing the North Korean testing positive for the virus past two days because they be- told him refugees were reluc- price” if they let this situation leader for threatening to take after the first COVID-19 death lieve those infected will be sent tant to participate. go on, North Korean leader “shocking actual action with a was reported Tuesday, they to Bhashan Char island in the Several Rohingya lead- Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo new strategic nuclear weapon” said. Bay of Bengal. Rohingya refugees work to build a quarantine centre at the Kutupa- ers said the transfer of the 306 Jong said in a statement car- have allegedly been distrib- About one million Rohing- “It has created mass panic,” long refugee camp in Ukhia on Thursday. (AFp) refugees to Bhashan Char had ried by the Korean Central uted. ya -- most of whom fled a mili- Nurul Islam, a community lead- sparked rumours that anyone News Agency. Without replying directly tary crackdown in Myanmar in er, told AFP. ready sent 306 Rohingya there. won’t be sent anywhere.” with coronavirus would be sent Good faith and reconcili- to the threat, South Korea’s 2017 -- are packed into camps Bangladesh authorities “The Rohingya are petri- Some 500 isolation beds to join them. ation can never go together Ministry of Unification on along the Bangladesh border, have long wanted to establish fied,” the health official told have been prepared in the “People are scared to go for with such hostile activities, she Thursday called on people to and the coronavirus has be- a camp for 100,000 people on AFP on condition of anonymity. camps, but most are empty be- virus tests,” said Abu Zaman, a added. cease their flyer activities. come the latest cause of misery. the isolated island, and have al- “We have told them they cause so few confirmed cases community leader. europe / Americas Friday, June 5, 2020 07 Protesters welcome Pompeo presses allies to new charges in Floyd killing but Trump trying to ‘divide’ America, fund Islamic State fight remain in streets despite budget crunch AFP says ex-Pentagon chief Mattis AFP We cannot rest,” Pompeo told MINNeApOLIS WASHINGtON the conference. AFP “We must continue to root US protesters welcomed new WASHINGtON US Secretary of State Mike out ISIS cells and networks and charges brought on Wednes- Pompeo on Thursday urged provide stabilisation assistance day against Minneapolis of- FORMER Pentagon chief Jim allies to make up a shortfall in to liberated areas in Iraq and ficers in the killing of Afri- Mattis issued a stinging rebuke funding to defeat the Islamic Syria,” he said. can American man George of his erstwhile boss Donald State movement despite a budg- “It’s true that the pandemic Floyd -- but thousands still Trump on Wednesday, accus- et crunch after the devastation is putting enormous pressure marched in cities across the ing the president of trying to of the coronavirus pandemic. on all of our budgets, but we country for a ninth straight “divide” America and failing to The United States and Italy urge your nations to pledge night, chanting against rac- provide “mature leadership” as led a meeting of 31 nations on toward our goal of more than ism and police brutality. the country reels from days of fighting the extremists, held $700 million for 2020,” he said. With a key demand met, protests. virtually due to precautions to The funding drive by the demonstrators nevertheless Mattis, who resigned in stop the virus. coalition, which seeks to bring staged large and mainly peace- December 2018 over Trump’s A US raid last year killed stability to Iraq and Syria, has ful rallies calling for deeper ordering of a full troop with- the group’s leader, Abu Bakr raised only $200 million this change in cities from New York drawal from Syria, also voiced al-Baghdadi, shortly after year as of May 26, a State De- to Los Angeles, hours after support for the demonstrators President Donald Trump de- partment spokesperson said. the new indictments were an- whose anti-racism rallies have clared the group that once The United States has nounced. roiled the country. ruled vast swathes of Syria pledged $50 million for north- In Minnesota, prosecutors “Donald Trump is the first and Iraq had been defeated on eastern Syria as well as $100 had initially charged 44-year- president in my lifetime who the battlefield. million in support for Iraq, old Derek Chauvin -- the does not try to unite the Amer- “That said, our fight whose new prime minister, white officer filmed kneeling ican people -- does not even against ISIS continues, and Mustafa Kadhemi, has been on Floyd’s neck for nearly pretend to try,” Mattis wrote in will for the foreseeable future. welcomed by Washington. nine minutes -- with third- a blistering statement posted Demonstrators march down Pennsylvania Avenue near the Trump International Hotel during a protest degree murder. online by The Atlantic. against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, in Washington, on Wednesday. (AFp) But they said on Wednes- “Instead, he tries to divide day they were upgrading the us,” added the retired Marine the White House on Monday to charge, roughly akin to man- general, who had previously Twitter refuses to rule out allow Trump to pose for pho- Bill Gates ‘disappointed’ by slaughter, to second-degree argued it would be inappropri- suspending Trump’s account tographs at a nearby damaged murder, which does not in- ate for him to criticise a sitting church, calling it an “abuse of US withdrawal from WHO volve premeditation but car- president. “We are witness- LONDON: A top twitter executive on thursday refused to rule executive authority.” The photo ries stiffer penalties. ing the consequences of three out suspending Donald trump’s account if the uS president op has become a lightning rod DPA is critical. There will be another Chauvin’s three colleagues years without mature leader- continued posting incendiary messages such as those about the for criticism of Trump’s han- NeW yORK pandemic,” he said. at the scene of Floyd’s May 25 ship,” he stated. George Floyd protests. dling of the crisis, with reli- Gates said he had not arrest for allegedly seeking to Mattis described himself trump has relied on twitter to get out his message without gious leaders, politicians, and MICROSOFT founder and yet spoken to US President buy cigarettes with a counterfeit as “angry and appalled” af- submitting himself to questions from reporters. His 81.7 million onlookers around the country philanthropist Bill Gates has Donald Trump since he an- bill are accused of being com- ter witnessing events of the followers have made the @realDonaldtrump account one of twit- expressing outrage. said he is “disappointed” by nounced his country’s pullout plicit in the killing. last week, which saw Trump ter’s 10 most popular. “When I joined the military, the United States’ withdrawal from the UN agency last week, Tou Thao, 34, J. Alexander threaten a military crackdown twitter public policy strategy director Nick pickles told a uK some 50 years ago, I swore an from the World Health Or- but said he planned to, “at Kueng, 26, and Thomas Lane, on American citizens as na- parliamentary hearing on thursday that the platform had decided oath to support and defend the ganization (WHO) amid the least indirectly.” Gates added 37, were charged with aiding tionwide protests turned vio- to put trump’s tweets to the same review process as it has for Constitution,” Mattis stated. coronavirus pandemic. that he believed there was “a and abetting second-degree lent in some cities. all other verified public figures. “Whenever a tweet by any user is “Never did I dream that Gates would “certainly way to get past this.” murder, and taken into custody. The fury was ignited by posted and reported to us, we consider it under our rules. If any troops taking that same oath encourage” the United States The Bill and Melinda Gates The arrest of all four offic- the May 25 killing of George user on twitter continues to break our rules, then we will con- would be ordered under any to stay a member of the inter- Foundation is among the big- ers has been a focus for tens Floyd, a black man who suf- tinue to have discussions about all avenues open to us.” (AFP) circumstance to violate the national body and “continue gest private donors to the WHO of thousands of protesters focated beneath the knee of a Constitutional rights of their the support they provide,” and has been active in the fight who have marched the streets white police officer, and whose fellow citizens -- much less to he told a press conference on against the coronavirus. of dozens of US cities, often agonising death was filmed by have degenerated into violence was a “wholesome and unify- provide a bizarre photo op for Wednesday. In announcing the US with- defying curfews to condemn bystanders. and looting as night falls. ing demand.” And he slammed the elected commander-in- “If we need to improve drawal from the WHO, Trump police brutality and demand The demonstrations have Mattis wrote that the pro- the decision to use force to clear chief, with military leadership WHO, that’s what we will do, accused the body of ‘failing to racial justice. mostly been peaceful, but some testers’ call for equal justice peaceful protesters from near standing alongside.” but us staying together in WHO handle the pandemic’. Leaders pledge 8.8 billion dollars to fund global vaccine drive

DPA is on the COVID-19 pandemic, cured a fantastic 8.8 billion Germany and France each era of global health cooperation, protecting more than 760 mil- grammes in developing nations, LONDON the Vaccine Alliance, or Gavi, dollars for Gavi’s vital work promised 600 million euros which I believe is now the most lion infants in the last two dec- mitigate the impact of the coro- summit sought at least 7.4 bil- over the next five years,” said (679 million dollars), while essential shared endeavour of ades, and saving over 13 million navirus pandemic and strength- INTERNATIONAL leaders on lion dollars to also protect British Prime Minister Bo- other major pledges included our lifetimes,” Johnson said lives,” he said. en health systems “so that Thursday pledged 8.8 billion against polio, typhoid, measles ris Johnson, who hosted the 600 million dollars by Canada, in his opening speech to more Gavi is supported by the Bill countries are ready to rapidly dollars at a donor summit for and other diseases. event over video conference. 300 million euros by the Euro- than 50 leaders. and Melinda Gates Foundation, introduce COVID-19 vaccines.” vaccine programmes to help the “Together, we have re- Johnson said Britain will pean Union and 300 million “It’s an amazing fact that the World Health Organization, It aims to increase the number world’s poorest nations, exceed- plenished this alliance and give 1.65 billion pounds (2.08 dollars by Japan. every year, Gavi and its part- Unicef and the World Bank. of children immunised through ing their funding target. here comes the number you’ve billion dollars) to the pro- “Let’s fortify this life-saving ners help immunise around It wants to use the funds to its programmes to more than While the world’s attention been waiting for: We have se- gramme over the next five years. alliance and inaugurate a new half of all newborn children, maintain immunisation pro- 1.1 billion by 2025.

news in brief Brazil, Mexico see record deaths as virus rages across LatAm russian ecosystem needs decade to AFP said it was extending a three- forced into lockdown. recover from massive diesel spill RIO De JANeIRO week shutdown of the capital The virus was on the rise Santiago after a new record again in Iran, which report- MOSCOW: An ecosystem in far-northern Russia will need at least BRAZIL and Mexico report- for daily deaths. ed 3,574 new infections on a decade to recover from a recent massive diesel spill, a senior ed record daily coronavirus And in Peru, the second Thursday, its highest daily environmental official said on thursday. death tolls as governments worst-hit country in Latin toll since the outbreak began “I think it would take many years for the ecosystem to in Latin America battled to America, desperate residents in February and the fourth recover, maybe even 10 years at least. the damage is rather fortify their defenses against were lining up to buy oxygen straight day of a caseload over substantial,” Deputy environment Minister yelena panova said in the pandemic with fresh lock- tanks for their loved ones. 3,000. comments carried by state news agency tASS. down orders and curfews. “We haven’t found oxygen While hoping the worst of Waterways near the Arctic city of Norilsk have been rapidly As European countries yet,” said Lady Savalla in the the health crisis has passed, polluted by a spill of a more than 20,000 tons of diesel fuel that moved to reopen their bor- capital Lima. Europe is struggling to restart occurred last week as a diesel tank ruptured at a thermal power ders, South and Central “I’m worried about my its stalled economies without plant. Melting permafrost amid abnormally warm temperatures is America cemented their plac- mom more than anything else, sparking a second wave of in- believed to have caused a collapse of a structure that had been es as the new hotspots in the because she’s going to need a fections. supporting the tank, according to a statement by the city’s main pandemic, while Iran -- the A sign reminds people to keep a safe distance between each other as lot of oxygen and the hospital The United States remains employer, metals miner Norilsk Nickel. (DPA) hardest-hit country in the a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19 at a trolleybus doesn’t have enough.” the hardest-hit nation in the Middle East -- announced a station in northern Quito, ecuador, on Wednesday. (AFp) Since emerging in China world, with 1.85 million infec- surge in infections. late last year, the new coro- tions and more than 107,000 trudeau says canada winning virus fight, Mexico on Wednesday reported a record 1,349 daily local authorities have defied navirus has infected nearly deaths, and there are fears advises caution announced more than 1,000 deaths. him and, with the crisis deep- 6.5 million people, killed that the ongoing wave of pro- coronavirus deaths in a day Brazilian President Jair ening, a vast section of Bahia more than 380,000 and tests in the country over rac- OttAWA: prime Minister Justin trudeau declared on thursday for the first time, while Brazil, Bolsonaro has staunchly op- state was placed under curfew. wreaked havoc on the global ism and police brutality could that Canada is winning the fight against the new coronavirus, the region’s worst-hit country, posed lockdowns but many In Chile, the government economy as millions were fuel the spread of the virus. with the latest data showing new cases in decline. But he also warned that the battle is not over yet. “the data shows that we are continuing to make progress in the fight against this virus in many communities, the number of new cases is low, and we can trace where they came from,” France cancels Bastille Day parade, replaces with tribute to health workers trudeau told a daily briefing. “that’s an encouraging sign that the virus is slowing, and AFP has been held on the Champs- Four other countries -- in some places, even stopping,” he said. “But I want to be very pARIS Elysees since World War I. France to transform surplus wine Germany, Switzerland, Aus- clear: We’re not out of the woods.” As of thursday there were This will be the first year with- into hand sanitiser tria and Luxembourg -- have 93,700 coronavirus cases in Canada. More than half of those FRANCE on Thursday can- out one since the end of World been invited to attend this patients have already recovered. (AFP) celled the 2020 Bastille Day War II. pARIS: French winemakers will transform wine that went unsold year’s event to thank them for military parade due to coro- It normally starts at the during the country’s two-month coronavirus lockdown into hand having taken coronavirus pa- navirus social distancing re- Arc de Triomphe, a monu- sanitiser and ethanol to make room for the next harvest, a farm- tients into their hospitals in Britain to require face coverings on quirements, replacing it with a ment to those who fought for ing agency said on thursday. Wine sales and exports, particularly regions bordering France, said public transport from June 15 tribute to health workers fight- France, and ends at Concorde, to the uS, plunged at the height of the coronavirus crisis, leaving the presidency. ing the pandemic. where King Louis XVI was be- winemakers with millions of litres of unsold wine. The event will likely not be LONDON: Britain will require passengers to wear masks or other Rather than the traditional headed in 1793 in the revolu- “From tomorrow, 33 licensed distillers will be able to collect the open to the public, although face coverings on public transport from June 15 to curb the march of soldiers and military tion that overthrew France’s wine and distil it,” said Didier Josso, head of the wine branch in the this decision could be re-eval- spread of coronavirus, transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on hardware down the Champs- monarchy. farming agency FranceAgriMer, at a video press conference. (AFP) uated if the health situation thursday, a move that a trade union said was “long overdue.” Elysees on July 14, this year This year, the square will improves. Shapps said the requirement formed part of the govern- will see a much smaller cer- host a military ceremony with Every year, thousands of ment’s plan “to ensure every precaution is taken, on buses, emony at the Place de la Con- some 2,000 participants and ple in France. highlight of the yearly show people throng the Champs- trains, aircraft and ferries,” as Britain increases services while corde, the presidency said. 2,500 guests, who will gather “It will be a reinvented -- the flypast -- in honour of Elysees to view the spectacle of easing its lockdown this month. The annual parade to mark in strict respect of social dis- 14th of July adapted to the cir- medical personnel, military men, women and their weap- “A face covering helps protect our fellow passengers. It is the July 14, 1789 storming of tancing rules seeking to halt cumstances,” Defence Minis- and all others “mobilised ons of war rolling down the av- something that we can each do to help each other,” he said. (AFP) the Bastille fortress in Paris the spread of the virus that has ter Florence Parly said. against the virus”, the presi- enue to army bands as French during the French Revolution, killed more than 29,000 peo- The event will include a dential palace said. flags flutter everywhere. Weak demand pushing oil, gas toward ‘terminal decline’: Report PAge 9

FridAy, June 5, 2020

DOW26,188.75 QE 9,252.07 SENSEX 33,980.70 GOLD 1,717.12 ECB ramps up eurozone support as −81.14 +38.97 −128.84 +1.03% pandemic persists PAge 9 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 18.10 BRENT 39.85 +0.15% WTI 37.25 -0.11% SILVER +0.79% Kuwari chairs meeting to address challenges faced by private sector due to COVıD-19 outbreak

