Doha, September 17 (QNA) – Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Ismail Tiliwaldi along with his accompanying delegation arrived here on Monday for an official state visit. Tiliwaldi and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha international Airport by HE the Deputy Speaker of the Advisory Council Issa bin Rabia Al-Kuwari, a number of the Council’s officials, and China’s Ambassador to Qatar Zhang Zhiliang. (QNA)

Beijing, September 17 (QNA) – HE Chairman of Qatar’s Administrative Control and Transparency Authority and President of the Climate Change Conference (COP18) Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah met here today with China’s Vice Premier Li Keqiang. 
During the meeting, both sides talked of bilateral ties and ways of enhancing and developing them, as well as touched on the latest developments and the work done to host the Climate Change Conference (COP18) in Doha this November.
The meeting was attended by HE Qatar’s Ambassador to China Hamad bin Mohamed Al Khalifa and HE Al Attiyah’s accompanying delegation. (QNA)

Beijing, September 17 (QNA) – HE the Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who is also the President of the Climate Change Conference (COP-18), conferred here today with Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission in China Xie Zhenhua.
 During the meeting, they discussed the most important issues of common concern, as well as issues related to the 18th Climate Change Conference and the preparations to hold it in Doha at the end of November.
 The meeting was attended by HE Qatar’s Ambassador to China Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and members of the delegation accompanying the Chairman of the Administrative Control and transparency Authority. (QNA)

Doha, September 17 (QNA) – Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) is set to launch tomorrow, Tuesday, the fieldwork of a survey that aims to at collecting detailed data on household expenditure, consumption and income.
The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) mainly consists in providing the basic information needed for the establishment of policies at the national level within different sectors. The survey in question helps specify pertinent needs.
The QSA said that the household shall note down relevant expenditure data day by day for a period of one complete month, adding that the survey data will give the reader a rare opportunity to be familiar with the distribution of income and expenditure levels in general, and with some main indicators related to the composition of the Qatari society and the levels of household consumption.
The survey will identify the sizes and modes of annual consumption expenditure in the family sector (households) within Qatar, and relation thereof to the demographic, economic and social changes for both the Qatari nationals and the expatriates, at the level of the State of Qatar (urban/rural areas), the municipalities and the regions. 
The survey will provide data that serve the socio-economic development planning in the State of Qatar, whereas such data help evaluate the impacts of the existing or proposed socio-economic programs on households living conditions.
It will calculate the average of annual consumption expenditure of households and members on each different expenditure item (goods and services), while studying relevant affecting factors. It will, as well, calculate the average income of households and members according to different income sources. It will calculate households and members flexibility of expenditure on goods and services based on their income changes.
The survey will study the levels of salaries, and relevant effects on different aspects of household consumption expenditure (such as the housing, the health, the education, etc ), it will identify the size of current demand, and estimate the future demand on such goods and services required to fulfill the population needs, whether from the local production or the imports.
It will identify the activities of the informal sector, particularly the agricultural activity and relevant productivity, and the activities of the household sector (extra facilities) and relevant importance for the national economy.
The survey will fulfill the needs of the national accounts system in terms of all such data related to the numbers of expenditure and income accounts, and disposal modes, and the capital account of the household sector, considered one of the main sectors in the national economy. (END)

