Doha: Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a coordination mechanism with the General Directorate of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior, which aims to enhance joint cooperation and develop mechanisms and strategies for the necessary procedures to ensure the safety and security facilities, streamline investors' affairs and procedures, and improve operational efficiency of companies operating within the free zones by providing a safe working environment for their employees to help achieve sustainable growth and increase productivity. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Major General Hamad Othman Al Duhaimi, Director General of Civil Defense, signed the coordination mechanism at an official ceremony held at the Business Innovation Park in Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The ceremony was attended by several officials from both sides. This cooperation reflects QFZ's commitment to providing the highest international safety and security standards across its buildings and facilitie s. On this occasion, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority, said: "Our collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Defense is an important step towards enhancing the investment ecosystem in the free zones in the State of Qatar. This Coordination Mechanism sets a framework for following fast, easy and effective procedures and protocols that include reviewing designs and conducting inspection operations for buildings under construction in the free zones within a short period. Our partnership with Civil Defense is an addition to our efforts to provide a thriving and safer economic environment, and stems from our firm commitment to providing the highest safety standards for our investors, while giving top priority to sustainability standards in line with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030." Under this mechanism, the collaboration between the two parties will focus on several key areas aligned with the highest international standards, including integrat ed and effective procedures for reviewing building designs by QFZ before submitting them to the General Directorate of Civil Defense for approval, QFZ's commitment to implementing Civil Defense codes and recommendations in this regard, and coordination of inspection operations for buildings and facilities. It also stipulates QFZ's commitment to appointing a consultant to review designs submitted by investors' consultants, ensuring that companies operating in the free zones have maintenance companies accredited by the General Directorate of Civil Defense to carry out periodic maintenance of all fire prevention and safety systems and follow up on their reports, and making the necessary adjustments for a safer environment for their employees. Major General Hamad Othman Al Duhaimi, Director General of Civil Defense - Ministry of Interior, said: "The Coordination Mechanism signed with Qatar Free Zones Authority is an important step towards ensuring the application of safety standards across the country's sectors and facilities, which contributes to supporting growth and prosperity at all levels. It also constitutes a cornerstone in the framework of strengthening the joint approach between the two parties to provide the highest levels of safety and security." He added: "The General Directorate of Civil Defense seeks, through all fields, to support various concerned entities and authorities in the country to provide the highest levels of public safety and apply requirements that would preserve lives and properties and provide a safe environment that supports economic growth and prosperity. He stressed that this mechanism contributes to helping QFZ achieve its goals in this regard by raising safety and sustainability standards in free zones in the State of Qatar." Furthermore, the Coordination Mechanism focuses on enhancing the safety of buildings in the free zones and setting a clear framework for coordinating intervention operations for Civil Defense through its nearest centers, ensuring a rapid and effective response during emergencies. QFZ vehicles will also play a vital role in guiding Civil Defense teams to the scene of the incident, ensuring easy access to the target area. In addition, this collaboration includes providing specialized training courses for QFZ security and safety personnel on first aid and simple fire extinguishing, as well as the presence of maintenance companies accredited by Civil Defense to carry out periodic maintenance of all fire prevention and safety systems and ensure their effective operation. Qatar's free zones strives to solidify its position as one of the most sustainable free zones in the world, encompassing a wide range of the latest innovative technologies, while adhering to the adoption of best practices in the field of safety and security to provide a dynamic and interconnected environment suitable for work. Source: Qatar News Agency