23 February 2015
Doha - International Bank of Qatar (ibq) announced its sponsorship of the secondEntrepreneurship in Economic Development Forum, to be held 2-3 March, 2015 as Silver Sponsor. The Forum aims at promotinganddeveloping the next generation of entrepreneurs in Qatar and the Gulf,and will take place at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel.

The two days Forum will highlightthe importance of an enterprise culture in developing the private sector in Qatar to diversify the economy in line with the National Development Strategy 2011-2016.

Jabra Ghandour, Managing Director of ibq said: "We are proud to Sponsor the 2nd Entrepreneurship in Economic Development Forum,we believe SMEs are key to sustainable economic developmentand for nurturing a generation of young entrepreneurs.  The Forum also highlightsthe importance of developing an entrepreneurial economicculturethat can enhanceand further develop the business environment in the future. This perfectly aligns with ibq'sapproach as we've recently set up a special Commercial Banking Unit to cater for the needs of this important segment of medium-sized enterprises."

Raed Chehaib, Chief Executive Officer of IBN said: "The Entrepreneurship in Economic Development Forum will be an effective platform for discussing the entrepreneurial culture in Qatar and the wider Gulf in addition to the latest trends and strategies in this field. We are hoping to inspire and encourage the young generation in Qatar and other GCC countries to develop their entrepreneurial skills. At the same time, we are also aiming to emphasise the importance of well-coordinated action among key public and private sector organisations in facilitating entrepreneurship."

"Having ibq on board reflects the importance of the forum and the role of the Bank in supporting the entrepreneurial sector in Qatar. The banking sector in Qatar has witnessed a phenomenal growth and banks are playing a major development role through such initiatives, therefore we thank ibq for sponsoring the 2nd Entrepreneurship in Economic Development forum", he added.

The Forum will also showcase success stories inthe creation of enterprise cultures in Sweden, Malaysia and Singapore and draw attention to the link betweenfostering innovation and entrepreneurship and key enabling factors to consider.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2015