In-Country Value, more commonly known as ICV, has become a critical performance indicator for companies operating in Qatar. As the nation strengthens economic diversification and encourages business localization, companies are expected to demonstrate tangible contributions to the national economy. This includes local procurement, workforce development, supplier engagement, and sustainable operational practices.

Because ICV is now deeply integrated into major tender evaluations, vendor registrations, and supplier assessments, improving your ICV score is no longer optional. It is a strategic advantage.

This comprehensive guide reveals the top 10 essential tips to improve your ICV score in Qatar, crafted specifically for companies seeking clarity, competitive advantage, and audit-ready documentation. It also highlights how HLB AG, a leading audit and advisory firm in Qatar, supports organizations through its specialized In Country Value Services In Qatar, including full certification support and advisory.

What Is In-Country Value (ICV) and Why Does It Matter?

Before exploring improvement strategies, it is important to understand what ICV represents.

ICV reflects the extent to which a company contributes to Qatar’s local economy through:

• Local procurement
  
• Local hiring and workforce nationalization
  
• Use of local suppliers
  
• Local manufacturing and operational expenditure
  
• Development of SMEs
  
• Training and knowledge transfer
  
• Capital investment within the country
  

Government entities and semi-government buyers evaluate ICV during tendering, meaning a strong ICV score directly influences procurement decisions. Companies with higher ICV scores often gain a competitive edge in large projects, long-term contracts, and preferred vendor programs.

Enhancing your ICV score requires both strategic thinking and operational discipline. The following ten tips provide a detailed roadmap.

1. Strengthen Local Procurement Practices

Procurement forms one of the most influential components of the ICV framework. Companies that prioritize buying goods and services from Qatar-based suppliers observe a notable uplift in their overall score.

How to Enhance Procurement Localization

• Prioritize sourcing from vendors with ICV certification or a strong local presence.
  
• Identify high-spend categories suitable for local substitution.
  
• Build long-term relationships with Qatari suppliers to ensure continuity and competitive pricing.
  
• Explore local distributors rather than direct imports where feasible.
  
• Train procurement teams on ICV evaluation criteria and tender priorities.
  

Companies that shift even a portion of their procurement spend to local suppliers often see immediate ICV improvement

2. Increase Local Workforce Participation

Human capital contributes significantly to the ICV score. Hiring and retaining talent within Qatar demonstrates long-term commitment to local economic development.

Best Practices for Enhancing Workforce Contribution

• Invest in local recruitment drives to identify skilled Qatari professionals.
  
• Provide structured training, mentoring, and career development programs.
  
• Encourage leadership roles for Qatar-based employees.
  
• Implement succession planning to develop long-term local capabilities.
  
• Maintain transparent payroll documentation aligned with ICV guidelines.
  

Companies that integrate talent development into their core strategy benefit from higher ICV scores and stronger operational stability.

3. Improve Supplier Development and Local Partnerships

ICV evaluates not just your own operations but also how your supply chain contributes to the local economy.

Ways to Strengthen Supplier Development

• Support local SMEs by awarding contracts and providing development assistance.
  
• Share forecasts and long-term procurement plans with Qatari suppliers.
  
• Provide joint development or capacity-building initiatives.
  
• Evaluate suppliers for their own ICV contributions and encourage certification.
  

A collaborative supply chain approach drives sustainable ICV improvements for all stakeholders involved.

4. Enhance Local Operational Expenditure

Operational spending within Qatar directly contributes to your ICV score. This includes facility expenses, logistics, office infrastructure, and service subscriptions.

Actions That Improve Local Operational Spending

• Utilize local service providers for administration, IT, legal, recruitment, and facility management.
  
• Rent office or warehouse facilities within Qatar rather than outsourcing overseas.
  
• Engage domestic logistics and transport companies.
  
• Procure local maintenance and support services.
  

These practical shifts not only improve ICV scores but also boost business agility and response times within the region.

5. Invest in Training, Skill-Building, and Knowledge Transfer

ICV rewards companies that build national capabilities through employee development.

Training Strategies to Boost Your ICV Score

• Implement structured technical and soft-skills training programs.
  
• Hold periodic workshops to prepare employees for leadership roles.
  
• Provide certification programs aligned with international standards.
  
• Maintain documentation for training hours and development efforts.
  

Training investments contribute to Qatar’s human capital, a key pillar of national development.

6. Increase Capital Investment Within Qatar

Capital expenditure is an important component of the ICV framework. Investments in facilities, technology, infrastructure, and equipment located within Qatar demonstrate long-term commitment.

Examples of Capital Investments That Lift ICV Score

• Upgrading machinery or operational systems in Qatar.
  
• Establishing local production, warehousing, or assembly units.
  
• Investing in technologies or platforms operated locally.
  
• Enhancing office infrastructure and internal systems.
  

Companies planning future expansion in Qatar often see significant benefits by aligning capital decisions with ICV objectives.

7. Improve Transparency and Accuracy of Financial Reporting

The ICV score is highly dependent on the quality, consistency, and transparency of your financial data. Any discrepancies or undocumented figures can reduce the credibility of your submission.

Financial Reporting Best Practices

• Ensure accurate classification of local vs. international expenditure.
  
• Implement audit-ready bookkeeping practices.
  