Doha, September 17 (QNA) – HE Minister of Culture, Heritage and Arts Dr. Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari said Monday that Qatar’s presidency of the UNCTAD will be an active one and will help to make UNCTAD more effective in contributing to the broader global discourse on development.
 Speaking today at the opening session of the 59th UNCTAD in Geneva, HE the Minister said “As we look forward to the work of the next four years, I reiterate what I said Qatar, and what I declared in New York shortly after the conference: ours will be an active presidency. I will continue to give UNCTAD my personal attention”
His Excellency added that the interest of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in the conference paved the way for making the 13th UNCTAD a success.
HE extended his thanks to UNCTAD General Secretariat’s office for their efforts and the leadership of the Secretary General of the UNCTAD, Supachai Panitchpakdi.
“I extend him my congratulations for the good work he has done and the excellent efforts of the secretariat to ensure that UNCTAD continues to deliver for development and for developing countries,”  HE Minister of Culture said.
“We will help to make UNCTAD more effective in contributing to the broader global discourse on development. we will closely monitor the implementation of our collective achievement. And we will spare no efforts to be available to help build consensus among member states on the key development issues of our day,” he added.
His Excellency said that they have addressed a fitting theme in Doha, “Development Centered Globalization: Towards inclusive and Sustainable Growth.”, which is considered now inspiring to the interactions and consensus building at the current 59th UNCTAD opening session.
“In effect, the work we have all agreed to pursue under the Doha Mandate in the spirit of the Doha Manar,” His Excellency said. 
 HE the minister said in his speech that Qatar greeted the intergovernmental agreement reached, as it demonstrated clearly that the international community understood Qatar’s resolve as the host country to strengthen UNCTAD, and to continue our strong and focused agreement, adding that the personal attention of HH the Emir of Qatar who addressed the conference and visited the venue twice, set the tone for the successful conclusion of UNCTAD XIII.
Dr. Al-Kuwari said that through the intense and at times of difficult negotiations and discussions, including particularly challenging preparatory process, it became clear that the only chance at a good agreement was for the member states to make the ultimate sacrifice in diplomacy – to embrace the bigger picture no matter how challenging the circumstances may be, and no matter how strong the temptation to resort to parochialism.
He expressed pride that Doha Conference  could bridge the differences, address the difficult issues and embrace the spirit of consensus and compromise for the sake of each other, hoping for this spirit to continue.
He said that the most important is the clear manifestation of will of member states to take their ownership of UNCTAD more vigorously, to strengthen the consensus building pillar, noting that it is encouraging, given the need for alternative venues to discuss the ideas that have a cross-cutting nature and impact, so that  they can be brought into the relevant negotiating forums by the WTO, IMF and beyond.
HE Al-Kuwari stressed that UNCTAD should serve as a venue where consensus can built and captured, which has been the case at some key sessions of the Trade and Development Board (TDB) on some key issues of the day.

Doha, September 17 (QNA) – The Qatari Ministry of Energy and Industry will participate in the preparatory meeting of GCC Undersecretaries scheduled to take place at the GCC’s General Secretariat in Riyadh on Wednesday. A Ministry statement released today said that Qatar will be represented in the meeting by the Director of the Ministry’s Industrial Development Department Saeed Mubarak Al Kuwari, adding that the 35th meeting of GCC ministers who are members of Industrial Cooperation Committee will be held on 3 October.
The statement said that the preparatory meeting will discuss a wide variety of subjects including unifying regulatory rules that give priority to industrial products made by GCC countries. They will also review the committee’s recommendations on a number of issues. They will discuss possible custom exemptions for GCC made Industrial products entering other GCC countries. (QNA)  

