Under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar
Two-day conference and exhibition returns to the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel
Doha, Qatar - To further highlight the importance of entrepreneurship as a vital element in economic development and an engine for private sector growth and diversity, organisers of the 'Entrepreneurship in Economic Development Forum' have announced that the Forum's third edition will take place on the 7th and 8th of March 2016 at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in Qatar.
Organised by Qatar University and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in collaboration with Interactive Business Network (IBN), this year's Forum will be held under the patronage and presence of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar.
After having successfully established itself as a first-of-its-kind platform in the region for defining issues, assessing prevailing entrepreneurial culture in Qatar and the wider Gulf, and discussing the importance of fostering and promoting entrepreneurship during its two previous editions, more high ranking officials from the public and private sectors, as well as leading academicians are expected to participate and attend as guests and resource speakers, and regional decision makers, influential keynote speakers.
"Entrepreneurship plays a major role in shaping and developing a diversified economy in conjunction with the growing role of SME's in the country in line with Qatar National Vision 2030," said Abdul Aziz Al Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank (QDB). "With Qatar and the rest of the countries in the Gulf region focusing their attention on increasing the role of private sector businesses and enterprises, comes the importance of entrepreneurship.
"From here, there is an urgent need to foster a generation of young entrepreneurs and equip them with the knowledge and business culture to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities in the future," he added. "QDB works within a clear plan to develop and increase the contribution of SME's in the economy. Within the country's economic diversification efforts, we aim to assist in the creation of an entrepreneurial system that attracts potentials and value-added projects."
"Accordingly, we need to propose a specific plan of action that will make Qatar University, as well as other Gulf universities and educational institutions, as incubators of young entrepreneurs," said Dr. Nitham Hindi, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University. "This can be done by devising and implementing degree programs that aim specifically at developing the right skills in business, decision making and risk management."
Among the topics that are expected to be discussed in the Forum include 'Government Intervention with SME's and Entrepreneurs'; 'Realizing Potential - Developing the Traits of a Good Entrepreneur'; 'Entrepreneurship Within and Through Education: Educating the New Generation of Entrepreneurs (How can education channel students into Entrepreneurial path)'; 'Financing Entrepreneurs & Entrepreneurial Ventures: Institutional Financing, Angel Investors, Crowd - funding, and other sources'; 'Obtaining Funds for Your Venture - Options, Conditions and Requirements'; 'Brand identity and the means of social communication: Traditional VS Conventional methods'; 'Effective Methods of Using Social Media to Ensure the Success of Entrepreneurial Ventures. (Social Media)'; and 'Building an Effective Entrepreneurship Ecosystem - Do we have what it takes?'.
Among the key sponsors and partners of this year's event include Qatar Shell as Diamond Sponsor; Commercial Bank as Platinum Sponsor; Manateq as Economic Zones Partner, Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) as Gold Sponsor; Ahli Bank as Gold Sponsor; Mannai Corporation as Bronze Sponsors.
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About Qatar University:
Qatar University is one of the leading institutions of academic and research excellence in the GCC region. It provides high quality undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare competent graduates, primed to shape the future of Qatar. The organization's strong relationship with Qatari society is reflected in its community service efforts and in its vibrant research portfolio that addresses relevant local and regional challenges, advances national goals towards a knowledge-based economy, and contributes actively to the needs and aspirations of the society.
About Qatar Development Bank (QDB)
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) was established in 1997 as the Qatar Industrial Development Bank, a 100% government-owned developmental organization. Its primary aim was to develop investments within local industries, thereby accelerating growth and economic diversification in Qatar through support for private sector. Between 1997 and 2005, the bank expanded its portfolio, diversifying from its industrial base to include support and guidance for a range of non-industrial sectors identified as key to the development of Qatar. Shortly afterwards in 2006, the bank revisited its mission statement to reflect the successful completion of its new strategic objective and changed its name to Qatar Development Bank. In 2008, The State of Qatar, QDB's sole shareholder, increased the bank's capital from 200 million to 10 billion riyals in 2008. Since that time, and reflecting the expansion of its mission and financial assets, QDB has launched a considerable number of strategic initiatives and programs, all designed to directly contribute to the economic growth and development of Qatar.
QDB's strategy is entirely in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It is focused on promoting and facilitating the growth of the private sector in Qatar within key economic channels. In turn, this support will enable the development of long term, sustainable social and economic benefits across the economy.
Aside from offering financial support, Qatar Development Bank is tasked with promoting entrepreneurship in the private sector, facilitating the development of key economic sectors through the provision of capital and advisory services. QDB has also launched several initiatives, including Al Dhameen program, an indirect loan facility to guarantee commercial bank loans to private sector companies, in collaboration with other banks and financial institutions. QDB's export arm "TASDEER" program was created to develop and promote exports from Qatar, providing export credit guarantees in addition to financial products and solutions designed to mitigate the risks imposed on local exporters. The bank also provides consulting services in business development to help entrepreneurs to prepare for business. This will include feasibility studies, the conduct of market research and the selection of appropriate techniques; fundamentally helping to develop the capabilities of SME owners to enhance and refine their skills in the market and establish strong ties with financial and non-financial support entities.
About Interactive Business Network
Established in 2010, Interactive Business Network's vision is to become a leader in the event management industry and to play a major role in promoting investment opportunities and business activities. Its main mission is to build channels of communication and interaction that support and promote business and investment activity. Having the required knowledge and expertise to assume a place among the best in its field on the local and regional market, it has served a large number of major clients in all sectors in Qatar and the region. By applying the highest standards of skill, effort, and creativity, it offers clients solutions that are individually tailored to meet their requirements, objectives and constraints. As a result, its events have gained well-earned recognition as the most effective, influential and well organized. www.interactiveb.com
© Press Release 2016