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK previously discussed the im- the financial and economic current challenges, and the tor. In this context, the min- DOHA pact of the pandemic on the stimulus package implement- future plans that the ministry istry issued Circular No. (1) private sector, and appropri- ed in support of the private intends to implement in this of 2020 on exempting the MINISTER of Commerce and ate measures to overcome sector under the directives field. contracting and construction Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al related challenges, during a of His Highness The Amir The ministry has taken sector from the decision on Kuwari has chaired the peri- meeting held on May 7, 2020 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al all the necessary measures regulating working hours for odic meeting of the commit- with representatives of Qatar Thani. The package featured a to ensure the inflow of food business activities. tee tasked with evaluating and Chamber (QC) and the Qa- products, pharmaceutical Discussions also focused tackling the obstacles facing tari Businessmen Association goods and medical supplies on efforts to support car deal- the private sector. (QBA). the ministry has taken all to meet the needs of citizens ers, including the issuance The meeting, which was Discussions touched on the necessary measures and residents, in line with the of Circular No. (17) of 2020, held using video conferenc- the challenges facing the pri- to ensure the inflow of preventive measures aimed which excludes car mainte- ing technology, was attended vate sector in light of the eco- food products, pharma- at limiting the spread of the nance workshops from the by Qatar Chamber Chairman nomic repercussions of the ceutical goods and medi- coronavirus. decision on working hours in Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim coronavirus outbreak. Food and medical goods addition to organising entry bin Mohammed Al Thani, The meeting’s agenda fea- cal supplies to meet the were exempted from cus- and exit procedures from the along with representatives tured a number of important needs of citizens and resi- toms duties for a period of six Industrial Area. of the private sector includ- topics, including the launch dents, in line with the pre- months, which reflected posi- Restrictions have been ing Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser of stimulus programmes to ventive measures aimed at tively on their retail prices, eased on owners of establish- bin Khalid Al Thani, Sheikh support the private sector and limiting the spread of the while the private sector has ments operating in the In- Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, their implementation mecha- coronavirus been exempted from electric- dustrial Area and the inflow Omar Alfardan and Khalid nisms. ity and water fees for a period and outflow of materials and Klefeekh Al Hajri, Ministry of Discussions also touched of six months. equipment, in line with the Commerce and Industry said on the initiatives proposed number of initiatives in sup- As part of its efforts to pro- precautionary procedures in a statement on Thursday. by the minister of commerce port of vital economic sectors tect the health and safety of and the requirements of the Kuwari and members and industry , building on such as the health and food consumers, the ministry com- concerned authorities in this of the committee hailed the commerce ministry’s efforts security sectors, tourism, edu- pelled food outlets to adopt regard. Prime Minister and Minister to address the obstacles faced cation, contracting, banking, safe distancing measures be- The meeting also featured of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid by the private sector and to investment and industry. tween customers, and intensi- highlights from QC on the bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al follow up on complaints. At- Attendees also highlighted fied its inspection campaigns challenges and efforts facing Thani, for his keenness to fol- tendees also highlighted the the most prominent decisions to ensure merchants complied the promotion of cooperation low up on the economic and efforts of the QBA and QC, as and measures that the Minis- with the issued decisions. between the public and pri- trade repercussions of the well as the challenges facing a try of Commerce and Industry Discussions also touched vate sectors, as well as efforts Covid-19 outbreak. number of key sectors. has taken to bolster the pri- on initiatives aimed at sup- to address these obstacles and Minister of Commerce and Industry He Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari The prime minister had The meeting touched on vate sector’s ability to meet porting the construction sec- bolster the national economy. Qatar records trade surplus of QR4.3 bn in April ECB’s Lagarde sees ‘tepid’ TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK On other hand, the im- billion (11.3 percent). improvement after virus blow DOHA ports of goods in April 2020 During April 2020, the amounted to QR7.5 billion, group of “ turbo jets of a thrust AFP But “the improvement has Looking to 2021, growth is QATAR’S foreign merchan- showing a decrease of 17 per- exceeding 25 KN” was at the FRANKFuRt AM MAIN been tepid compared with expected to come in at 5.2 per- dise trade balance showed cent over April 2019. On a top of the imported group of the speed at which economic cent and 3.3 percent in 2022 a surplus of QR4.3 billion month on month (M-o-M) ba- commodities at QR0.4 bil- EUROPEAN Central Bank indicators plummeted in the -- boosted by massive stimulus in April 2020, a decrease of sis the imports decreased by lion, showing an increase of chief Christine Lagarde on preceding months”, the for- from eurozone governments QR8.6 billion or 66.9 per- 10.1 percent. 161.2 percent compared to Thursday said the eurozone mer French finance minister and the ECB. cent compared to April 2019, The year-on-year (April April 2019. In second place economy faced an “unprec- added. The ECB also downgraded and decreased by QR3.4 bil- 2020 to April 2019) decrease was “parts of aeroplanes or edented contraction” because Unveiling updated fore- its inflation look, putting its lion or 44 percent compared in total exports was mainly helicopters” at QR0.3 billion, of the coronavirus pandemic, casts taking into account aim of achieving an inflation to March 2020, according to due to lower exports of petro- a decrease of 11.9 percent and and warned that the first signs the economic impact from target just below two percent data released by the Planning leum gases and other gaseous in the third place was “motor of a rebound from easing lock- the pandemic, Lagarde said even further out of reach. and Statistics Authority on hydrocarbons (LNG, con- cars & other motor vehicles downs were “tepid”. the ECB expected economic The fallout from the pan- Thursday. densates, propane, butane, for the transport of persons” Hit hard by the contain- growth to decline at a record demic is expected to cause in- In April 2020, the total etc.) reaching QR7.6 billion at QR0.3 billion, a decrease of ment measures that upended pace in the second quarter of flation to slump to just 0.3 per- exports of goods (including in April 2020, a decrease of 16.9 percent. In April 2020, supply chains and depressed the year before a rebound gets cent this year, down from an exports of goods of domes- 45 percent; petroleum oils & In April 2020, South Ko- China was the leading country demand in recent months, the under way. earlier forecast of 1.1 percent. tic origin and re-exports) oils from bituminous miner- rea was at the top of the coun- of origin of Qatar’s imports at eurozone economy is expected The extent of this year’s Price growth is expected to amounted to QR11.8 billion, als (crude) at QR1.2 billion, a tries of destination of Qatar’s QR1.5 billion, a share of 19.7 to shrink 8.7 percent in 2020, recession would “depend cru- climb to 0.8 percent in 2021 showing a decrease of 46.3 decrease by 68.4 percent; and exports with close to QR1.8 percent of the imports, fol- Lagarde said. cially on the duration and ef- and 1.3 percent in 2022. percent compared to April petroleum oils & oils from billion, a share of 15.7 percent lowed by US at QR1 billion, a As countries gradually be- fectiveness of containment “Over the medium term, 2019, and decrease of 26.3 bituminous minerals (not of total exports, followed by share of 13.6 percent, and UK gin to reopen, there are signs measures” as well as policies to weaker demand will put down- percent compared to March crude) at QR0.5 billion, a de- China at QR1.33 billion (11.3 at QR0.7 billion, a share of 9.3 of the slump “bottoming out”, cushion the economic hit of the ward pressure on inflation,” 2020. ). crease by 62 percent. percent), and India at QR1.32 percent. she said. crisis, she said. Lagarde said. US faces unemployment crisis amid record trade drop AFP Jared Bernstein, senior fellow Friday, when the Labor De- still there.” US trade gap swelled by $26 WASHINGtON at the Center on Budget and partment releases the all-im- Meanwhile, the Com- billion, or more than 13 per- Policy Priorities think tank, portant May jobs report and merce Department reported cent, compared to the same IN further signs of the cri- said on Twitter. likely show national unem- that US exports and imports period of last year, according sis facing the world’s largest The decline in initial ployment increasing to closer dropped by a record amount to the report. economy amid the coronavi- claims means the wave of lay- to 20 percent from 14.7 per- in April and the trade deficit The impact of the COV- rus pandemic, new data on offs caused by businesses clo- cent in April, which was the jumped more than $7 bil- ID-19 shutdowns were wide- Thursday showed a record sures ordered in mid-March highest unemployment rate lion to $49.5 billion and the spread throughout the data plunge in US exports as lay- to stop the spread of COV- in 90 years. coronavirus forced shuttered and in all industries and offs exceeded 42 million. ID-19 are slowing. Despite the grim econom- businesses and closed down products, including aircrafts, The two key reports on More than 42 million ic picture, Wall Street indices transportation worldwide. air travel, oil, auto parts and economic health indicate that workers lost their jobs, at opened lower but were trend- Compared to March, ex- clothing. even as Wall Street regains least temporarily, since mid- ing upwards by mid-morning, ports of US goods and ser- Travel alone fell nearly $3 its strength and some indus- March, but the new data continuing a rally that had vices fell more than 20 per- billion in the month, the re- tries show signs of recovery showed 21.5 million people the tech-rich Nasdaq nearing cent or $39 billion to $151.3 port said. as virus lockdowns ease, the were receiving benefits in the its all-time high at the close billion, the lowest level in 10 Although the collapse of United States is not out of the week ended May 23, an indi- of trading on Wednesday as years. trade in most cases meant the woods yet. cation that millions either had investors are optimistic about Imports in the month US deficit in goods alone nar- The Labor Department their benefit claims rejected the reopening of the econo- dropped to $200.7 billion, a rowed with most countries, said 1.87 million workers filed or have since been rehired, or my. more modest 13.7 percent or the deficit with China jumped new jobless claims last week, more likely a combination of But Bernstein warned $32 billion decrease. to nearly $26 billion from $17 249,000 less than the week the two. high unemployment is here “Trade activity slowed billion in March. prior but still a grievous fig- After falling last week, the to stay. again, this time nearly to the “Exports and imports will ure nearly three times higher insured unemployment rate “(The) National unem- People wait to receive food bank donations at the Barclays Center worst of the contraction in the continue to be restrained by than the weekly record in the ticked up half a point to 14.8 ployment rate is likely at or in the Brooklyn borough in new York City recently. (AFp) financial crisis,” Oxford Eco- weaker global growth and pre-pandemic economy. percent -- a huge number of above 20 percent, twice that nomics said in an analysis. falling demand at home and “This and other indica- Americans not working, but of the Great Recession peak, Eugene Scalia said he remains In an interview with Fox “We think trade activity abroad in the aftermath of the tors suggest not that the job that only reflects those with and full employment years confident the unemployment News, Scalia said “many of will see its worst year on re- virus outbreak,” Rubeela Fa- market is improving but that unemployment benefits. away,” he said. rate will fall below 10 percent these jobs will come back cord in 2020.” rooqi of High Frequency Eco- it’s getting bad less quickly,” That is a grim omen for However, Labor Secretary by year end. quickly because they were For the year to date, the nomics said in an analysis. economy & Business Friday, June 5, 2020 09 UK car sector ECB ramps up eurozone axes 2,000 jobs support as pandemic persists as sales slump AFP in the first five months of 2020, LONDON compared with a year earlier, it AFP added. FRANKFuRt AM MAIN BRITAIN’S battered automo- SMMT chief executive Mike tive sector axed 2,000 jobs on Hawes said the coronavirus had EUROPEAN Central Bank Thursday after the coronavirus caused an “inevitable yet devas- policymakers surprised on crisis slashed sales of new ve- tating impact on the market”. Thursday with a bigger- hicles. He added: “This week’s than-expected boost to their Car showrooms in England reopening of dealerships is a pandemic emergency bond- reopened this week as the UK pivotal moment for the entire buying scheme, adding 600 government eased COVID-19 industry and the thousands of billion euros and extending it lockdown measures that have people whose jobs depend on it. until mid-2021. slammed the brakes on the in- “Restarting this market is a “The envelope for the pan- dustry. crucial first step in driving the demic emergency purchase However, UK car dealer- recovery of Britain’s critical programme (PEPP) will be ship Lookers on Thursday said car manufacturers and supply increased by 600 billion eu- it would axe about 1,500 jobs chain, and to supporting the ros ($674 billion) to a total of and shut 12 showrooms. wider economy,” said Hawes. 1.35 trillion,” an ECB spokes- It came as Aston Martin At the same time, the UK woman said. revealed it would cut 500 jobs car industry remains much The emergency scheme as James Bond’s favourite car- troubled by Brexit. will be extended to “at least the maker seeks to recover from Nissan on Wednesday end of June 2021” rather than diving demand and ballooning warned that a no-deal Brexit December this year, she added, losses that began long before would threaten the Japanese or until the ECB’s governing the virus appeared. carmaker’s largest plant in council “judges that the coro- Elsewhere on Thursday, Europe based in Sunderland, navirus crisis phase is over”. data showed that sales of new northeast England. Governors also agreed to cars in Britain plunged 89 per- Britain left the European reinvest the proceeds from cent to around only 20,000 ve- Union on January 31 but re- their PEPP purchases “until at hicles in May. mains under the bloc’s rules least the end of 2022”, saying That compared with until the end of the year while that any future winding-down 184,000 units in the same both sides try to thrash out of the massive expansion in month of last year, according to terms of a new relationship. the ECB balance sheet would the Society of Motor Manufac- Fears are growing however be “managed” to avoid disrup- The headquarters of the european Central Bank in Frankfurt am Main. (AFp) turers and Traders (SMMT). that no new trade deal will be tion to financial markets. Sales are down 51 percent reached in time. ECB President Christine portance of reinvesting the Schmieding. not have been “proportionate” aware that long-awaited help Lagarde will detail the think- proceeds from bonds held by Hints at further action to its price stability goal and on the fiscal front remains ing behind policymakers’ de- the central bank. could come in the ECB’s infla- needed to be clarified. some way off, as leaders are cisions at a 1230 GMT press “It should allow the ECB to tion forecasts, as the central If the ECB cannot satisfy just getting started debating a conference. deviate more, and for longer, bank’s main task is to ensure the judges, the German Bun- 750-billion-euro pandemic re- She will also present for- from capital keys,” he tweeted, price stability in the 19-nation desbank central bank may not covery fund proposal from the mal growth and inflation fore- targeting its support to indi- eurozone. be able to participate in bond- European Commission. UK banking giants casts from central bank staff, vidual countries rather than Price growth slowed to just buying. While Germany last month after warning last week that rigidly buying bonds in line 0.1 percent year-on-year in While finding a face-sav- abandoned some of its red back China’s Hong the eurozone economy could with member nations’ share in May from 1.2 percent in Feb- ing solution to the immediate lines in a deal with France, in- contract by between eight and the ECB’s capital. ruary before the pandemic and legal headache, policymakers cluding on the emotive ques- twelve percent this year. Such signals may be well below the ECB’s target of must also consider how court tion of joint debt issued from Kong security law After initially shocking more important to markets close to, but just below two challenges might limit their Brussels, a so-called “frugal markets early on in the pan- than the headline increase in percent. future options. four” group including Austria AFP cial order and revitalise the demic by downplaying the bond-buying, as the bank was Meanwhile, the euro’s With Thursday’s decisions, and the Netherlands are fight- HONG KONG economy,” HSBC said in a need to step in, the ECB has unlikely to exhaust its am- growing strength against the “the ECB is also demonstrat- ing a rearguard action. post on Chinese social media made massive interventions in munition anytime soon at its dollar is creating a headwind ing that it remains a truly in- But Lagarde is likely to wel- BRITISH banking giants WeChat. The statement ac- the eurozone economy to keep present purchase pace. for exports. dependent institution fully come a fresh stimulus package HSBC and Standard Char- companied a picture of the up access to credit for compa- “The strong signal can bol- Governors met Thurs- committed to its mandate of announced by the German tered on Thursday backed bank’s top Asia executive, nies, households and govern- ster the nascent rebound in day less than a month after a price stability -- and is not in government late Wednesday, China’s contentious security Peter Wong, signing a peti- ments. the confidence of households German Constitutional Court any way constrained by the which will see it pump 130 law proposal for Hong Kong, tion in support of the law on Pictet Wealth Manage- and companies that the worst (GCC) ruling that a two- verdict,” Berenberg economist billion euros into Europe’s which critics fear will be used Wednesday. ment strategist Frederik Du- will soon be over,” said Beren- trillion-euro bond-buying Schmieding said. top economy to jumpstart the to stamp out dissent in the crozet highlighted the im- berg bank economist Holger scheme launched in 2015 may ECB governors will also be coronavirus recovery. city. China says the law is Beijing announced plans needed to tackle ‘terror- last month to bypass Hong ism’ and ‘separatism’ in Kong’s legislature and im- pose the law, following seven a restless city it now straight months of huge and regards as a direct Pandemic shutdown of auto sector hits Canada trade hard often violent pro-democracy national security threat AFP Statistics Canada said. Exports of energy prod- pushed up the carpets and protests last year. OttAWA All auto assembly plants ucts also fell by Can$3.6 textile furnishings category. China says the law is In an interview with Chi- in Canada were shuttered as billion, the largest decrease Alcoholic beverage im- needed to tackle “terrorism” na’s state media agency Xin- CANADA’S trade plunged at a a state of emergency was de- on record. ports, up nine percent, also and “separatism” in a restless hua, Wong said he hoped the record pace in April, led by a clared and restrictions were Trade with This drop was led by a reached a record in April. city it now regards as a direct law would bring “long-term drop in shipments of motor ve- imposed to slow the spread of sharp decline in crude oil ex- And there was a rise in phar- national security threat. stability and prosperity” to hicles and parts after the pan- the coronavirus. US plunges ports, which fell 55.1 percent. maceutical imports. Opponents fear it will be Hong Kong. demic shut down the auto sec- As such, no new vehicles Total trade with the United Energy imports were also Total trade with the Unit- used to stifle local opposition His comments came af- tor, the government reported were manufactured in April. States -- Canada’s largest down as confinement meas- ed States -- Canada’s larg- to Communist Party rule, de- ter the city’s pro-Beijing for- on Thursday. The few vehicles that were ex- trading partner -- fell by ures reduced demand, and est trading partner -- fell by spite the promise of limited mer leader Leung Chun-ying As a result, Canada’s trade ported were from inventories refineries were closed. Can$23.4 billion, represent- freedoms and autonomy for publicly criticised the British deficit widened to Can$3.3 or used. Can$23.4 billion, Because many retail ing more than 90 percent of 50 years after the city’s 1997 bank for not publicly sup- billion (US$2.4 billion), from Most auto assembly plants representing more than 90 stores were also closed in Canada’s decreased trade ac- handover from Britain. porting the law while profit- Can$1.5 billion in March. in North America gradually percent of Canada’s April, demand for consumer tivity in April. But several conglomer- ing from its Chinese business Total exports fell 29.7 per- resumed production in May, decreased trade activity in products plummeted too, led Exports to the United ates with mainland business interests. cent to Can$32.7 billion while “which should lead to increased April. Exports to the United by fewer imports of clothing, States fell 35.7 percent, interests have in recent days London-based Standard total imports were down 25.1 trade in the coming months,” States fell 35.7 percent, footwear and accessories. while imports were down issued statements support- Chartered also lined up to percent to Can$35.9 billion. said Statistics Canada. while imports were down A number of retail stores 35.3 percent. ing the bill, including the support the laws, saying they “These declines, in both However, due to physi- 35.3 percent that were closed in April, As a result, Canada’s Asia-focused banking giants. hoped details of its provi- absolute value and percentage, cal distancing requirements, however, gradually reopened trade surplus with the Unit- “HSBC reiterates that we sions would “enable Hong are unparalleled, as monthly challenges in restarting sup- COVID-19 production levels in May. ed States narrowed from respect and support laws that Kong to maintain economic decreases of this magnitude ply chains, and low demand is not expected in the near Imports of medical masks Can$3.5 billion in March to will stabilise Hong Kong’s so- and social stability”. have never been observed,” for new cars “a return to pre- term,” it added. from China, meanwhile, Can$2.2 billion in April. Weak demand pushing oil, gas toward ‘terminal decline’: Report

