Qatar forecasts $1.2bn surplus in 2019 budget

DOHA: Qatar's 2019 state budget forecasts a 4.3 billion riyal ($1.2 billion) surplus, with spending slated to increase 1.7 percent from this year's budget plan, a statement from the finance ministry said on Thursday.

The plan said Qatar would not impose a value-added tax in 2019 as the effects of the tax were still being assessed.

However, a tax will be imposed by the beginning of 2019 on some health-damaging goods, including a 100 percent levy on tobacco and energy drinks, and a 50 percent levy on sugary drinks, the ministry said.