​The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS) is pleased to publish the “Quarterly Bulletin on Qatar Foreign Merchandise Trade Statistics, Q2 2016”, comprising quarterly data on imports, exports, re-exports, and trade balance. The bulletin presents detailed statistics of the foreign merchandise trade of Qatar by commodity and partner country. Quarter-on-Quarter (Q-o-Q) percentage changes are also provided.

Thus, it is worth mentioning that accurate and timely statistics on merchandise trade are an important source of information about the pattern and pace of economic activity in Qatar. The importance of the official statistics on foreign merchandise trade is attributed to the fact that such data are a pivotal tool to measure the change in the stock of material resources of the country resulting from the physical movement of goods inside and outside Qatar.

The merchandise trade data are a major input used for compilation of Balance of Payment and National Accounts. In addition, they are considered an essential piece of information to decision makers in the private sector, as well as to government. Moreover, they are important to support policies and decisions as governments use foreign trade data to support negotiation of international trade agreements.

The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics also places on record its deep thanks and gratitude for the sincere efforts of the providers of statistical data included in this bulletin; namely, the General Authority of Customs and export trading companies. Moreover, MDPS hopes that this publication would receive the approbation and praise of all stakeholders and provide a good insight on the subject.

In conclusion, MDPS confirms its non-stop keenness and commitment to development. Accordingly, any suggestion that would improve the contents of this bulletin to achieve the desired interest will be welcomed and appreciated.

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