AFP gist, told AFP. demic. Shell’s first dividend cut In 2018, the World Bank pARIS “Global coal demand, for “Nobody knows how much since World War II, Repsol’s valued future profits from example, peaked in 2013 and the recovery will be in 2021,” write-off of nearly five billion oil, gas and coal -- cast over a FALLING fossil fuel demand has never recovered to that said Bond. “But if the recovery euros ($5.6 billion) last year, roughly 50-year period -- at coupled with mounting risk for level.” is half, and if the fossil fuel in- and a wave of bankruptcies in $39 trillion. investors could slash the value Before the coronavirus out- dustry returns to a growth rate the US shale oil sector all point Carbon Tracker calculated of oil, gas and coal reserves break, many analysts predicted of one percent, it will take until to possible structural change. that if demand falls by two per- by two thirds, sending shock global demand for oil and gas 2025 to get back to 2019 levels.” And yet oil and gas compa- cent a year -- in line with the waves through the global econ- would peak in the mid-2020s, “By then, renewable en- nies are forecasting growth in Paris Agreement goal of cap- omy, energy analysts warned while the International Energy ergy technologies will be large demand for their products. In- ping global warming below two on Thursday. Agency (IEA) forecast a plateau enough to supply all the growth deed, the fossil fuel system as a degrees Celsius -- those future The value of projected prof- towards the end of the decade in energy demand.” whole has been investing about profits would collapse by near- its for the sector could also fall for oil. In 2019, renewable power $5 trillion annually on new ly two-thirds to $14 trillion. by two thirds, according to a But the economic melt- -- mainly solar and wind -- al- supply and demand infrastruc- Producers projecting a re- report from Carbon Tracker, a down triggered by pandemic ready accounted for 72 percent ture for several years running. turn to business-as-usual, by non-profit financial think tank lockdowns across the world of all expansion in the electric- The size of the fossil fuel contrast, are banking on profits focused on aligning capital starting in March could accel- ity sector, the International Re- economy -- about $10 trillion in excess of $100 trillion, the markets with climate policy. erate that process. newable Energy Agency (IRE- in supply infrastructure, and report found. Competition from clean “We may now have seen NA) reported last month. $22 trillion in demand infra- A collapse of future profits technologies along with gov- peak fossil fuel demand as a When a challenger tech- structure -- means its rapid would be especially threat- ernment policies to achieve whole,” said Bond, who worked nology takes all the growth, File photo of the cooling towers of the Drax coal-fired power station decline could pose a threat to ening to petro-states whose climate targets and energy se- for 25 years in equity research. the incumbent -- by definition near Selby, england. (AFp) financial stability, the report economies rely on oil export curity are pushing the fossil “When a cyclical shock hits a -- enters into terminal decline, concluded. income. The world’s biggest oil fuel industry toward “terminal sector already facing structural experience in other sectors has count for about a quarter of “Now is the time to plan “Companies across the fos- and gas earners are Saudi Ara- decline”, the study concluded. decline, it brings forward the shown. That threshold is typi- electricity generation, but -- not an orderly wind-down of fos- sil fuel system are worth $18 bia, Russia, Iraq and Iran. “Terminal decline starts peak in demand.” cally crossed when the chal- counting hydro, which has less sil fuel assets and manage the trillion in listed equity, making Those most vulnerable to when demand peaks,” lead au- The IEA foresees an eight lenger has five percent of mar- potential for expansion -- only impact of the global economy up a quarter of the total value instability include Venezuela, thor Kingsmill Bond, Carbon percent drop in fossil fuel de- ket share. about four percent of global rather than try to sustain the of global equity markets,” it Ecuador, Libya, Algeria, Nige- Tracker’s new energy strate- mand in 2020 due to the pan- Renewables already ac- primary energy consumption. unsustainable,” Bond said. said. ria and Angola, the report said. nBA to return with 22 teams in orlando PAge 11

FridAy, June 5, 2020 no uS open today for nadal, no tennis ‘until it’s completely safe’

AFP within touching distance of The tournament at Flush- pARIS Roger Federer’s all-time re- ing Meadows, as well as the cord of 20 Slams. rearranged Roland Garros, RAFAEL Nadal insisted on “In my mind, if the whole could be staged behind closed Thursday tennis “cannot re- In my mind, if the whole world is suffering, if a lot world is suffering, if a lot of doors in an effort to reduce the sume until the situation is of people are dying because of this pandemic, people are dying because of risk of virus infection. completely safe” and if the US we cannot imagine organising a huge sporting this pandemic, we cannot im- In 2019, the US Open at- Open was being played this agine organising a huge sport- tracted a record crowd of al- week, he wouldn’t take part. event with lots of people from around the world. ing event with lots of people most 740,000 to its sprawling World number two Na- rafael nadal, who turned from around the world,” said Billie Jean King Tennis Centre dal, who captured a fourth US 34 on Wednesday Nadal, who turned 34 on in New York. Open and 19th major in New Wednesday. The French Open last year York last year, said the corona- ‘Optimistic’? ‘No’ -”It brought in 520,000 paying virus pandemic still casts huge would not be realistic. In my customers doubts over the tennis calen- opinion, this was the wrong “Honestly, I hate the idea dar which has been suspended message to send a few weeks (of playing behind closed since mid-March. ago. It is true that the situation doors), but if it’s the only solu- “We cannot resume until is a little less negative now. tion why not?,” added Nadal. the situation is completely safe “Is there a possibility (that As far as Roland Garros is and fair in terms of health in the season will resume)? Yes. concerned, Nadal appreciates that all players, wherever they Am I very optimistic? No, be- the conditions under which he come from, can travel and play cause I cannot predict what must defend his title in a Paris tournaments in safe condi- will happen in the coming autumn will be very different tions,” Nadal told reporters in months. to those he is used to in May a video conference call. “But my position has not and June in the French capital. “If you told me to play the changed: we must show re- “It changes everything. It US Open (scheduled for main sponsibility, we must first changes the preparation, the draw start on August 31) to- be sure that the situation is weather will probably be dif- day, I would say ‘no’. Rafael nadal celebrates at the Mexican Open in sufficiently safe, and after of ferent. I’m used to playing it at “In a few months, I don’t Acapulco in February. (AFp) course, try to restart the cir- another time and having a dif- know. I hope so. We have cuit, when we can see clearly.” ferent schedule. to wait for people to return The US Open remains “But if that’s what is go- to normal life. And when it of view on tennis, that’s why resume until the end of July at from May/June to Septem- to win the Paris trophy for the on the schedule but there ing to happen, I will have to does, wait to see how the vi- I was very pessimistic a few the earliest. ber/October. 13th time. are still doubts over whether adapt, like everyone else. If it rus evolves. weeks ago.” Wimbledon was cancelled In normal times, the Ro- However, for Nadal, there or not it will take place with is finally possible to play Ro- “It’s very difficult for me The ATP and WTA sched- for the first time since the land Garros event would have are far more complex and sig- New York being the epicentre land Garros, I will try to pre- to separate what the world is ules have been on ice since Second World War while the been deep into its second week nificant matters to consider of the COVID-19 crisis in the pare myself as best as possible experiencing from my point March with action not set to French Open has been shifted by now with Nadal expected even if he could have been United States. to be very competitive.”

Quick read Mercedes set for track return to test virus Vandalised Ibrahimovic sculpture to stay in Malmo protocols at Silverstone AFP a spokesman for the local underwent further medical pARIS: Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes StOCKHOLM municipality, told AFP. tests. teammate Valtteri Bottas will return to the track next week, spend- The statue has been the The 38-year-old “has un- ing two days at Silverstone testing protocols ahead of the start of THE statue of Swedish su- target of numerous attacks dergone a check-up following the coronavirus-hit Formula One season. perstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic since the player invested in the injury to his right soleus “We’ll be back on track next week @SilverstoneuK!” the Mer- will remain in his birthplace Stockholm-based Hammarby, muscle. His recovery is pro- cedes team tweeted on thursday. of Malmo despite it being angering supporters of Malmo ceeding well, without compli- “Valtteri (tuesday) and Lewis (Wednesday) will drive the 2018 repeatedly vandalised, the FF, the club where he began cations and a new check-up Mercedes W09 in a two-day test as the team practises protocols city’s mayor said on Thurs- his professional career. is to be expected in about 10 ahead of returning to racing in Austria next month.” day. In November, a day af- days”, the Serie A club said. the curtailed Formula One season will start with two races Some fans had petitioned ter his investment in Ham- Ibrahimovic sustained behind closed doors in Austria on July 5 and July 12 followed by six the authorities to relocate the marby, Ibrahimovic filed a the injury last month in other grands prix in europe. statue to Stockholm while “hate crime” complaint after training with the club he re- Formula One said it hoped to have between 15 and 18 races in separate citizens’ initiative the statue was attacked with joined during this season’s total, with the season being completed in December. demanded it be maintained fire and paint and the word winter transfer window. the F1 season was thrown into chaos with the cancellation of elsewhere in Malmo. ‘Judas’ daubed across the AC Milan are set to re- the traditional curtain-raising Australian Grand prix in March only “The statue remains in front door of his Stockholm The statue of Ibrahimovic pictured after it was destroyed in January. (AFp) sume their coronavirus-hit hours before practice was due to begin as the coronavirus pandem- Malmo and a group within home. season at the end of next ic spread across the world. the city’s organisation will In January, the statue had chopped off. other 10 days with a calf in- week, with the return leg of Last week, the Austrian government sanctioned the season-open- now study where it can be in- collapsed against the barrier Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic jury, AC Milan announced the Italian Cup semi-final ing double-header at the Spielberg circuit after F1 organisers “pre- stalled,” Anders Malmstrom, protecting it, its feet partially will be out of action for an- Thursday after the Swede against Juventus. sented a complete and professional plan” to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. the Hungarian Grand prix will be brought forward to July 19 before a two-week break, followed by consecutive races in Britain and events in Spain, Italy and Belgium. All will likely be run without spectators while participants must adhere to strict safety protocols. Regular health tests will be conducted with the number of team Boateng condemns racism in US; Dortmund take a knee members and race staff at the venue also reduced. DPA BeRLIN “We the players of Barcelona forward Suarez says playing Borussia Dortmund without fans will feel peculiar BAYERN Munich defender Je- fully support the rome Boateng has condemned Black Lives Matter BARCeLONA: Barcelona racism in the United States Movement. We do forward Luis Suarez is in line in the wake of George Floyd’s not accept racism of to return from a long injury death in police custody, and any kind. For an open lay-off when La Liga resumes the whole Munich team may minded and tolerant next week behind closed doors make a statement on the issue world, for a better in the heat of the Spanish just as rivals Borussia Dort- world!”, tweeted Mats summer after a three-month mund did on Thursday. Hummels with this pic. coronavirus shutdown. Dortmund defender Mats Suarez, 33, was sidelined Hummels tweeted a photo of for four months in January the Bundesliga side’s play- gress.” Boateng could be part after undergoing surgery on his ers kneeling in the shape of a of a Bayern statement against right knee but could make his heart, following similar state- racism which influential comeback on June 13 when ments from clubs including midfielder Joshua Kimmich leaders Barcelona travel to Liverpool and Chelsea. was quoted by British media Mallorca, for their first game “We are not used to playing “We the players of Borus- as predicting. since early March. in so much heat in the middle sia Dortmund fully sup- “We discussed it and may- “I feel very good, adapting of summer. We are adapting to port the Black Lives Matter racism against black people is on foreigners and different “Everything begins with be we can do something. We to training with my team-mates. playing without a crowd which Movement. We do not ac- in America, and the role racial religious groups in Germany. the education of children. No maybe have to do something Returning after an injury is al- will be peculiar,” he said. cept racism of any kind. For profiling plays,” Boateng said. All in all, things are travelling child in this world is born a because we cannot give some- ways difficult, because you are “We will continue to focus on an open minded and tolerant “Racism is found every- in a certain direction where I racist. It’s up to the parents thing like this a place,” Kim- a little scared but I’m enjoying winning games to win the league world, for a better world!” where, but it is extreme in think: we were once further and what they tell their chil- mich said. being back,” Suarez told the title, which is what we all want.” Hummels said. the USA.” Bundesliga play- along,” he said. dren,” he said. It was not clear whether club’s website. “As time goes on, every- Boateng, the son of a Ger- ers and athletes from around The 2014 World Cup win- “It’s vital that we teach Bayern would take a knee like La Liga is set to restart thing is getting back to normal, man mother and Ghanian the world have taken a stand ner said athletes should not them that racism isn’t accept- the other clubs on the train- with the Seville derby on June despite the death of so many father who was been sub- against racism since the inci- only express themselves on able and that, should they ing ground, or at their next 11 and to be completed on people,” he added. jected to racism himself, told dent last week, and Boateng social media but become ac- see someone being abused, match Saturday at Bayer Lev- July 19, yet the expectation Defending champions Deutsche Welle in an inter- said that more also needs to be tive, such as in working with they should defend them and erkusen - similar to a gesture is players will be subjected Barca hold a two-point lead view that education is the key done in Germany. children and supporting inte- speak up. That has to start in of Munich’s reserve team and to safety protocol for several over Real Madrid at the top because no one is born a racist. “Racism is a topic here as gration projects. school. It has to be an integral opponents Preussen Muenster months and stadiums will not with 11 rounds of matches still “The case of George Floyd well, it’s very present. In re- However, it all starts at part of the curriculum. Only ahead of their third-tier game be full again until next year. to be played. (AFP) shows us just how widespread cent years, we’ve seen attacks young age, Boateng said. in that way can we make pro- Wednesday night. Sports Friday, June 5, 2020 11 QMMF introduces digital motorsports licences orsports licences in both auto and The move is likely to moto sections. This is a way forward to develop and organise this sport give a big push to SIM further. These licences are just like the ones we issue to realtime auto racing sport in Qatar and moto event competitors. The license will make the holder feel TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to be a part of an elite group. This DOHA year, the QMMF is providing them free of charges but there will be a THE Qatar Motor and Motorcycle aimed at not only developing the jor sport. The auto and moto online 8 for rally enthusiasts - is lined up Amro Al Hamad, also a former car one-day course next year at the Federation (QMMF) acquired the SIM racing but also taking it to new events began to find more space in and will start on Sunday. racer, said about the association’s time of renewal or getting a new distinction of being the first asso- level after the coronavirus pandem- the daily life or schedule of people. The QMMF has issued the move: “The QMMF wants to build one,” Al Hamad informed. ciation in the GCC region to issue ic devastated the world. Using the fresh boost to digital digital motorsports licences free and develop the online racing sport He also clarified that there was the digital motorsports licences to The COVID-19 outbreak im- racing, the QMMF has also planned this year but in the 2021, it will properly and putting serious efforts no need for this license to take part local residents. posed a global lockdown earlier this to structure it by including its renew them or give a new licence into hosting events this year. Next in any of the QMMF online compe- Already, 17 such moto licences year, forcing people to stay indoors events in the calendar permanent- only after a one-day orientation year, we hope to carry on the mo- tition. “This is not mandatory for have been issued by the QMMF as much as possible. It also led to ly. Already two events have been course. These licences will also mentum and take it to new levels. those who wish to contest in our but the number in auto section is sporting events and activities to be organised - the Qatar Online Rac- immensely help those who wish We’re pleased by the response from digital sports competition. But if likely to be around 60 after the en- either postponed or cancelled. In ing Championship Auto (Gran Tu- to build a career in SIM racing as the residents of Qatar so far and we they have it, they will like to be part tries are finalised in the upcoming such situation, the eSports gained rismo) and the Qatar Online Rac- they need to be registered with expect that more digital racing en- of the online racing community WRC8 competition. a big boost, which led to virtual ing Championship Moto (MotoGP the local association. thusiasts will join us in future. and keep competing, leading to the This is a move by the QMMF competitions in almost every ma- 19). Now the third event - the WRC QMMF Executive Director “We’ve now issued digital mot- growth of the SIM racing.” ICC planning COVID-19 substitutes for Tests racing set to sparkle