Doha, September 17 (QNA) – Qatar Airways Monday officially introduced globally renowned chefs to boost their in-flight services. Award-winning Chef Ramzi Choueiri, Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef Tom Aikens and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will inspire a new in-flight dining experience, the Doha-headquartered carrier said.
The handpicked chefs have collaborated exclusively with Qatar Airways to create the ‘Qatar Airways Culinary World Menu’- a new range of signature dishes for the airline’s passengers.
Chef Ramzi, from Lebanon, brings his exquisite experience of Middle East cuisine to the fore; Mumbai-born Chef Vineet has his unique blend of exotic Indian food; Chef Aikens, from the UK, provides his own variety of European culinary offering; and Chef Nobu, from Japan, adds a touch of Asian fusion cuisine to Qatar Airways  ambassadorial line-up.
The chefs were unveiled today at an international press conference in Doha, Qatar Airways’ hub city, where they delighted the gathered media with a live cooking demonstration of some of their favourite dishes.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said, “Qatar Airways continues to challenge and lead the aviation industry, enhancing different service elements of air travel today and pushing the boundaries of genuine luxury and comfort.
“The imminent arrival of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, our new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, heralds the start of an exciting new era for travellers worldwide and today’s introduction of a unique food offering is part of the overhaul of the entire travel experience for our passengers.
“Whether for business or pleasure, modern-day travellers want to arrive relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated regardless of time zones or destinations. Yet as a truly global airline we understand that beyond superior service, travellers also want to enjoy the journey of discovery, exploring new tastes and cuisines.
“That is why we’ve travelled the world to assemble a team of culinary experts to offer our passengers the very best dining experience available in the sky,” added Al Baker.
Having been selected to create a unique and diverse menu for all international flights, the renowned chefs spent several months adapting and testing their specialities for Qatar Airways’ passengers.
Their menus have begun to be rolled out on flights to and from Doha International Airport.
The chefs took into account not only the flavours, textures, arrangements, aromas and tastes required for a memorable dining experience, but also how the taste buds are altered at 35,000 feet, and what types of food are most suited to long-haul flights.
The highly celebrated team consists of chefs that have gained a distinguished list of accolades including, multiple Michelin Star winners, multi-award winning authors, TV broadcasters, successful restaurateurs and even a Guinness Book of World Recorder holder.
With each chef specifically chosen as a master of their own local cuisine, Chef Ramzi Choueiri was chosen as the culinary ambassador for the Arab World. One of the most popular and widely recognised chefs in the Middle East, Chef Ramzi has brought Lebanese cuisine to the masses with a daily live TV cooking show with over 10 million television viewers.
Speaking at the press conference in the Qatari capital, Chef Ramzi explained his pride in being given the opportunity to work with Qatar Airways and the chance to take his unique style of Lebanese cuisine to the world.
“Since food reflects the traditions of a society, representing the Arab World, the home culture of the airline, is an exciting challenge and I’m extremely honoured to be involved. Arabic food is a melting pot between traditional recipes, new techniques and new methods so it’s always ready to be discovered whether you ve grown up on traditional dishes or sampling for the first time,” he said.
The second member of the chef team is the internationally renowned and multi-award winning Chef Vineet Bhatia, the only Indian chef to have won two Michelin stars.
Describing his passion for cooking while showcasing his signature dishes in Doha, Chef Vineet said, “My cooking comes from the heart.” 
“I believe in my food and I believe in what I do. As a child, I dreamt of being a pilot, so I jumped at the chance to work with Qatar Airways and share my passion with such an established and rapidly growing award-winning that is bringing a whole new travel experience to the world. My objective is to match the service with a 5-star dining experience,” said Bhatia.
The third member of the all-star line-up, Chef Tom Aikens, has quickly risen to fame to become the youngest British chef ever awarded two Michelin stars by perfectly combining British and French influences. Renowned for exploring unique flavours and tastes, Chef Tom explained the need to push boundaries.
“I want to give passengers that try my dishes onboard Qatar Airways an exciting taste sensation and a dining experience to be remembered by bringing together world-class service and world-class food. Qatar Airways is known for its service, setting new standards by innovating. I want it to be also known for its food through my culinary creations.”
The final member of the exclusive team responsible for Qatar Airways Culinary World Menu is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa   a culinary icon around the world, simply known as Nobu.
With a reputation built over three decades for cuisine blending traditional Japanese cuisine with South American ingredients, Chef Nobu has earned two Michelin stars and the admiration of thousands that he has introduced to Japanese cuisine through his line of 29 restaurants in 25 cities, spanning across five continents.
Speaking in Doha, Chef Nobu explained the philosophy behind his cuisine. “I want to see those sampling my dishes eat, smile and laugh. To me this is happiness. Qatar Airways understands my philosophy.
“Working with Qatar Airways is an exciting experience and I look forward to having my food served onboard a 5-star airline that cares about the product and the service. Meals and dining are an important part of flying and it is an exciting new challenge to adapt my food to the service aboard their superb aircraft.”
The gourmet offering, already available on selected flights, will be introduced to passengers onboard the airline’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliner when the aircraft starts flying in Qatar Airways’ colours in the coming months, the carrier said. (END)

Geneva, September 17 (QNA) – Qatar is severely condemning the everyday killings of civilians in Syria and the violations to all means of human rights there. Speaking on behalf of the Qatar’s delegation, at the 11th session of the UN Human Rights Council, currently held in Geneva from the10th-28th September, HE Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Sheikha Alya Ahmed Bin Saif Al Thani, urged the international community to give a hand to all those hurt in Syria.
Describing the situation in Syria, she said the Syrian government’s brutal killings of civilians is turning Syria into a “massive grave” as a result of the government’s use of heavy weapons against its civilians on a daily basis in deadly attacks of which Qatar is strongly denouncing.
HE reiterated the need to take serious steps to put an end to these human rights’ abuses and ensure the safety of the civilians.
HE Sheikha Alya added they were closely reviewing the Report of the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, which verified that the majority of the civilians killed were children and expressed sorrow that the International commission team were banned to enter Syria to further investigate the situation there and help stop these actions.
She said every step now taken to stop these actions will be taken into account into the international community’s history, and accordingly, it’s about time to take determined steps to stop all these brutal actions that are taking their toll on the Syrian civilians. (QNA)