• Maintain all expense, procurement, and payroll documentation in organized digital formats.
  
• Conduct periodic internal reviews to verify ICV-related financial entries.
  
• Avoid inconsistencies between ICV submissions and audited financial statements.
  

Accurate documentation directly influences ICV assessment outcomes.

8. Prepare Audit-Ready Documentation for ICV Certification

ICV certification requires clear evidence of your local contributions. Documentation gaps are one of the most common reasons companies receive lower ICV scores.

Documentation You Should Have Ready

• Audited financial statements
  
• Payroll reports
  
• Procurement data categorized by local and international spending
  
• Supplier lists and ICV certificates, where applicable
  
• Asset registers and capital investment documents
  
• Training and development records
  
• Contracts, invoices, and proof of local transactions
  

Companies that maintain documentation throughout the year avoid year-end stress and achieve stronger ICV results.

For certification support and advisory, many organizations partner with HLB AG, which provides expert In Country Value Services In Qatar designed for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

9. Align Business Strategy with Qatar’s Localization Vision

Improving your ICV score isn’t just a compliance exercise. It is a strategic decision that aligns your organization with Qatar’s economic goals.

Long-Term Strategic Moves That Boost ICV

• Develop multi-year localization programs.
  
• Invest in R&D activities within Qatar.
  
• Build partnerships with Qatar-based educational institutions.
  
• Support innovation, entrepreneurship, and local talent initiatives.
  
• Establish long-term procurement agreements with Qatari suppliers.
  

Companies that view ICV as a strategic pillar — rather than a formality — consistently outperform competitors in tender scoring.

10. Engage Professional ICV Advisory and Certification Support

While internal teams manage daily operations, professional ICV experts provide clarity, structure, and compliance assurance. Working with an experienced advisory team helps prevent errors, optimize score outcomes, and ensure accurate ICV submission.

How HLB AG Supports ICV Improvement

HLB AG provides end-to-end In Country Value Services In Qatar including:

• Comprehensive ICV assessment
  
• Gap analysis for score improvement
  
• Documentation review and preparation
  
• ICV advisory for procurement, hiring, and investment optimization
  
• Support during the ICV audit and certification process
  
• Recommendations aligned with Qatar’s localization priorities
  

With a combination of technical expertise and industry-specific insights, HLB AG helps businesses achieve stronger ICV outcomes while enhancing long-term operational efficiency.

Key Factors That Influence ICV Score in Qatar

To further strengthen ICV readiness, companies should understand the primary components evaluated during certification.

Major ICV Components Include:

• Local revenue generation
  
• Local expenditure on suppliers and subcontractors
  
• Local headcount and payroll
  
• Capital investments within Qatar
  
• Emiratization or workforce nationalization efforts
  
• Training and knowledge transfer initiatives
  
• Support for local SMEs and innovation
  
• Overall economic value retained within Qatar
  

Recognizing these factors early allows companies to build a structured approach to maximizing their score.

Year-Round ICV Readiness Framework

To achieve consistent year-on-year improvement, companies should adopt a continuous ICV readiness framework.

Recommended Framework:

1. Monthly financial documentation review
   
2. Quarterly procurement strategy evaluation
   
3. Supplier engagement and development tracking
   
4. Annual workforce training and development plan
   
5. Documentation consistency audits every six months
   
6. ICV pre-assessment and score simulation
   
7. Certification preparation led by a trusted advisory partner like HLB AG
   

Being consistently prepared ensures strong performance during upcoming tenders and audits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the ICV program in Qatar?
The ICV program strengthens Qatar’s local economy by encouraging companies to increase local procurement, develop local talent, and invest within the country. It ensures long-term economic sustainability.

2. What factors influence my ICV score the most?
Key factors include local procurement spending, local workforce participation, capital investments, training programs, and operational spending within Qatar.

3. How long does the ICV certification process take?
The timeline varies depending on data availability and documentation quality. Companies with well-organized records typically complete the process faster.

4. Can small and medium companies also improve their ICV scores?
Yes. SMEs can significantly improve their scores by focusing on local procurement, local hiring, and targeted training initiatives.

5. Why should companies work with an ICV advisory firm?
Professional advisors help analyze score gaps, prepare documentation, ensure compliance, and optimize results — saving time and improving overall submission accuracy.

Strengthen Your ICV Score and Empower Your Business in Qatar

Improving your ICV score is one of the most impactful steps your organization can take to strengthen competitiveness in Qatar’s growing economy. By focusing on localized operations, workforce development, supplier engagement, and strategic investment, you create long-term value while supporting national development goals.

HLB AG helps businesses navigate the entire certification journey with clarity and confidence. If your organization is preparing for ICV certification or wants to enhance its score, explore our specialized In Country Value Services In Qatar for professional guidance and comprehensive support.

©2025 Antonio Ghaleb and Partner CPA and HLB AG-Members of HLB. All rights reserved. These highlights have been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and do not constitute professional advice. You should obtain professional advice before taking action on the information contained in these highlights. Antonio Ghaleb and Partner CPA and its employees do not give any representation or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in these highlights. Antonio Ghaleb and Partner CPA and its employees do not assume any responsibility, liability, duty of care for any negative consequences that may result in reliance to these highlights and for any decision based on them.