AGENCIES Test matches, not necessar- LONDON ily ODIs (one-day interna- tionals) or T20s (Twenty20). after ‘sticky start’, says THE International Cricket “That replacement would Council (ICC) is discussing have to be a ‘like for like’ the possibility of introducing player... Our on-site COV- substitutes if a player tests ID medical practitioner positive for COVID-19 dur- and Public Health England ing a Test match, England would be informed immedi- trainer John gosden and Wales Cricket Board ately and that player would Director of Special Projects then be put into isolation for AFP “You can’t lock horses in Steve Elworthy said. a period of time.” LONDON stables -- they would go in- Last year, the ICC ap- England are set to host sane,” he said. “The main proved “like for like” substi- the West Indies in a three- ENGLISH racing is due to thing is to be careful not to tutes across all formats of in- Test series next month, with move up a gear with the first over-train them both physi- ternational cricket to replace the visitors flying in a 14- classics of the flat season this cally and keep them mentally concussed players during man squad plus 11 reserves weekend after leading Brit- fit. matches and Elworthy said who will train and quaran- ish trainer John Gosden de- “With horses, it is very the same rule would have tine together before the first scribed the sport’s resump- hard to bring them back down to be applied for COVID-19 Test scheduled for July 8 in tion as having “a sticky start” without racing.” substitutes. Southampton. following the coronavirus Gosden said morale had “COVID replacements “With the testing protocols lockdown. remained high, even before are certainly something that of getting those players into Gosden has trained more they were given green light to the ICC are discussing,” El- that (bio-secure) bubble first, than 100 Group One winners resume. worthy told Sky Sports. you would hope that wouldn’t across the globe, clinching the “Morale is grand. We are “I’ve seen communication be a scenario we’d have to deal Epsom Derby twice and the very positive and following about that and it’s certainly with,” Elworthy added. Prix de l’Arc three times. every bio-security protocol something we hope would “But clearly it’s some- This weekend’s racing at on and off the racecourse,” be allowed -- specifically for thing we are planning for.” Newmarket will feature the he said. 1,000 Guineas and the 2,000 Despite optimism about Guineas. the return of racing, Gosden The 69-year-old English- admits the sport does not have man has just one runner in its fate in its own hands, with England batsman Burns the two classics, Shimmering uncertainty over the future in Sunday’s 1000 Guineas, but course of COVID-19. He points wary of West Indies runs one of his stable stars, Italian jockey Frankie Dettori celebrates victory on enable in the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. (AFp) out while equine viruses and Stradivarius, in Friday’s Coro- the foot-and-mouth disease AFP nation Cup, ridden by Frankie bit sticky on the first day,” he to get started. have previously played havoc LONDON Dettori. That race, he says, is a told AFP. “We are not a contact with racing, at least there was dry run for his major target -- “But now we enter a peri- sport. If you make contact in an end point on each occasion. ENGLAND batsman Rory a third successive Ascot Gold od with generally decent class a race you will find yourself in “This is a far greater chal- Burns believes the West Indies Cup later this month, while horses. That should brighten front of the stewards. lenge as it is a very sinister will give the hosts a “stiff test” his other star, Enable, will the picture with four days at “We train horses and race disease and affects people,” come next month’s eagerly an- return in July as she targets a Newmarket.” them in large open spaces with said Gosden. ticipated series. third Arc de Triomphe in four Gosden, speaking from his an abundance of fresh air. We “We are coming out from The three matches, still years. Newmarket stables, described are not working in factories or lockdown in managed herd subject to final clearance from Gosden said the shutdown coming out of lockdown as a British trainer John Gosden. offices so to that extent we are immunity, which is what it the British government, are had been a difficult time for “minefield” but he welcomed fine.” is, and know very well until a set to mark the return of Test the industry. the decision to get racing up ment industry and breeding Gosden said his staff had bulletproof vaccine is found match cricket as the sport england’s Rory Burns: West Indies “We had a pretty intense and running again. one, with 20,000 people rely- not taken their foot out of the we have to live with this and emerges from months of lock- no push-overs. week of racing, which was a “We are a major entertain- ing on it for work. It was right stirrups even in lockdown. hope it does not surge again.” down caused by the global cor- onavirus pandemic. they’re very skilful and have got Surrey opener Burns will some pace,” added Burns, who be looking to regain his place averaged a modest 24.16 as the at the top of the order after West Indies regained the Wis- NBA to return as board approves return-to-play plan Chinese being sidelined since January den Trophy. with ankle ligament damage “There’s a lot of good crick- AFP in favour of the return-to-play 1 start date for the 2020-2021 The league plans for teams basketball suffered during a warm-up eters there and think it’s going LOS ANGeLeS plan, with Portland the lone season. The NBA suspended its to start training camps in their game of football in Cape Town. to be a stiff test no matter what.” vote against. season on March 11 as the COV- home cities on June 30 before to resume The 29-year-old left-hand- The West Indies are due to THE NBA’s board of governors Under the NBA’s propos- ID-19 pandemic erupted, leav- travelling to Orlando on July 7. er knows better than most not arrive in England via a char- approved a return-to-play plan als, the league would resume ing professional sport in North The league wants to have to underestimate the West In- ter flight on Tuesday, with a on Thursday, paving the way for on July 31 with 22 teams based America at a standstill. daily testing and if a player tests on June 20 dies, having been a Test fledg- 25-man squad comprising 14 the league to resume in Florida at Disney’s ESPN Wide World Sixteen teams occupying positive he would be isolated AFP ling when England lost 2-1 in frontline players and 11 desig- following a three-month coro- of Sports Complex in Orlan- the playoff berths in the West- and quarantined. SHANGHAI the Caribbean in 2018. nated reserves. navirus shutdown. do to minimise the threat of ern and Eastern Conferences The others would carry on “The last time we played Of those originally selected, ESPN and The Athletic re- COVID-19. Playoffs would take will be joined by six more teams playing while still being tested THE Chinese Basketball As- them they won, they’re cer- only batsmen Darren Bravo and ported that a proposal put to the place in August, with the NBA to determine the final playoff on a daily basis. sociation (CBA) season will tainly no slouches,” Burns told Shimron Hetmyer, together league’s board which will see 22 Finals set to be completed by line-up. Each of the 22 teams This year’s regular sea- resume on June 20, the CBA Sky’s Cricket Show. with fast-bowling all-rounder teams based at a single location October 12. will play eight regular-season son was halted abruptly after said on Thursday, becoming “Their bowling attack Keemo Paul, have decided not had passed comfortably. The league has also pen- games for seeding purposes for Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert the country’s first major sports caused us a lot of problems -- to travel because of COVID-19. Twenty-nine teams voted cilled in a provisional December the postseason. tested positive. league to return to action after the coronavirus. The campaign was halted in February but will return after the number of in- fections dropped markedly in Brees apologises for ‘hurtful, insensitive’ kneeling remarks China, where the pandemic emerged at the end of last year. AFP and anyone I hurt with my voiced support for former ly criticised by fellow NFL nity in the fight against sys- The resumption of the CBA LOS ANGeLeS comments yesterday,” Brees NFL star Colin Kaepernick, players and athletes includ- temic racial injustice and po- puts pressure on football -- the said on Thursday. who ignited controversy in ing NBA superstar LeBron lice brutality and support the other leading sport in China -- NEW Orleans Saints quarter- “In speaking with some 2016 by kneeling during the James. creation of real policy change to similarly get going again after back Drew Brees apologised of you, it breaks my heart to US national anthem. Brees said Thursday his that will make a difference. a months-long indefinite post- on Thursday after his criti- know the pain I have caused. It has led to speculation comments had “lacked aware- “I will never know what ponement. cism of NFL kneeling protests “In an attempt to talk that more players may opt to ness and any type of compas- it’s like to be a black man or “With the approval of the drew a furious backlash. about respect, unity, and soli- “take a knee” during the up- sion or empathy.” raise black children in Ameri- sports and health department, In a statement on Insta- darity centered around the coming NFL season in solidar- “Those words have be- ca but I will work every day to CBA league will resume on June gram, Brees said his sugges- American flag and the nation- ity with Kaepernick, who was come divisive and hurtful and put myself in those shoes and 20 and all preparations have tion that kneeling to protest al anthem, I made comments frozen out of the NFL for his have misled people into be- fight for what is right. entered a substantive stage,” racism and police brutality that were insensitive and protests about racial injustices. lieving that somehow I am an “I have ALWAYS been an the CBA said on the Twitter-like was “disrespectful” to the US completely missed the mark On Wednesday, Brees enemy,” Brees said. ally, never an enemy. I am Weibo. flag had been “hurtful and in- on the issues we are facing triggered an outcry when he Quarterback Drew Brees of the “This could not be further sick about the way my com- The 20 teams in the league sensitive”. right now as a country.” told Yahoo that he remained new Orleans Saints. (AFp) from the truth, and is not ments were perceived yester- will be divided into two groups “I would like to apologise As a wave of demonstra- firmly opposed to kneeling. an accurate reflection of my day, but I take full responsi- and matches will be played in to my friends, teammates, the tions against police brutal- “I will never agree with America or our country,” heart or my character. bility and accountability...I only two cities -- Qingdao in the City of New Orleans, the black ity and racism sweeps across anybody disrespecting the Brees said. “This is where I stand: I am very sorry and I ask your northeast and Dongguan in the community, NFL community the US, many athletes have flag of the United States of Brees remarks were wide- stand with the black commu- forgiveness.” south, the CBA said. 12 Friday, June 5, 2020 Sports Qatar 2022 stadiums continue to take shape

Al Bayt Stadium

HE Supreme Com-  Mechanical, engineering mittee for Delivery & and plumbing works almost Legacy remains on Khalifa Stadium completed Ttrack to deliver all eight stadiums for the FIFA World lusAil stAdiuM Cup Qatar 2022™ well ahead of  Installation of superstruc- schedule. ture, precast units and roof Khalifa International Sta- compression ring completed dium was the first tournament  De-propping of roof com- venue to open following an ex- pression ring completed tensive redevelopment in 2017.  Installation of golden tri- Al Janoub Stadium was the first angular façade is 21% com- venue to be built from scratch plete when it opened in May 2019.  Mechanical, electrical and Three more stadiums are plumbing works 52% com- set to be completed by the end plete of 2020: Al Bayt and Al Rayyan,  Stadium pitch develop- and the third tournament-ready ment is 21% complete venue for Qatar 2022 in Educa-  Installation of spectator tion City. The remaining venues seats has commenced will be delivered well in advance  Interior and exterior works of the tournament, which will are 40% complete Al Thumama Stadium kick off on 21 November 2022.  Infrastructure works are Here are the latest updates 45% complete from each Qatar 2022 stadium: rAs ABu ABoud stAdiuM KhAliFA internAtionAl Al rAyyAn stAdiuM  All structural foundations stAdiuM  Installation of roof stand- are completed  Following an extensive re- ing seam/roof membrane and  Underground utilities are development, the stadium re- Third FIFA World Cup 2022 windscreen completed 71% complete opened on 19 May 2017 when it  Gym equipment installed  Fabrication of the steel hosted the Amir Cup final within precinct structure is 95% complete and  During 2019, the stadium stadium completed  Mechanical, engineer- the development of the bowl hosted the IAAF World Athlet- ing and plumbing works 99% steel is 50% complete ics Championships, along with SC.QA redevelopment of Khalifa complete  Overall container fabrica- matches during both the 24th DOHA International Stadium in 2017  Internal finishing in pro- tion progress is 97% complete Arabian Gulf Cup and FIFA and the inauguration of Al gress  The total container scope Club World Cup Qatar 2019™ He Supreme Committee Janoub Stadium in 2019.  Installation of external is 973, of which 949 are com-  Stadium boasts a strong tfor Delivery & Legacy and the stadium’s completion render, curtain wall glazing, pleted and delivered to site. hosting history, including Qatar Foundation have an- will be marked on 15 June fiberglass façade panels, pav- 505 containers have already the 2006 Asian Games, FIFA nounced that the FIFA with a live programme which ers and precinct turf complet- been installed at the stadium World Youth Championship World Cup Qatar 2022™ celebrates the ed Al Janoub Stadium Qatar 1995 and Asian Football stadium located in education contribution of frontline  Installation of Asphalt Al thuMAMA stAdiuM Confederation competitions City has been completed on workers during the coronavi- wearing course complete  Roof truss and cabling schedule. rus pandemic. the show will  Precinct training pitch turf works completed Al JAnouB stAdiuM It is the third tournament- also discuss the future of is 50% complete  Roof membrane installa-  Stadium opened on 16 May ready venue for Qatar 2022 sport, mental health and fan  Qatar Civil Defence test- tion of 680 panels completed 2019 when it hosted the Amir to be completed, following the experience in a post-COVID-19 ing and commissioning is 91%  Façade membrane instal- Cup final successful world. complete lation completed in all 40 bays  During 2019, the stadium  Bleacher installation com- hosted matches during the 24th Al BAyt stAdiuM pleted Arabian Gulf Cup  Seating installations and  Installation of seating is finishing works almost com- 56% complete third tournament-ready venue for plete  Mechanical, engineering Qatar 2022 in education City  Inspections from local and plumbing works are 73%  Stadium completion to be authorities arranged for sta- complete officially announced on 15 June dium, energy centre and pre-  Finishing work 53% com- 2020 cinct areas plete  Building works completed roof structure completed ed  Testing and commission- Al Rayyan Stadium  Installation of stadium en-  Mechanical, engineering  Testing and commission- ing in progress for the stadium (SC.qa) velope, seats, arch finishes and and plumbing works complet- ing almost completed and energy centre

Lusail Stadium

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium the last word Friday, June 5, 2020 13 DESPıTE SıEGE, QF ACHıEVES NEw MıLESTONES ‘QF draws inspiration from Qatari community’ QAtAR Foundation has always drawn inspiration from the Qatari community for its ability to adapt, resist and deal with crises, and even turn challenges into op- portunities, Khalifa essa Al Kubaisi, manager of Media Relations and press Office, Qatar Foundation, has said. “It is a key part of QF’s mission to unlock human potential. Human potential is crystallised in times of challenges, as people take crises as an incentive for creativity, innovation and the pursuit of sustainability, and moving forward in achieving the accomplishments that they aspire to achieve,” he said. “Since the beginning of the unjust blockade, we have proven at Qatar Foundation our readiness and ability to deal with challenges at various levels, Khalifa essa Al Kubaisi through our prior preparations and immediate and efficienat response to ensure that education for our eficial to the State of Qatar and the region. We have students of different nationalities continues at the also moved forward in launching more community same quality. Besides, QF has continued to work on initiatives and projects aimed at building societies,” research, development and innovation that is ben- Kubaisi added.

