Qatar economic growth forecast raises to 6 percent in 2013

Qatar's economy is likely to grow 6.0 percent this year, slightly faster than previously forecasted, partly because of higher gas production, the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics said in a report. Gross domestic product growth in the world's top exporter of liquefied natural gas is forecasted to ease to 4.6 percent in 2014 as output from maturing oil fields contracts and gas production levels out. In their previous economic outlook, released in June, Qatari authorities forecast 2013 growth of 5.3 percent and 2014 growth of 4.5 percent, down from 6.2 percent in 2012. Government spending is projected to rise 10.8 percent in 2013 against the latest preliminary outcomes for calendar year 2012, and by 11.6 percent in calendar 2014, reaching 30.7 percent of GDP.