Qatari SMEs to play a significant role to improve competitiveness both locally and globally
Doha - "As part of our mission to empower SMEs, we are planning to host an annual conference in Doha with the aim to promote entrepreneurship, to stimulate services for SMEs, to support diversification and to create employment opportunities for the national work force" announced Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber and ICC Qatar.
Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, the 1st Qatar Chamber SMEs Conference is jointly organized by Qatar Chamber, Qatar Stock Exchange (QE), ICC Qatar and German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK). The event is sponsored by Qatar Development Bank (QDB),which is also Strategic Partner and Qatar National Bank (QNB).
The main aim of the conference is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need by linking them with relevant organizations.
Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB said: "QDB plays a pivotal role in supporting the growing SME ecosystem in Qatar. Our tireless efforts in this field include the provision of top notch consultation services, feasibility studies, advisory services, the sought-after SME toolkit, workshops, market research and much more - not the least of which is the recent launch of the region's largest mixed-use business incubator."
"I cannot overstate the importance of the first Qatar Chamber SMEs Conference, and we are absolutely thrilled to be an integral part of it. We hope the conference gets larger and accomplishes its goals year after year."
QNB representative, Mr Yousef AL Neama, GM of Group Corporate and Institution Banking said: "As the largest bank in Qatar and One of the World's Strongest Banks, QNB is pleased to sponsor this SME conference, which bears in mind the welfare of our dear State of Qatar. QNB will continue to support such conferences that serve the country and its people as a truly national bank that supports the Qatar 2030 vision.
QNB will also always be on the forefront of SME lending and support which provides the Qatari workforce with the opportunity to realize their ambitions and financial benefits of becoming an entrepreneur. This ongoing support will benefit our country for current and future generations."
Mr. Rashid Bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange, said that QSE has developed QE Venture Market with the objective of supporting the growth of SMEs and positioning Qatar Stock Exchange at the centre of the government's ongoing support for this important sector.
"QE Venture Market is designed with smaller companies in mind with a more flexible disclosure and corporate governance regime. The characteristics of the market reflect the objectives of allowing SMEs to list and raise capital more easily and cheaply and with less stringent requirements than would be the case on the Main Market whilst also retaining the trust of the investor base through a structured regulatory framework", he added.
The peculiarity of the conference is the focus on Germany, Europe's largest economy, global leader in enterprise and innovation.
"The backbone of German's economy is its highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises sector and we believe this conference represents an opportunity to share best practice and to enable local SMEs to compete for the business opportunities Qatar has to offer by connecting them with key stakeholders" noted Remy Rowhani, Director General of Qatar Chamber and Secretary General of ICC Qatar.
HE Sigmar Gabriel, Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Energy of the Federal Republic of Germany, will join the event with a delegation of over 120 German business leaders.
"The "German Mittelstand" is considered as a major component of Germany's economy as it plays a dynamic role in quickly responding to the target market and customers. This flexibility to change and adaptation to market trends reduces future crisis and builds on a strong economy, thus allowing it to become a significant economic pillar. Highly active in the industrial sector and a powerful supplier of capital goods in new markets all around the world, the "German Mittelstand" can also be a strong partner for Qatar in the diversification of its economy." Dr. Peter Goepfrich, CEO of AHK added.
Inspired by the development agenda of Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar Chamber 1st SMEs conference aims to contribute to the collective efforts of the Government and key organizations to boost an effective private sector able to play a central role in the development of the national economy.
The event will take place on 10-11 March at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha.
For more information and registration visit: sme.qatarchamber.com/
© Press Release 2015