NFAZED by the blockade ing number of specialities available since its establishment, WISE has imposed on Qatar by a four- for both inpatient and outpatient become a global reference point for nation group three years ago, care. discussing, identifying, and sharing Qatar Foundation has con- Sidra Medicine welcomed its new approaches to education. tinued its efforts to provide first patients to the main hospital More than 3,200 educators, Uworld-class education to all in Qatar building in January 2018, opening decision-makers and experts, rep- and promote cutting-edge scientific the hospital with the launch of its in- resenting over 100 countries – a research, while also implementing a patient obstetrics services. record attendance - attended the vast array of initiatives for commu- The Father Amir HH Sheikh latest edition of the WISE Summit, nity development. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH held under the theme UnLearn, QF has made outstanding Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended ReLearn: What It Means To Be achievements in the past three years the official inauguration of Sidra Human. of the blockade. Here are some of the Medicine – a brand new, world- highlights: leading women’s and children’s hos- DOHA INT’L FAMILY INSTITUTE pital in Qatar. Through its research, its role in PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION One of the most ambitious influencing policy and its capacity Qatar Academy STEM School: children to be future leaders and ac- bint Nasser and the Prime Minister greenfield hospital developments of its dedication to addressing today’s to create international networks of QF announced the launch of a new tive citizens, while being rooted in and Minister of Interior of Qatar, its kind, Sidra Medicine represents most pressing health challenges. knowledge, QF member Doha In- Science, Technology, Engineering Arabic cultural heritage, identity and among other dignitaries. the vision of HH Sheikha Moza to In November 2018, almost ternational Family Institute (DIFI) and Mathematics (STEM) school values, and the Arabic language, and QNL opened all its services to develop the region’s leading aca- 2,200 healthcare experts, inno- is integral to ensuring a cornerstone under the umbrella of QF’s Pre- has an academic focus that extends the public during 2017-18, including demic medical centre and provide vators and entrepreneurs, health of Arab society – the family unit University Education (PUE). QAST into the community. its children’s library, young adults’ healthcare of the highest global ministers and policymakers lent – remains robust, cohesive, and will offer a programme focused on library, heritage library and reading standards to the people of Qatar and their voices to these conversations equipped to deal with the challeng- STEM learning, hands-on science HBKU room, reference services, lending beyond. The new hospital addresses at the 2018 edition of the WISH es that modern life presents. skills and innovative thinking, which HBKU celebrated the graduation collection, innovation station, group the growing need for specialist chil- Summit in Doha. Its opening cer- Reflecting the importance of will allow students to apply their of its Class of 2018, with this year work rooms, and study carrels. dren’s and maternity care by offer- emony reflected Qatar’s commit- strong families to the fabric of so- knowledge to real-world challenges witnessing the graduation of its first QNL entered into a new three- ing services previously unavailable ment to healthcare innovation ciety, DIFI was established with the using both traditional and modern cohorts of science and engineering year agreement with the British Li- in Qatar and, in many cases, across and the advancement of precision aim of expanding the knowledge methods. PhD students and Juris Doctor law brary to repatriate Qatari historical the wider MENA region. medicine, as HH Sheikha Moza bint base on Arab families, and contrib- Academiyati: In February programme graduates. The univer- content to the Qatar Digital Library. Nasser was presented with the first ute to developing a framework that 2019, Qatar Foundation launched sity also reinforced its year-on-year EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICAL ‘Q-chip’, highlighting the progress educates and supports them. EDUCATION CITY GOLF CLUB Academiyati, a progressive school growth by graduating its largest class CENTER made by QF’s Qatar Genome Pro- offering a globally-unique learning to date, with 206 students from 42 On March 5, 2020 Her Highness gramme and Qatar Biobank in de- DOHA DEBATES model of education. It is the first of different countries – including 78 Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair- On March 7, 2020, HH Sheikha veloping the first gene array based A new dimension on global its kind in Qatar. Qatari students – graduating from person of QF, attended the official Moza bint Nasser officially opened on data from thousands of Qatari dialogue is now being provided to Tariq Bin Ziad: On February 25, 25 Master’s and PhD programmes. opening of the Education City Golf the Equine Veterinary Medical genomes. the world by QF, through the re- 2020 The Father Amir HH Sheikh HBKU announced the launch of Club as it hosted its first interna- Center (EVMC), a regionally unique Unfolding over seven days im- launched Doha Debates, bringing Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and six new academic degrees, includ- tional tournament, the Commercial facility designed to provide the mediately before the WISH 2018 fresh voices and viewpoints to topics Chairperson of Qatar Foundation ing both Master’s and Doctoral pro- Bank Qatar Masters 2020. highest caliber of healthcare for Summit, and attended by more and themes that shape our world. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint grammes. The new degrees under Comprising 18-hole, nine-hole, horses while also advancing veteri- than 10,000 people, the festival’s 54 Six years after the last airing of Nasser attended the official opening HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies and six-hole courses, the Education nary science. activities raised awareness of health the original Doha Debates, the QF ceremony of Tariq Bin Ziad School include a Master of Science in Is- City Golf Club also houses a state-of- The EVMC houses an equine resources in Qatar and encouraged production returned in February under the umbrella of QF. lamic Art, Architecture and Urban- the-art learning and practice facil- referral hospital, a veterinary diag- the local community to embrace 2019 with its inaugural live event, The event was also attended ism; a Master of Arts in Islam and ity within its Centre of Excellence, nostic laboratory and a clinical re- healthy, active lifestyles. showcasing its innovative new con- by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Global Affairs; and a PhD in Islamic which combines modern technology search laboratory, with its team of cept and its goal of unlocking solu- bin Khalifa Al Thani, ministers and Finance and Economy. with expert training opportunities veterinarians employing advanced WISE tions to global challenges through dignitaries, senior figures from QF, and includes a women-only tuition treatments and techniques to care In the context of education, the diverse, rigorous and honest debate. alumni of Tariq Bin Ziad School and QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY area, as the club seeks to support the for horses. Its specialised services world came together at QF in No- Doha Debates’ approach in- parents of the students. QNL opened its doors to the pub- growth of women’s golf in Qatar. Its include surgery, internal medicine, vember 2019 for the WISE Summit cludes live debates, digital videos, Tariq Bin Ziad School, which lic for the first time on November 7, nine-hole course is floodlit, enabling rehabilitation, dentistry, diagnos- 2019, with the goal being to explore a TV series, blogs, podcasts and came under the umbrella of PUE 2017, and was officially inaugurated people to enjoy a round of night- tic imaging and pain management, how the future of learning can be re- majlis-style conversations designed at the start of the current academic as the Qatar National Library by His time golf, with the club also provid- with the centre also offering a imagined. to bridge differences, build consen- year, offers a bilingual co-education- Highness The Amir of the State of ing a range of fitness classes and round-the-clock emergency service. As QF’s global education think- sus, and tackle urgent global issues al Primary Years Programme that Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al offering golf lessons for individuals, tank, the World Innovation Sum- through discourse and the exchange follows the International Baccalau- Thani at a grand opening ceremony groups, and children. WISH mit for Education (WISE) is a of perspectives. It retains the es- reate curriculum, with additional on April 16, 2018. Building a healthier world worldwide community of partners, sence and traditions that character- aspects that reflect the importance The ceremony was attended by SIDRA MEDICINE through global collaboration is the thought-leaders and change-mak- ised Doha Debates from its incep- and the enduring relevance of Qatari over 700 invitees, including The Fa- In April 2018, Sidra Medicine goal of the World Innovation Sum- ers, whose collective impetus is to tion in 2004, while also representing heritage. ther Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin launched several new women’s ser- mit for Health (WISH), a QF initia- advance quality education and em- how the series has evolved to spark The school focuses on provid- Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qa- vices, including a women’s urgent tive that has created an international phasize its role in empowering indi- the imagination and participation of ing quality education that prepares tar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza care service, to complement a grow- healthcare community united in viduals and societies. In the 10 years people around the world.

UN experts to join QF panel discussion on future of biodiversity Topics to be highlighted enduring importance of nature perts from the United Nations, SCO; Roula Majdalani, Cluster Online event being organised with during the online event on and the need for all of us to play the Rainforest Alliance and Leader, Climate Change and Tuesday, June 9, will include our part in building a sustain- the Arab Youth Climate Move- Natural Resources Sustainabil- Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar the current state of biodiversi- able future for our own com- ment Qatar – who we are de- ity, United Nations Economic to mark World Environment Day ty in the Arab world; how civil munities and for the planet,” lighted to be collaborating with and Social Commission for society groups can work with said Nisreen Abdrabbo, head of to host this webinar – we hope Western Asia; Neeshad Shafi, governments and the private Environment Compliance, QF. to play our part in encouraging executive director, Arab Youth TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK efforts to better rebuild after sector to protect the environ- “The ongoing COVID-19 our community to think, act Climate Movement Qatar; and DOHA COVID-19. ment; and how biodiversity pandemic has served to re- and live in a sustainable way Henriette Walz, Global Theme The webinar, ‘Our Biodi- issues can be addressed in the mind humanity of all that na- and be active participants in Lead, Deforestation and Biodi- ENVIRONMENT experts from versity and Our Future’, is be- post-pandemic reconstruction ture gives us and of the need to protecting our shared environ- versity, Rainforest Alliance. the United Nations will be ing held as part of the World phase. It will also look at the cherish and respect it. It is only ment.” The webinar, which will among the speakers as the Qa- Environment Day 2020, which role of youth in the conserva- Henriette Walz by doing so that we can achieve The speakers will include allow online audiences to post tar Foundation and the Arab calls for global action to com- tion of the planet and whether economic development, social Dr Miguel Clüsener-Godt, di- questions, will take place from Youth Climate Movement in bat the growing loss of plant global systems need to be re- our trend in recent years to resilience and a truly sustain- rector of the Ecological and 11am to 12:30pm on June 9 Qatar host an online debate on and animal species and the thought if biodiversity loss is host a World Environment able world. Earth Sciences Division and through Microsoft Teams. why nature and sustainability degradation of the natural to be reversed. Day event that seeks to open “Through bringing togeth- Secretary to the Man and the Registration is not required to must be at the heart of global world. “The webinar continues people’s eyes and minds to the er climate and biodiversity ex- Biosphere Programme, UNE- attend the event. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020

3 YEARS OF RESILIENCE

QATAR: A SYMBOL OF GROWTH AND PROSPERITY

Three years after an unjust blockade was imposed on Qatar by some neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, the country has emerged as a symbol of resilience and strong and sustained growth. Qatar’s private sector has played a key role in circumventing the embargo imposed by the neighbour- ing countries. As a crucial partner in the country’s growth and economic development, Qatar’s private sector has been working in tandem with the government to help the country attain self-sustainability in various sectors of the economy. 02 Friday, June 5, 2020

About 1,464 industrial establish- ments, operating and licensed, were registered by the end of 2019 in all industrial sectors, compared to 1,171 by the end of 2016. This shows the establishment of some 293 new factories during the siege years including 162 factories in the first year of the siege in 2017, 72 factories in 2018, and 59 factories in the third year of the blockade 47,000 FIRMS, 293 FACTORIES SET UP In QATAR SInCE BLOCKADE: QC ChAIRMAn

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani has said that the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar three years ago failed to slow down the rapid growth of Qatari economy as the country managed to convert its negative impacts into benefits. In a statement issued by Qatar Chamber on the third anniversary of the blockade, Sheikh Khalifa re- vealed that about 47,000 new com- panies have been established in Qatar during the three years of the blockade. About 1,464 industrial establish- ments, operating and licensed, were registered by the end of 2019 in all industrial sectors, compared to 1,171 by the end of 2016, he said. This means the establishment of some 293 new factories during the siege years, including 162 factories in the first year of siege in 2017, 72 factories in 2018, and 59 factories in the third year. Sheikh Khalifa said the siege has contributed to accelerating eco- nomic development and boosting foreign trade, especially with the tegic plans as well as co-operation strong impetus to expand their com- import goods. The chamber also co- opening of the Hamad Port and the among all bodies, and trade relations mercial activities and invest in new ordinated with various government The siege has contributed to inauguration of direct sea shipping with friendly countries. industries. agencies concerned to form spe- routes with a number of brotherly He stressed that the blockade “Siege provided concerned bod- cialised committees with concerned accelerating economic development and friendly countries. provided Qatari businessmen with a ies with opportunities to accelerate governmental bodies to streamline and boosting foreign trade, espe- Qatar’s economy has proved that strong impetus to expand their com- the country’s economic strategies, procedures for the private sector in it is robust and resilient against cri- mercial activities and invest in new expand agricultural and industrial importing goods, as well as provide cially with the opening of the Hamad ses, he said adding that the country industries. projects, increase outward invest- support for the national products. continued to maintain an acceler- The private sector succeeded in ments, promote local investment During the blockade, he said, Port and the inauguration of direct ated pace of growth despite the on- avoiding the disruption of goods and attract more foreign invest- QC hosted more than 250 foreign shipping routes with a number of going siege. that were imported from siege coun- ments to the local market. It also trade delegations to discuss mutual “Qatar has managed to achieve tries to the Qatari market by land, included providing more incentives investment opportunities and the brotherly and friendly countries. self-sufficiency in many goods and he said adding the country has wit- to the private sector for promoting possibility of establishing commer- products by developing food secu- nessed a steady growth in the num- local industries, increasing pro- cial partnerships and alliances in Qatar has managed to achieve rity, agriculture, and industry sec- ber of factories and an increase in duction, enhancing relations with light of the incentives, facilities and tors,” Sheikh Khalifa said. the productive capacity of existing friendly countries, and activating benefits for investment proposed by self-sufficiency in many goods and Underlying the role of the Qatari factories. trade with countries around the Qatar and the governments of those products by developing food, private sector, he pointed out that it The siege has helped in acceler- world,” he said. countries. has defeated the siege since its onset ating the state’s approach toward Highlighting the Chambers role About the role of QCs sector agriculture, and industrial sectors and managed to prove itself as a real encouraging local industry and fa- during the blockade, he said it had committees, he said, they played a partner to the public sector in eco- cilitating procedures for new indus- sought since the beginning of the key role during the siege through Qatar Chamber Chairman nomic development. tries, he said adding the siege period blockade to remove all obstacles holding seminars with businessmen QC Chairman said several factors saw a surge in exports of the private faced by the private sector. to learn about obstacles facing them Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani helped the country defeat the block- sector and the reach of local prod- Sheikh Khalifa said QC urged and ways of finding appropriate so- ade and transform it into economic ucts to many foreign markets. merchants and businessmen from lutions as well as conducting ques- benefits, including the economic and He stressed that the blockade the first day of the blockade to ur- tionnaires that determine damages legislative environment, sound stra- provided Qatari businessmen with a gently find alternative means to incurred by some companies. Friday, June 5, 2020 03

BRIngIng QATAR CLOSER TO FOOD SECURITY HE blockade imposed on Qatar by with an aim to bring about qualitative government’s projects and Qatari farmers ‘We want to some of its neighbouring countries on changes in farming operations for a har- to achieve self-sufficiency. Our products June 5 three years ago, and the result- vest of healthier food grains, vegetables will be free of chemical contamination, ing self-sufficiency drive launched and fruits in Qatar. which is very important. We are carrying create a holistic by Qatar, helped the country attain Dr Berry spoke to Qatar Tribune’s chemical contamination-free stickers on Tself-sufficiency in dairy and poultry busi- Satyendra Pathak about his plans for all our products. We are not using chemi- agriculture ness and expand its agricultural landscape. partnering with Qatari entities and his cals in our products, which is why we call What’s more, it paved the way for a more Group’s operations in Qatar. Excerpts: them ‘interventions’. conducive environment for sustainable ag- hub in Qatar riculture practices in the country. Q: What is the idea behind choosing Q: When do you hope to start your Qatar’s agriculture sector has since Qatar for your group’s agricultural operations in Qatar? seen a boom and an increasing number of operations? We don’t have a long gestation period. which remains companies coming up with cutting-edge A: There are reasons why we are here in With regard to supplying to farmers local- technologies and new business models to Qatar and it’s not by chance. Qatar has ly, we have already started pilot projects. sustainable bring the country closer to its goal of at- been seeing a big push towards food secu- We are now ready to start in a much bigger taining food security. rity. We wanted to set up base at a place way. We are in the process of starting to It was in this backdrop that Contec where the government is looking for global import bio-inputs, which we can bring in even in the Global Group Chairman Dr Benoy Berry relevance and using technology to achieve from our other plants in other parts of the decided to enter the Qatari market and excellence. We want to create a holistic ag- world. Setting up a factory here in Qatar make it the hub of his company’s agricul- riculture hub in Qatar which remains sus- is not much time-consuming as the Qatar times of the tural operations. The Contec Global Group tainable even in the times of the COVID-19 government’s policies are very investor- entered Qatar through its agri-food arm, pandemic. friendly. COVID-19 Greenfields, last year. Dr Berry and his We are collaborating with different team of committed officials are working stakeholders in Qatar, including govern- Q: There are different ways of cul- diligently to put in place strategic reserves ment entities like Qatar Free Zones Au- KEY TAKEAWAYS tivation in Qatar. Which method is pandemic’ of perishables and select non-perishables thority (QFZA), to set up state-of-the-art best suited for the country? plant tissue culture and bio inputs labora- ● Tailor-made bio-inputs for Qatar is blessed with natural resources as tory for supplying bio-fertiliser, bio-pesti- local Qatari soil it’s sitting on gas, and therefore, energy cides, plant growth promoters, and regu- cost is not prohibitive here. You just need lators to enhance agricultural production. ● Substantial reduction in water to have ambient temperature control, Our bio fertiliser is very unique, especially which is not difficult to achieve. Instead of customised for the Qatari soil to enhance consumption at Qatari farms going vertical, we can grow it in troughs, yield. We will support precision farming. tubs, shelves, like they grow mushrooms We have developed technologies that have ● Drastic reduction of carbon in India. We will bring in our greenhouse been tried and tested and are working well footprint technology which is a combination of gas on the ground in Qatar. and solar. This would improve the efficien- ● Improvement in overall soil cy of greenhouses. Once you are combining Q: How important is Qatar for your hygiene with solar, you are cutting on carbon emis- operations in this region? sions as well. We want to help Qatari farm- We are working to make Qatar a hub for ● Post COVID-19, demand for ers become more prosperous by using the our concentration plant from where con- pure and simple natural farming methods. centrates will be sent out to various blend- organic and natural food will ing plants across the globe. Given its increase by 25 percent Q: Can you cite the specific benefits strategic location and world- for Qatar? class logistics and infrastruc- For Qatar, it gives a chance to get inter- ture facilities like Hamad Port ical location, locale, its pragmatic policies national relevance and at the same time and Hamad International and a business-friendly environment offer achieve food security. We are primarily fo- Airport, Qatar is emerging an opportunity for long-term engagement. cused on chemicals-free, healthy, immuni- as an epicentre of global It also gives us a chance to work with au- ty-building food crops. trade, including for agri- thorities to build a world-class agricultural Our aim is to make Qatar totally secure cultural produce. This company. in food and produce surplus quantity to coming together is a meet the rising demand globally. We are win-win situation Q: Will you own farms in Qatar or tie committed to helping the local farmers for both sides. For up with local agricultural entities? improve efficiency and quality. This would the Greenfields, We are the catalysts; our role in the whole help Qatar achieve its food security target Qatar’s geograph- thing is of catalysts. We will support the in the future.

