The ratings on the State of Qatar are supported by the government's solid fiscal and external balance sheets, a prosperous economy with strong growth prospects, and prudent long-term policies. The ratings are constrained by still-nascent public institutions, limited transparency with respect to government assets, and geopolitical risks that face all sovereigns in the region. Qatar's economy is weathering the global downturn well, and should stand among the fastest growing economies in 2009. Real GDP is expected to expand by 13%, thanks to continuous investments in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, which will raise production to 77.4 million tons per year by 2012 (from 31 million tons in 2008) and boost export receipts. This strong growth will have favorable repercussions