Dr. Benoy Berry

Greenfields chips in to boost Qatar’s food sustainability agenda

SATYENDRA PATHAK tre (QFC), the Greenfields Sustainables desired results. We have demonstrated DOHA is a Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) The Greenfields that our bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants, entity. and bio-pesticides are very useful in en- VER since the unjust blockade was “The Greenfields brand of companies brand of companies hancing the yield and safety of agricul- imposed on Qatar on 5th June, 2017, provides a wide range of agricultural so- tural food production in Qatar,” he ex- Eagriculture has emerged as one of the lutions with modern and scientific meth- provides a wide plained. most pivotal sectors of the country’s na- ods for farmers in Qatar. We provide “We are thankful to Hassad Farms tional economy. Qatar’s self-sufficiency agricultural inputs like pro-biotic seeds, for associate with us in running more drive in the poultry and dairy sector and bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, growth range of agricultural such pilot projects on a bigger area of its pronounced success within a short promoter and regulator and modern agri- land. These pilot projects, which will span of time after the blockade is testi- cultural tools with an aim to enhance the solutions with run in concomitance with the seasons, mony to the country’s ability to achieve productivity of farms,” Greenfields Qatar are expected to commence in August. its food security objectives. CEO Sandeep Jayaswal told Qatar Trib- modern and We will now be conducting trial runs on The government’s focus has now une. five types of vegetables that include cu- shifted to firm up self-sufficiency in the “At Greenfields, we care deeply about scientific methods cumber, beans, tomatoes, pepper, and agriculture sector to nearly 65 percent in the environment and we are committed squash,” he said. the near future. With a swathe of strate- to conducting our business in harmony for farmers in Qatar “We are also in talks with several oth- gic agricultural projects in the pipeline, with nature. We believe plants do not Sandeep Jayaswal er farm owners to conduct such trials to Qatar is attracting top agricultural firms necessarily need chemical pesticides to encompass a broader catalogue of crops from across the world to invest in the grow healthy. We use only organic grow- ating an unprecedented opportunity for chemical contamination. Protecting the and further demonstrate that our bio- country’s booming agriculture sector, ing practices and integrate sustainability agri-business companies. According to planet at a time when the population is inputs boost the fertility of soil, shorten which is projected to grow at a compound into every decision we make. We have the Organisation for Economic Co-oper- expanding and our resources are increas- crop production timeline, and improve annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 percent continuously developed solutions that ation and Development (OECD), global ingly stressed, is one of our main goals,” the quality of harvest and produce in Qa- in the next five years. improve and increase global food pro- agricultural production is expected to he said. tar,” Jayaswal informed. UK-based Contec Global Group is one duction in a sustainable way. Through increase at an annual rate of 1.5 percent. “The bio-products developed by our Jayaswal said, “Despite the harsh such conglomerate that has expanded its this expertise, we have also managed to “We will continue to partner with key experts in agricultural innovations are environment and climate conditions in footprint to the Middle East region. The create additional environmental solu- stakeholders in Qatar and invest in best- currently being used at two farms in Qa- Qatar, the success of these pilot projects firm has set up two Greenfields brands of tions that reduce harmful emissions,” in-class technology, platforms, and tools tar – Hassad Farms and Global Farms – has confirmed our offerings will play an entities in Qatar – ‘Greenfields Global Ag- Jayaswal said. to cater to the growing demand,” the as pilot projects. Trial runs are being con- important role in enhancing domestic riculture’ and ‘Greenfields Sustainables’. The exponential growth of the world’s Greenfields Qatar CEO said. ducted on mini-cucumber and beans,” food production capacity and help Qatar While Greenfields Global Agricul- population has led to a sharp rise in the “Our company’s objective is to feed Jayaswal informed. attain its food self-sufficiency target in ture operates from Qatar Financial Cen- demand for food produce, thereby cre- the world with healthy food that is free of “The pilot projects are achieving the coming years.” QAtAr hitS Metro MileStone AheAd oF world cuP

dohA Metro highlightS by metrolink, Qatar Rail’s feeder bus service (operated by our partner Mo- ● the Doha Metro is one of the larg- wasalat).metrolink services act as a est public infrastructure projects in the seamless facilitator for customers get- world. the State of Qatar set itself a ting to and from metro stations and most ambitious goal – to complete the their surrounding areas. project from concept design to passen- ● Doha Metro also launched the Doha ger service in just 7 short years. this Metro metroexpress, a complimentary enormous task was entrusted to Qatar ride sharing service in the West Bay area Qatar Rail overcomes Rail and its strategic partners. to enable customers to travel seamless ● Qatar Rail’s world-class delivery to and from the key stations in the area. team overcame every challenge to com- ● Metro customers can view available every challenge to plete the project on time and under budg- metrolink routes and plan their journey et, setting new benchmarks for perfor- by downloading the Qatar Rail mobile have one of the fastest mance and delivery, whilst maintaining app or by visiting the website. the highest standards of safety, quality ● Customers can now also save time, and governance. with no need to queue at the station by driverless metro ● Local business participation was a using the Debit Card top up on the App core objective and 84% of all contracts to add travel credit to their travel Card were awarded to the local private sec- before they leave home. systems in the world tor. In addition, an entire generation exercise was completed in just a matter enables a seamless “plane to train” ● Ridership has grown steadily since of young Qatari engineers and project of weeks, with all materials since then experience for those arriving into Qa- the launch of the Metro exceeding all managers have benefited from working delivered directly to Qatar by sea or air. tar, offering fast and frequent services expectation. By January 2020, daily rid- while maintaining the on the project. from the airport to the major cultural, ership had exceeded 145,000. ● the project was closely coordinated In addition, Qatar Rail seized the oppor- tourist and business districts of Doha, with the massive construction drive tunity to support the moving of several meaning it’s now easier than ever for While we are waiting to welcome our highest standards of across the country in preparation for the manufacturing and assembly activities visitors to explore everything the city customers back on board when the FIFA 2022 World Cup. these projects, to Qatar which created an added ben- has to offer. Doha Metro resumes service, we have and the Doha Metro in particular, have efit of developing local industry. ● In Commissioning the Doha Met- updated our service offer to safety and quality transformed Doha for future generations. ● the opening of the station at award ro, additional seamless connectiv- ensure the highest levels of cleanli- ● the project required over 750 million winning Hamad International Airport ity has been provided for customers ness and sanitisation. man-hours to complete and achieved an industry-beating accident frequency rate of just 0.012 – a truly world-class achievement not matched anywhere else in the world. ● the Doha Metro has been a huge hit with the people of Doha. there have been more than 17 million passenger trips since the start of operations, ex- Metrolink ceeding all ridership expectations. service has ● the Doha Metro will soon be joined in operation by the new Lusail tram, which will service the Lusail development with passenger services from this year. 40 ● Qatar Rail moved quickly and deci- routes sively to mitigate and manage huge risks to delivery. these actions were extremely serving successful, resulting in no eventual im- pact on the schedule and the first set of Doha Metro trains arrived 3 months earlier than the set schedule. 20 ● Qatar Rail identified all affected ma- stations terials and equipment and worked with its contractors to establish alternative delivery routes and/or suppliers. this

06 Friday, June 5, 2020 BALADNA: BRAND THAT REACHED DIZZY HEIGHTS AFTER SIEGE New products and exports set to drive the company’s growth in the years to come

SATYENDRA PATHAK spectively against the core fresh dairy Productivity per cow at Baladna has DOHA sector’s 2.4 percent. surpassed the US average of 33 liters Baladna has also launched a new per day, reaching 37.2 litres in the first ALADNA, a key pillar of the Qa- brand called Awafi, which is more of a quarter of 2020. The metric improved tari National Food Security pro- value brand targeting a different seg- by approximately 12 percent in 2019, gramme, has emerged as one of ment of consumers from the Baladna with the average milking cow producing Qatar’s greatest commercial suc- brand. approximately 32 liters per day in De- cess stories in the post-blockade According to the report, Baladna cember last year. period.B targets expanding its herd 30 percent Beef and compost sales should sup- Established in 2014, Baladna Food to 24,000 by end of 2020. After Bal- port bottom-line growth of Baladna as Industries (BFI) has grown to become adna imported 8,000 cows in 2018, its it produces typical by-products of the Qatar’s largest locally-owned fresh herd reached 20,846 cows as of March dairy industry, namely beef and com- dairy and beverage supplier and has this year. Currently, the cows onsite post. helped the country achieve almost 100 give birth to approximately 30-35 baby The report said that the govern- percent self-sufficiency in fresh milk. calves per day, which should result in ment’s support of a total of QR1.27 bil- The company has spent QR2.7 bil- lion over 10 years out of which eight lion ($740 million) over the last three years are remaining will enhance Bal- years to expand its capacity and produc- adna’s bottom-line and valuation. tion capabilities. “In order to sustain this support, The company has ample capacity Baladna has to fulfill certain criteria for growth through upcoming new and such as utilising its IPO proceeds to re- value-added products as well as exports. duce its debt as well as meeting certain Baladna recorded a 115.4 percent top- periodic volume targets,” the report line growth in 2019, which should be said. followed by an expected 95.2 percent Baladna has begun exporting to in 2020 and 16.8 percent in 2021 as the Oman, Afghanistan and Yemen as its company plans to increase the number first external markets. This is a part of of stock-keeping units (SKUs) substan- the company’s long-term strategy of ex- tially by the end of 2020. tending its footprint beyond Qatar in a According to a report published re- range of long-life products. In the first cently by QNB Financial Services (QNB- half of 2019, Baladna Oman, a limited FS), exports and overseas expansion op- liability company was set up to execute portunities will be a major component distribution services with the aim of of Baladna’s growth strategy. supporting the company’s marketing “Exports accounted for a mere 0.53 efforts in Oman. percent of Baladna’s revenue in 2019. Highlighting the government’s pro- On the other hand, expanding into new Multiple products tection of Qatari dairy industry and pro- markets is a major component of Bal- ducers, the report said, “The Govern- adna’s growth strategy. Thus, its an- Baladna’s infrastructure has ment of Qatar is implementing certain ticipated herd expansion and long-life measures intended for public safety, product range should support the com- the flexibility of processing which could also provide some edge to pany’s growth objectives. Apart from multiple products like fresh local dairy producers in comparison to dairy and non-dairy products, Baladna imports. is considering exporting its excess pack- milk, juice and uhT long-life Compared to the rest of the region, aging material,” the report said. milk at the same time. This the report said, Qatar had a higher per “New products are expected to boost capita drinkable dairy consumption of 2020-2022 revenue and bottom-line as creates an edge for the approximately 50.3 liters per annum in the company plans to increase the vari- company in responding to 2017. ety of juices and cheeses. We expect Bal- the rapid changes in Having said that, the average-per- adna’s net income to grow by 207.5 per- capita-milk-consumption in the West- cent in 2020 and 12 percent in 2021,” demand dynamics ern countries is higher at approximately the report said. 75 liters per annum, indicating a poten- Baladna has ample capacity to sus- tial opportunity for milk consumption. tain future growth as the company has “Qatar’s highest GDP per capita managed to build its current capacity in 11,000-13,000 new cows per annum in the world coupled with a growing Qatar. to cover the entire dairy products de- which increases to 36 percent in the equaling 50-60 percent of the existing economy should provide sufficient con- In early 2019, Baladna’s newly built mand of Qatar. Currently, Baladna natural cheese segment. Baladna also herd. sumption power to residents. The FIFA facility Plant 3 that processes raw milk utilises 45 percent to 55 percent of its has a relatively lower market share in By the end of 2020, the total herd World Cup Qatar 2022 is likely to be a from Baladna’s herd and converts it overall capacity. the juice segment of about 13.5 percent is expected to reach 24,000 cows, with major driver for Baladna. Qatar is ex- into dairy products became operational. Baladna’s infrastructure has the flex- as the company has recently entered the contribution of the natural herd pected to welcome 1.7 million visitors Plant 3 has a maximum daily capacity ibility of processing multiple products that segment as well. Baladna sees sig- growth cycle. On average, each cow will during this event as per the Qatar Civil of 500k-600k liters per day. Recently, like fresh milk, juice and UHT long-life nificant growth opportunities in long- produce milk for 3-4 years before be- Aviation Authority,” the report said. a new production line was shifted from milk at the same time, which creates an life juice, creams, processed cheese, and ing replaced with a younger and more Baladna has made a strong start Plant 2 to Plant 3, which increased the edge for the company in responding to flavoured yogurt,” the report said. productive cow. In order to speed up its to 2020, strengthening our expecta- Plant 3 capacity by approximately 150k the rapid changes in demand dynamics. It is noteworthy that the Qatari herd growth, Baladna is also consider- tions for 95.2 percent and 207.5 per- liters per day. At the end of 2019, the report said, cheese and juice markets have higher ing im- porting 2,200 cows from the cent growth in revenue and earnings in Furthermore, a new UHT line is ex- Baladna entered into the long-life juice annual growth rates of 4.1 percent US by June’20, of which 2020. pected to be added in Plant 3, which products and it continues to expand its and 11.9 percent re- 807 have reached Considering its already launched will increase its capacity by nearly 170k cheese range in particular. the farm in May and upcoming offerings, the report liters per day. Baladna can also utilise “Baladna only has an 11.9 percent 2020. said, “We believe Baladna’s revenue and Plant 3 to produce juice products. local market share in earnings performance is likely to speed With Plant 3 up and running, Bal- cheese, up in the remaining part of the year. For adna currently has a maximum bever- 2021, we expect the company to record age processing capacity of growth rates of 16.8 percent in reve- 700k-900k liters per nue and 12 percent in earnings.” day, which is enough Friday, June 5, 2020 07

ATAR’S leading logistics firm, Gulf gistics, sports and events logistics, fine Warehousing Company (GWC), has art logistics, equestrian logistics, phar- withstood the blockade well and maceutical logistics, consulting services, emerged as a one-stop-shop for all marine agency services, and more. We are Qlogistics services and supply chain the standard setters in the market, as cer- solutions in the country. With the addi- GwC MOVES tified by the various ISO and professional tion of its shipping agency services and membership certificates we have earned the development of its newest facilities, through the strongest levels of audit in the company now represents every link the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. I in the supply chain. In an interview with am therefore very comfortable saying that Qatar Tribune’s Satyendra Pathak, we are fully prepared to meet any existing GWC Group CEO Ranjeev Menon out- FORwARD and upcoming demand for logistics servic- lines the company’s logistics business and es and infrastructure in the market. how it’s picking steam despite the ongo- ing siege of Qatar. Excerpts: Q: GWC is working on a num- ber of projects currently in Qatar. Q: It has been three years since AS BuSıNESS Are these projects going as per the the Arab quartet imposed an unjust schedule? blockade on Qatar. How do you view As mentioned above, we are making the impact of the blockade on the our way through the GWC UPS Distribu- freight market? tion Center and the Al Wukair Logistics The blockade has been an unexpected Park, both underway, and the first ap- blessing, truth be told. There is no doubt PıCKS uP proaching completion. Working in the that it caused a huge disruption in what post-coronavirus environment has its had been up to then the status quo of op- challenges, but we have been working very erations. However, the way the nation rose closely with the government and our con- together to ensure self-sufficiency, the tractors to ensure that the projects unfold new global partnerships and supply chain STEAM on schedule. Additionally, GWC had in- routes that were made, the rise in non-oil vested in a Business Continuity Plan back industries to meet the sudden need left in in 2017 that we invoked with immediate the market, the benefits are truly evident. effect upon learning of the outbreak. This Additionally, our response to the has helped guide us as we adjust to the blockade developed the skills and pro- new reality, ensuring our operations run cesses needed to deal with any upcoming smoothly as well as securing long-term crisis, and therefore when the COVID-19 GWC Group CeO plans’ execution. outbreak struck, Qatar was the most food Ranjeev Menon secure in the region. The populace was Q: How do you see the support more confident in their well-being and ac- provided by Qatar’s government to cess to goods than their peers in other na- the private sector to first deal with tions, and we were overall generally more the impact of blockade and now the prepared for disruption than many others. COVID-19 pandemic? The government has been at the fore- Q: During this time, what would front of supporting the private sector you say are the biggest issues, or during each of these calamities, under challenges, for logistics firms? Our response to the blockade was to develop the skills and processes required to the leadership of His Highness the Amir It is important to note that the ma- deal with any crisis, and therefore, when the COVID-19 outbreak struck, Qatar was of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin jority of these issues have already been Hamad Al Thani. The directives of HH addressed, and while we still work in a the most food secure country in the region. The populace was more confident in The Amir to the various government in- challenging time, adjustments have been struments and authorities to counteract made to meet these challenges. While their well-being and access to goods compared to their peers in other countries. We the effects of these crises has ensured that the impairment of the air and sea freight businesses have been able to sustain their routes and their dedication primarily to- were overall better prepared for disruption compared to many others financial and operational requirements. wards addressing the fight against COV- The confidence earned by the government ID-19, through proper coordination with environment. events with the highest rates of satisfac- for GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, the in its response to the imposition of the the relevant channels and authorities, we tion from the organisers and the event go- first of the nation’s public private part- blockade has allowed the business com- have been able to maintain the supply Q: Qatar is all set to host 2022 ers. By leveraging the millions of square nerships to bear fruit, supporting SMEs munity to rest assured and continue to chain with minimal disruption. FIFA World Cup. Organising such a meters of logistics infrastructure at our in a critical time of the nation’s economic fulfil its economic role in the society as The company is now offering round huge sporting tournament success- dispersal, the two global freight and couri- diversification efforts; our management the fight against Coronavirus momentar- the clock services for critical and urgent fully will require a lot of support er networks to whom we are affiliated, and prowess earned us the contract to manage ily impedes its progress. We trust that the requirements, we also work hard to pro- from the logistics sector. How pre- fifteen years of perfecting our skills and operations at the Bu Fesseela Warehous- government’s rapid response to the public vide support to our SME clients such as pared is GWC to play its role as the processes, we can do our part to ensure ing Park; these achievements combined health and financial challenges currently those in the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing leading provider of logistics servic- that Qatar is forever seen as the ideal loca- as we move forward with the construction faced will be instrumental in re-establish- Park, helping them through various dis- es in the county? tion for such major international events. bids for the nearly-completed GWC UPS ing the strength of the economy once the count and relief programs to protect their GWC is well positioned to provide the Distribution Center and the newly ac- crisis has passed. interests and subsequently, their contri- necessary sports and events logistics for Q: How self-sufficient is GWC to quired Al Wukair Logistics Park. butions towards the diversification of the any local or international event of any meet the growing demand for logis- We have excelled in every field we nation’s economic sectors. In addition, we magnitude or size, as is demonstrated tics services in the country? have entered: warehousing, distribution, are providing SMEs who are importing by our participation in the biggest sports GWC has a track record of excellence freight forwarding, express courier, critical medical supplies intended for the events held in Qatar since the 2006 Asian stretching forward from its establish- transport, records management, fight of COVID-19 with free customs clear- Games through to the 24th Arabian Gulf ment: we have built the Logistics Village relocations, project lo- ance and transport services. Cup Qatar 2019, the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar – the unrivalled 1-million square Meanwhile, while the business com- Qatar 2019 and the 2020 CAF (Champi- meter hub of fully integrated logistics in- munity adjusts towards the new reality, ons of Africa) Super Cup annual frastructure; our experience proper warehousing and distribution have match held in Doha. earned us the contract never been more important, both to main- Across the board, the tain continuing trade, but also to ensure company has man- that businesses that have halted or been aged these delayed because of the outbreak are ready to rebound as restrictions are slowly re- duced and we return to a freer

BLOCKADE BROUghT OUT ThE BEST In CITIzEnS: SUBOL CEO

MARYAM MAGED ABOUZAID Safran noted that it is not some- Amir shares a strong bond with the Throughout the blockade, Qatar DOHA thing new for the people of Qatar to citizens,” Safran said. and its people have shown their love and support their leaders, stand- He narrated the support that RISIS brings out people’s real val- ing against any entity that would try he received from Qatar Science & good morals and values, sup- ues and the illegal siege imposed on to offend or harm them and their Technology Park (QSTP) and Qa- porting their country and its Qatar on June 5, 2017, did exactly country. tar Business Incubation Center Cthe same, the CEO and Co-Founder “We consider supporting our QBIC) in developing the smart gas de- wise leadership against the grave of Subol Saleh Safran has said. leader the Amir His Highness Sheikh tector. Talking to Qatar Tribune, he said, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as our Concluding his remarks on the eve injustices perpetrated by some of “Throughout the blockade, Qatar and duty. As in Qatar, we have always got of the third anniversary of the unjust its people have shown their good mor- the best services in various fields, and blockade, he urged citizens to not to its neighbours als and values, supporting their coun- never felt neglected or underestimated keep their innovative ideas to them- CEO and Co-Founder try and its wise leadership against the in our homeland,” he said. selves, but to “share it with the com- — grave injustices perpetrated by some “Qatar’s Government has always munity and the state, work on it and of Subol Saleh Safran of its neighbours.” supported its people and HH The benefit the country.” 08 Friday, June 5, 2020

increased profitability for practicing providers in Qatar by drawing new To date, patients to them and enhancing the QATAR’S ONLINE patient experience. Their healthcare Meddy.com blog – Hakeem – provides patients in Qatar quality content on various healthcare topics. is the largest Further talking about the con- tributions of Meddy in inspiring online network NETWORK OF PHYSICIANS the culture of entrepreneurship in Qatar as well as improving the healthcare sector of the country, of physicians Aghadi said, “Meddy was the first startup from Qatar that was ac- in Qatar with cepted into Silicon Valley’s 500 Startups Accelerator. It is also the only startup that raised a Se- over 200,000 ries A Venture round from local, MEDDY.COM regional, and international inves- monthly users tors. We believe this will inspire a new breed of entrepreneurship in the country. This will encourage a lot of graduates and young people AILYN AGONIA CONTINUES TO GROW to consider entrepreneurship or DOHA joining early-stage startups as a serious career option, instead of THE young men and women be- going into oil and gas, or bank- hind Meddy, a Qatar Science & ing. This is having an impact on Technology Park (QSTP) incuba- the country’s job creation and eco- tee, are on a mission to turn their nomic diversification.” initiative to one of the leading me- He added, “In terms of health- chanical tech startups in the re- care, we have dramatically changed gion. The initiative was launched the way people find and book doc- as a concept idea (prototype) at tors in the country. Before Meddy Carnegie Mellon University in Qa- people had to call several hospitals, tar (CMU-Q) in 2014, and then as a check their insurance acceptance, company in the year 2016. check if a doctor speaks their pre- To date, Meddy.com is the larg- ferred language, his/her availabil- est online network of physicians ity, and then book an appointment. in Qatar with more than 200,000 One can imagine how tedious and monthly users. It works with major cumbersome that process was. Now healthcare providers in the country people can just go to meddy.com and allows users to find, and book and find the top-rated doctor, who appointments, with doctors while accepts their insurance, speaks the filtering them by location, gender, patient’s preferred language, avail- clinic, specialisation, and country able today within seconds. Meddy’s of education. mission is to help patients make in- The imposition of the unjust formed health decisions.” blockade on Qatar in 2017 failed to In the light of the current chal- dampen their spirit as the network lenges brought by the coronavirus went on encouraging the team to pandemic, Meddy launched a page grow their dream venture. dedicated to providing COVID in- In 2018, Meddy expanded its formation so patients in Qatar have product to the UAE and in 2019, it the most reliable information. became the biggest doctor booking According to Aghadi, Meddy platform there as well. The Meddy also launched a COVID Symptom team plans to expand further into checker for patients to quickly other GCC countries this year. check their symptoms and know “Our product is focused on the likelihood of having any symp- helping people find the right care. toms. The patients would then Unlike a discretionary expense, have an option to get a free call healthcare is a need. Before the back from one of the doctors in blockade, a lot of people would their network who can answer any travel across the region for health- of their questions. He said several care as they didn’t know about thousands of people have availed good doctors locally. But since the this service so far. blockade, our usage has increased “Meddy is also launching a tel- dramatically as more and more Year at the 2018 Qatar IT Business nesses in the GCC. Given it’s slight- emedicine service so patients can people started relying on Meddy Awards. ly more difficult to do so now due have a video call with doctors in to find the right care, helping lo- “The idea of Meddy was con- to the blockade, only a few will suc- Qatar. We will be the first company cal healthcare providers flourish,” ceived at CMUQ. The faculty and cessfully end up expanding. Hence, in Qatar that will allow patients Meddy co-founder and CEO Haris staff were instrumental in help- it will lead to less competition for to have video calls with doctors in Aghadi told Qatar Tribune. ing Meddy get off the ground. We them. Also, this will force them to the country. We are launching this Since its launch, Meddy has fa- were later incubated at ictQatar think of expanding their products next week,” said Aghadi. cilitated more than 150,000 book- and QSTP to improve and re- beyond the region, indirectly forc- For local entrepreneurs aspir- ings generating over $50 million fine the idea further. We are also ing them to improve their products ing to start a venture similar to in billings to hospitals and clinics funded by QSTP. Qatar is doing a and services further to cater to a Meddy, he remarked, “The world in Qatar and the UAE. It has also great job in setting up incubators, global audience.” is facing a health pandemic, eco- earned various recognitions includ- free zones, and co-working spaces, The platform, which is available nomic crisis, racial injustice, and a ing being named 10th in the Forbes making it easier to get startups off on iOS, Android and Web, also helps plethora of serious problems. En- Middle East’s 2017 ‘50 Startups to the ground,” the Meddy CEO re- clinics to improve their online pres- trepreneurship is one of the strong- Watch in the Arab World’. Meddy marked. ence and acquire new patients with est equalising forces. Most compa- was also named 2016 Tech Startup On the impact of the blockade a suite of products for them and nies and products we use now were of the Year; Startup of the Year at to local ventures like Meddy, he their marketing teams to manage built in the last recession. Now is the 2016 Qatar Enterprise Agility said, “Most ventures in Qatar usu- bookings, patient reviews, and ana- the time. Seize the moment. Start Awards; and ICT Exporter of the ally think of expanding their busi- lytics. The company has drastically something!”

Small and big businesses thrive despite the blockade

CATHERINE W GICHUKI The real estate and contract- nance and spare parts etc. DOHA ing company that was established Hasna Saad, the proprietor in 2015 engages in leasing of qual- of Al Zanj, a restaurant that of- HE world admires the strong ity furnished residential houses as fers East and West African dishes, resilience shown by Qatar well as commercial premises and said the blockade shocked people since the blockade was im- offices. According to Abdelgadir, initially but it soon turned back to posed on it by some neigh- the business has been good. “We normal. “At first people were wor- bouring countries three years have a huge construction pro- ried but soon they became relaxed Tago, as small and big businesses ject which was not affected by the and started going out and spend- in the country have continued to blockade. The work is going on ing money. It was back to normal.” prosper and thrive. well. Hopefully, it will be complet- She said that before the block- From restaurants and real ed soon.” ade, they depended on Dubai or estate to vehicle maintenance Abdelgadir said that 80 per- the UK for their West African workshops, businesses have con- cent of their activities that com- stock. “As for the Kenyan stock, it tinued to thrive despite the siege. prise leasing and rental services, encouraged a lot of people because For many, the blockade came as a have been doing very well. “The they started looking into ways blessing in disguise as they were blockade affected us positively. to bring products from Kenya to able to grab the opportunity and Now, many people have started Qatar.” start new ventures. building long-term business rela- She added: “They could see an Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Ab- tionships such as signing a longer opening in the market that was dulaziz Bin Jassim (ABJ) Group leasing contract because they know previously dominated by Dubai. A Real Estate Manager of Sales and there would be no free movements lot of people from Africa started Leasing, Abasher Abdelgadir said, between countries. Earlier, there asking how they could bring items “Initially when the blockade start- were opportunities for movements to Qatar.” ed, we were affected partially but between countries.” As it turned out, Qatar started as the days went by, things turned For business partner Ngolefac He said the blockade did not ade started. Things have been go- from Dubai and Bahrain. “Those facilitating things and trying to es- out to be much better in terms of Lekeazem Agendia, the blockade affect him negatively because that ing very well,” he pointed out. who started business during the tablish direct links to these coun- business than what it was before has been a blessing as he was able was when he and his business part- Even as the siege was imposed, blockade didn’t face difficulties,” tries, which she says, proved a big the blockade. We have been doing to partner with a company that ner started their workshop. “Our his business grew although he was said Agendia, whose company of- help and a turning point for busi- much better since the siege.” deals with vehicle maintenance. company started when the block- no longer able to get spare parts fers services like providing mainte- nesses to flourish further. Friday, June 5, 2020 09

TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS FIRMS DEFY BLOCKADE TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLIES TO QATAR Qatar has strong marine trade network and highly equipped ports with great facilities SANTHOSH CHANDRAN One of the major DOHA transshipment RANSPORT and logistics companies terminals of the across the world have played vital roles in opening new supply chains to ensure region took a stand one fine uninterrupted supply of goods during morning that cargo/containers the blockade of Qatar. TMajor players in the sector came up bound to Qatar are not allowed to with various solutions to support Qatar use their port. When the and benefit from the situation. They went for expansion while new investors came unjustified declaration was made, up with new projects. over 5,000 containers connected Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Country to Qatar were already discharged Manager of BDP International Logistics Services in Qatar, Ram Krishnan said, “In from its destination ports and the beginning of the blockade, logistics waiting for the schedule from the firms were faced with a big challenge as one of the major transhipment terminals country that imposed blockade of the region took a stand one fine morn- on Qatar ing that cargo containers bound to Qatar won’t be allowed to use their port. When the unjustified declaration was made, Ram Krishnan over 5,000 containers connected to Qa- tar had already been discharged from its established a stable supply chain to meet destination ports and were waiting for the all requirements in Qatar.” doors and relaxed norms with utmost required for the infra projects on time. BDP International Logistics Services, schedule from the country that imposed BDP International Logistics Services, care in order to avoid interruption of “Now Qatar has a strong marine trade based in the US and with 54 years of glob- blockade on Qatar.” an organisation having 146 offices all over supply of products required for the in- network and highly equipped ports with al presence, has excellent track record in He added: “It was a challenging situa- the world, was one of the leading logis- frastructure projects. During this chal- great facilities and advanced technology. marine transportation with Qatar. tion. Our two offices in Oman rose to the tics companies in Qatar involved in major lenging situation, we shipped a mammoth Our volume of business registered 38 “Transportation of Qatar’s ancient occasion and acted as saviour. We con- projects including FIFA 2022, Kahramaa, electric transformer from Korea weighing percent growth shortly after the block- dhow for display at a road show on the nected all the vessels through Sohar Port. Metro Rail, Qatar Petroleum and its sub- 260 tonnes,” he said. ade. Now, Qatar is independent in marine Mediterranean Coast, which is linked to We connected to the suppliers in Turkey, sidiaries. With the support of Qatari authorities, shipment like many developed countries FIFA 2022, is one of the challenging as- India, Germany and other countries, and “Government entities opened many Krishnan said, they delivered everything in the world,” Krishnan noted. signments,” he said.

KETHEL CHICKEN: A NOVEL OUTCOME OF THE BLOCKADE Serving fresh chicken recipe with an indigenous flavour

SANTHOSH CHANDRAN ment developed remote areas by provid- AL KHOR ing water and power supply to attract a It is a chicken recipe with an indigenous flavour where large number of poultry farmers to start LOCKADE triggered innovations their businesses in Al Shamal, Al Khor, farm-fresh chicken is brought straight from the poultry in Qatar in different fields and and Um Salal Ali areas. gastronomy is no exception. The interrupted flow of poultry prod- farm to oven and from oven to the dining table Initiatives like ‘Kethel Chick- ucts to the local market opened new op- en’, an outlet serving locally portunities for meat processing, produc- developedB delicious, mouth-watering tion of fodder for livestock, processed chicken recipe, was one of the outcomes food, as well as the establishment of res- of the siege imposed on Qatar three taurant chains that serve delicious reci- years ago. pes prepared from fresh farm products. It is a chicken recipe with an indig- “Exploring the potential of the poul- enous flavour where farm-fresh chicken try sector, ‘Kethel Chicken’ plans to have is brought straight from the poultry farm more outlets in Qatar in future,” Puthur to oven and from oven to the dining table. informed. Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Anil Ku- As a leading supplier of vegetables mar Puthur, director of ‘Kethel Chicken’ a year after the blockade.” and fruits in Qatar, the Arab India Trad- and Arab India Trading, which deals Poultry business was one area that ing has a strong and sustainable supply in sale of vegetables and fruits, said, attracted a large number of young entre- chain for fruits and vegetables in south “We wanted a local recipe that came preneurs after the imposition of the un- Asian countries. straight from a Qatari poultry farm to just and illegal blockade. Infrastructure According to Puthur, the agriculture the kitchen with no need for preserva- facilities offered by the Ministry of Mu- sector that boomed after the blockade tives or cooling and was served fresh. nicipality and Environment, Agriculture unfolded a lot of opportunities for inves- To serve chicken as fresh as we can is Department, and leading financial insti- tors and generated employment in Qa- our target. So, we conducted research tutions were the main factors in attract- tar. The food market, which has slowed that involved dieticians and marketing ing enterprising youths to the poultry down currently amid the coronavirus experts. Subsequently, we opened our business. pandemic, will experience a resurgence maiden ‘Kethel Chicken’ outlet in Doha Concerned entities of the govern- after the COVID-19 subsides. 10 Friday, June 5, 2020

Online platforms for retail businesses on the rise

SANTHOSH CHANDRAN to boost their businesses. DOHA In the last couple of weeks, An IT professional Riyas Mansour at Qatar University said, “Information F there is one area that saw unprece- a number of new digital technology plays a key role all in eve- dented growth during the blockade, it platforms or e-shops have rybody’s life today, ranging from their is the proliferation of online platforms offices to their kitchens, children’s Ito safeguard small and medium-size come up to support many education to checking the availability enterprises (SMEs) and local traders. of pet birds. So, our future is a world Lately, amid the coronavirus (COV- businesses, particularly in ruled by information technology.” ID-19) pandemic, the platforms have The Co-Founder of Need Online witnessed further growth. retail marketing, trading Trading Network Leon Joy said, “Even In the last couple of weeks, a num- and hospitality sectors though, we made a soft launch about a ber of new digital platforms or e-shops year back, the number of vendors who have come up to support many busi- registered with us, or customers who nesses, particularly in retail marketing, are attracted to online selling and buy- visited the site has registered considera- trading and hospitality sectors. ing because of its easy operation mech- ble growth during COVID-19. Our site is While many of the major retailers anism and transparency.” Alby Joy, a free from any kind of advertisement or have developed their own online mar- senior official of Q-Discounts, said. misleading information. Nominal mon- keting devices, the small and medium Q-Discounts is an online portal that ey is charged from vendors and the ‘Key entrepreneurs, depend on online plat- offers free service for both sellers and Word’ is the only source of our income.” forms that offer services free of cost, or buyers. The number of sellers and buyers for nominal charges. In view of the existing market situ- who visit popular social media sites “Digital platforms will be an inte- ation, many of the leading retailers and such as Facebook for business and gral part of most of the businesses in hypermarkets are planning to launch shopping has also increased during the the future. People from all walks of life their e-shops or other digital platforms pandemic.

QATAR CONSUMPTION COMPLEXES OPENS BRANCH AT PARCO MALL IN MAMOURA IN A MAJOR BOOST TO QATAR’S RETAIL SECTOR

Small business owner thanks Qatar for support to local products

AILYN AGONIA for the development of the culture of en- building the economy in general and sup- DOHA trepreneurship among its nationals and porting the entrepreneurs in particular.” residents. As one of the thriving female entre- FSHAN Sayed is an expat mother She said, “The Qatar government has preneurs in Qatar, Afshan also expressed of four and a prominent food and been very supportive towards all people, her gratitude towards the country’s over- lifestyle blogger known in Qatar’s irrespective of nationality, thereby earn- whelming support to women like her mo- blogging community as @the_ha- ing their love and loyalty too. All the peo- tivated by a passion to contribute to dy- lal_lifestyle. She is one of the small ple in Qatar generally opted to support namic development in the country. Abusiness owners in Qatar who is grateful local products in order to support the lo- “I am so proud to be from their gen- for the many opportunities and platforms cal economy. Since more people buy local, eration and also, I would like to point out made available by the Qatar government sustainable businesses like mine thrive.” that this would never have been possible and the community for local businesses In addition, Afshan said, “In many if the government wouldn’t support small like hers to thrive. ways, the blockade has been a blessing businesses and women entrepreneurs. The Doha resident of 30 years is be- in disguise. Qatar has Times are changing and the Middle East- hind Go Nuts Qatar, the first-of-its-kind grown in a way no one ern world is also looking towards women nut butter producer in the country. It was saw possible a few years with a new perspective and embracing the launched seven years ago from Afshan’s back. We are more self idea of working women in all positions,” little apartment kitchen. Her products sufficient than ever be- she said. comprise nut butters that are 100 percent fore and there is a fire On her message to other local entre- pure and artisan. She later developed keto among businesses to preneurs as Qatar commemorates the and vegan recipes which she markets in prove to the world that third year of blockade, Afshan encour- farmers markets such as the hugely pop- we can and we will grow ages them to take heart and go after their ular Torba Market at Qatar Foundation servatives. Since the blockade, the de- Further despite all odds and ob- dreams. “As cliche as it may sound, I and at Ideal Diet Café, a local restaurant. mand has grown for local suppliers and talking about stacles. Qatar has been always suggest to any budding entrepre- As Qatar marks the third anniversary the support for local products has been the impact not just welcoming but neur to just go for it! There is never a right of the blockade imposed on it by some phenomenal. Being a female owned thriv- of the block- also supportive of all time. If you have an idea, find a way to neighbouring countries, Afshan shared ing business gives other women entrepre- ade to local businesses while tak- bring it to life and don’t let obstacles stop how the unfortunate event has had a sur- neurs the encouragement they need to entrepre- ing care of the safety you,” the entrepreneur said. prisingly positive outcome to local ven- launch their dreams. My niche customers neurs, Afshan stressed that despite the of the consumer. Exhibitions like home She also calls for continuous support tures like hers. are health conscious people, sports per- restrictions that has for awhile impacted business markets, the QDB, Lean Startup of the residents to local products. GoNuts “Our products are unique in the sense sons and parents who want to feed their businesses in Qatar the positive side of Coaching and farmers markets are a few products can be ordered via their Insta- that despite a smaller shelf life, you get children healthy, nutritious food,” she the situation is the massive support and examples of support from both the gov- gram handle @gonutsqatar or from www. high quality products without any pre- said. encouragement by the Qatar government ernment and the community towards farmersmarket.qa. Friday, June 5, 2020 11

Pharmaceutical distributor registers rise in sales after blockade

CATHERINE W GICHUKI DOHA

HREE years since the blockade was imposed on Qa- tar by some neighbouring countries, Ebn Sina Medi- cal, one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuti- cals in Qatar, has been blossoming. Despite the siege, the pharmaceutical distributor hasT witnessed a marked growth in sales. Bearing in mind that the company is responsible for almost half of Qatar’s medicines, the company has em- braced local manufacturers, got new suppliers from dif- ferent parts of the world, and has managed to increase the buffer stock. Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Ebn Sina Medi- cal General Manager Sherif Shehata said the blockade initially affected them a little as they were using some of the ship- ments that used to come to Qatar via Dubai. How- ever, everything changed after the blockade. “We acted immedi- CıTızENS PRAıSE ately by changing the shipments to come di- rectly from the countries ebn Sina Medical GM Sherif such as France, the Unit- Shehata ed Kingdom, the US, and we managed the plan even by air. Therefore, we did not QATAR’S GROwıNG have any impact on medicines as we always keep a stock. As per the Ministry of Public Health recommendations, we have to keep a minimum stock of three months. Now, we are even keeping more to ensure continuous supply for the local market.” The blockade, he noted, helped them to learn a good SOCıAL COHESıON, GROwTH lesson that they need not rely on neighbours and that they had to work independently and act immediately. “I believe Qatar succeeded in that and we succeeded as well. We are completely independent now. We have been able to ship everything directly. Medicines are avail- able all over the world. We don’t need to rely on the block- ‘The blockade will go down in history for how Qatar overcame this ading countries.” According to him, before the blockade, they would get medicines from the UAE and there was a manufacturing injustice wisely with people united under the wise leadership’ company that distributed to the GCC countries. “They would split the medicines to the local manufacturer. There was an agreement.” MARYAM MAGED ABOUZAID Qatari people stood Shehata said when the siege happened, they changed DOHA and started getting suppliers from Spain. “There are two together as one nation types of medications -- generic and original. We deal AS Qatar marks three years of the unjust in defence of their mainly with the original. For the generic one, we can get blockade imposed on it by some neighbour- them from different suppliers and the medicines are of ing countries on June 5, the citizens have homeland’s sovereignty and even better quality and price.” praised the growing social cohesion, unity principles when the blockade was Before the blockade, they used local manufacturers in and self-sufficiency being achieved by the the GCC, just as a way of supporting them. “This was an country in different fields under the wise imposed, which was ‘heartwarming’. agreement between the GCC countries. After the block- leadership of His Highness The Amir of Qa- It was heartening to see citizens ade, we started getting the medicines from other suppli- tar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in ers and had even better packaging and quality while it was the post-blockade period. stand firmly behind the leadership of cheaper as well.” Throughout the diplomatic crisis, Qa- HH The Amir despite the difficulties. According to him, the Ministry of Public Health tari people demonstrated rare solidarity and (MoPH) fast tracked registering of replacements for med- loyalty to the leadership while the country The blockade might be a negative icines that had stopped coming because of the blockade. showed exemplary resilience. thing, but it worked well for Qatar. It For the private sector, Ebn Sina distributes between Mohsin al Shaikh, an inventor, said that 45 and 50 percent of the medicines in Qatar. They work Qatari people stood together as one nation in strengthened Qatar and its people. It as wholesalers so they have their outlets of pharmacies. defence of their homeland’s sovereignty and also strengthened the bond between They distribute medicines to around 350 pharmacies in principles when the blockade was imposed, Qatar. “We unify distribution to ensure proper distribu- which was “heartwarming”. Qatari leadership and people. tion of medicines in the country so that all patients can get He said, “It was heartening to see citizens their medications easily.” stand firmly behind the leadership of HH The Mohsin al Shaikh Talking about the future plans for Ebn Sina, Shehata Amir despite the difficulties. The blockade said, “We are following very closely the progress in the might be a negative thing, but it worked well Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. They are inspir- Iman Ahmed, an industrial engineering development of COVID-19 vaccines and medication. As for Qatar. It strengthened Qatar and its peo- ing examples for all of us.” student at Qatar University, said that the a rule, we cannot go for any medication that is not well ple. It also strengthened the bond between She praised HH The Amir’s powerful people of Qatar are known for their generos- tested or FDA-approved. We are going to expand more as Qatari leadership and people.” speeches that strike a chord with people and ity and good manners, besides their endless soon as there are new medicines.” He said that Qatar, which was depend- decisions to protect people’s dignity. She support to HH The Amir for his great leader- So far, they have been doing during the COVID-19. ent on imports from neighbouring countries, added: “Today we stay united against every ship. “We have improved our sales compared to last year,” he also made a quantum leap in terms of self- challenge – be it blockade, COVID-19 pan- “Ever since the blockade started, the peo- informed. sufficiency of various goods and even started demic, or some other that may occur in the ple of Qatar came together under the wise He thanked the MoPH for being supportive, for in- exporting some of the local products. “The future.” leadership of Qatar to take the country on the stance in the registration of new medications and release national production flourished with support Nour Taha, another member of Gharsa path of further progress and development of shipments from customs, among others. from the country’s leadership,” he said. Initiative and a former participant at Qa- while soldiers stood steadfastly to protect Mariam Al Dosari, social activist and tar Sustainability Week organised by Qatar citizens and residents,” Ahmed said. founder of Gharsa Home Farming Initiative, Green Building Council, stressed the impor- She said, “Qatari people gained confi- said Qatar is continuously working towards tance of solidarity and national unity for the dence and reassurance from HH The Amir. achieving self-sufficiency in agricultural pro- renaissance of the country. We remained dignified despite the block- duction as part of its food security strategy. She said, “In Qatar, citizens have proved ade and did not react to comments and “The idea of establishing Gharsa initia- that unity is the key to overcoming any cri- claims intended to offend us. This created tive came to me when the blockade was im- sis. Their resilience and united effort trig- an unbreakable bond between us and HH posed on Qatar in 2017,” Dosari said, adding gered local productions and enhanced the The Amir.” that HH The Amir’s efforts to overcome the country’s economy. Today we are depend- She stressed that the blockade has bene- crisis caused by the siege inspired her to take ing on local produce than banking on im- fited Qatar both economically and politically, the initiative. ports.” and has strengthened the unity and loyalty of She said, “We always thank God for his She urged the community members to its people toward HH The Amir. many blessings, such as stability and pros- take initiatives for the benefit of their coun- “The blockade will go down in history perity in Qatar, and having the wise leader- try and be a part of the country’s renaissance. for how Qatar overcame this injustice wisely ship of HH The Amir, HH The Father Amir “Our national unity and support for our lead- with people united under the wise leader- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and HH er is our duty,” Taha remarked. ship,” she said. 12 Friday, June 5, 2020

AL AHLı HOSPıTAL EMERGED stronger from the blockade: Deputy CEO

their medications came from neigh- The premier hospital bouring countries, mostly from Egypt. “So, it was a great achieve- boasts of new branch in ment to recover within a month of the disruption of 50 percent of our Al Wakrah, expanded supply chain. It certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the sup- capacity, new services port of the government.” Hammad added that the blockade and new suppliers did not deter them from implement- ing any of their plans. “We proceed- CATHERINE W GICHUKI ed as planned to open the Al Wakrah DOHA branch of our hospital. All our prep- arations and recruitment regarding L Ahli Hospital has come out the new branch went on schedule de- much stronger from the unjust spite the blockade and we managed and illegal blockade imposed on to open the facility to the public in Qatar by some of its neighbour- the first quarter of 2019.” ing countries on June 5, 2017, Al He added that since the block- AhliA Hospital’s Deputy Chief Executive was largely dependent on supplies current coronavirus pandemic are ade began, Al-Ahli Hospital has Officer Jamal Hammad has said. of medications as well as medi- examples of such crises. So, we im- expanded in terms of capacity and Speaking to Qatar Tribune, cal systems and supplies from the mediately reverted to our alterna- specialties. “We added neurosur- Hammad said the group managed neighbouring countries. “When the tive sources after the blockade.” gery and cosmetic surgery. We have to open a new branch in Al Wak- blockade started, medications and Hammad said that the drop in also introduced the fastest MRI rah, expanded capacity (facilities, other medical supplies and services supply did not last even 14 days and and CT imaging system in Qatar. It systems and resources), introduced were stopped suddenly despite the things got back to normal with the does cardiac imaging in less than a new services, and found new places contract between us. The disruption alternative supply chain soon. second. It can give a picture of the to get its supplies from, during the of supply included some very fast- He said that they started sourcing blocked artery of the heart within siege period. moving items whose consumption is different medications and supplies a second without the patient hav- He said: “We have bounced back very high and the situation became from countries such as Turkey, China, ing to stop his/her breathing. All with the support of the govern- very difficult to handle. We were Jordan, UK, France, besides others. of this was done during the years ment during the ongoing siege. It left with hardly an option, but to ur- “We are so grateful to the government of blockade.” was a learning experience for us as gently look for alternatives.” and authorities for the support ex- Other services offered by it taught us how to depend on our- He added: “Thankfully, we have tended to the private sector in stabi- the hospital include: Obstetrics selves and how to look out for other a very good Supply-chain Depart- lising the cost of such items. Initially, and Gynecology, General Sur- alternatives at times of such crises. ment, which among its contingency there was kind of a spike in the cost, gery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Or- We are now capable of coping with measures, has an alternative sup- but that was dealt with immediately thopaedics, Physiotherapy, ENT, any such crisis in the future. It’s all ply chain with different countries, by the relevant government authori- Urology, Nephrology, Psychiatric because of the government’s sup- which is opened only during such ties. This helped us recover from the Diseases, Nutrition, Diabetes Treat- Al Ahli Hospital Deputy Chief port.” crises. The management agrees on shock quickly and within a month’s ment, Endocrine Diseases, Inter- executive Officer Jamal Hammad Hammad pointed out that be- this exigency plan in the beginning time everything was normal.” nal Medicine, Ophthalmology, and fore the siege began, the hospital of every year. The blockade and the According to him, 50 percent of Dermatology. Blockade helped us to expand and grow: Naseem Healthcare GM

gynaecology aesthetic and cosmet- Naseem Healthcare ics.” He added that it was during has opened two that time that many people re- alised that they had better treat- more branches since ment opportunities here in Qatar as well. “They realised that they did not need to go abroad to seek the beginning of treatment. We focused more on cosmetics.” the blockade Besides, he said that they set up two more branches at Al Wakrah CATHERINE W GICHUKI and on D-Ring Road. “We also ex- DOHA panded our main facility and made it a day-care hospital. All this hap- PRIVATE healthcare facilities pened after the blockade.” have continued to grow despite He said that the facility at Al the blockade imposed on Qatar by Wakrah, which is a polyclinic, is some of its neighbouring countries about 3500 square metres with on June 5, 2017. more than 18 faculties. For some like Naseem Health- “We also came up with a hospi- care, it was a chance to grab op- tal with around 32 beds on C-Ring portunities that were earlier be- naseem Healthcare Genaral Manager Dr Munir Ali Ibrahim Road. We expanded the existing ing exploited by the blockading one.” countries. Naseem Healthcare has plies, the blockade hardly impacted business picked up in due course ties, better-negotiating power and started getting treatment locally, Currently, Naseem Healthcare opened two more branches since us, thanks to the government. We with items coming from different got it for better pricing.” for our benefit.” has seven facilities in Qatar. It also the beginning of the blockade. had a problem in sourcing some countries at competitive prices be- Dr Ibrahim said that before the According to him, all patients has branches in Al Rayyan, Abu Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Na- materials like medicines and medi- cause of increased availability.” blockade people would go to some who would go out to these coun- Hamour, Muntazah and Aziziya seem Healthcare General Manager cal supplies in the beginning. But He added: “The government neighbouring countries like Bah- tries for some treatments started localities. Dr Munir Ali Ibrahim said, “Apart the government dealt with the situ- started importing from countries, rain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE getting treatments locally. “We The hospital has more than from the initial difficulties for two ation very tactfully and within two such as Turkey, India, Iran and for some treatments like cosmet- started getting more patients, es- 600 staff, including more than 130 months, due to disruption of sup- months we were back on track. Our others. We had better opportuni- ics, but after the blockade people pecially for cosmetic treatments, doctors.