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4th Annual Workshop will present SMEs with the opportunity to become part of the supply chain for the world's largest gas to liquids plant
Doha - As part of a nationwide strategy to support Qatari Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Shell will host their fourth annual 'SME Business Opportunities Workshop' on the 30th May. During the event they will reveal six new specific tender opportunities for local SMEs to join Qatar Shell's supply chain.
Through its strategic partnership with QDB, Qatar Shell works to promote and accelerate the development of the private sector in Qatar, by presenting SMEs with the opportunity to become part of the supply chain for Pearl GTL, the world's largest gas to liquids plant delivered by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell.
Bader al Kuwari, Business Localization Support Manager at QDB, said: "Qatar Development Bank's partnership with Shell aims to accelerate the development of the private sector in Qatar through the promotion of specific opportunities for local SMEs. In support of the Qatar National Vision, QDB seeks to develop partnerships with reputable large companies, such as Shell, who can offer opportunities in their supply chain for local entrepreneurs and whose high standards will enable successful local bidders to then compete on an international level."
Amro Ahmed, Local Content & SME Manager at Qatar Shell, said, "We are looking forward to hosting our fourth annual 'SME Business Opportunities Workshop' as part of our ongoing commitment, alongside our strategic partner QDB, to develop SMEs and support Qatar's thriving private sector, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030."
"By providing local enterprises with access to specific business opportunities within Qatar Shell's supply chain, Qatar Shell helps Qatari SMEs raise their operating standards in order to fulfill global requirements," he added. "We also remain committed to continuing to provide diversified business opportunities to local businesses, as we trust in their ability to add value to our operations."
In 2015, more than 150 Qatari SMEs attended the third annual 'Qatari SME Business Opportunities Workshop', where more than 60 local SMEs showed their interest to participate and compete for the seven business opportunities on offer. More than 30 local SMEs were shortlisted and were invited to participate in Qatar Shell's tender process that resulted in the awarding of six individual contracts. In 2014, 110 local SMEs and entrepreneurs participated in the 'SME Business Opportunities Workshop' and 33 SMEs qualified to tender resulting in the awarding of five individual contracts. While in 2013, three contracts were awarded to local SMEs.
QDB plays a vital role by providing the SMEs and entrepreneurs with management,
advisory and financial support. As the leading development bank in Qatar, with a mandate to support Qatari SMEs, QDB works with its wide network of local partner banks to attract local
SMEs to participate in this initiative.
In 2015, Qatar Shell and QDB won the Social Development Center's - Reyada 'Outstanding Entrepreneurial Support' Award for their role in developing Qatari entrepreneurs and SMEs. The award is a clear demonstration of this successful partnership in developing Qatar's economy and private sector, as well as delivering sustainable contributions to positively impact Qatar.
For further information about the workshop please visit:
smeopp.qdb.qa or follow the conversation on Twitter at #smeopp
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About Qatar Development Bank
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, the bank revisited its mission statement to reflect the successful completion of its new strategic objective and changed its name to Qatar Development Bank. 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 Qatar Shell
Shell is the largest international investor in Qatar having invested USD 21 billion over the past decade. Qatar Petroleum and Shell have jointly delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the world's largest GTL plant and cements Qatar's position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of up to USD19 billion it represents the largest single investment in the Shell Group's global portfolio.
The Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project (QP (70%) and Shell (30%) combines Shell's global leadership in LNG with Qatar's position as the world's largest LNG supplier.
Shell has established a world-class research and development facility and a learning center, the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park. Shell has a financial commitment to invest up to USD100 million on programmes in support of energy and the environment at the Centre over a 10-year period.
Qatar Shell contributes to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 not only through our economic investments, but also through our investments in national talent and capability development, both internally through the professional development of our Qatari employees, and externally through our extensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme, positively impacting Qatar, in partnership with Qatari institutions.
For more information, please visit: www.shell.com.qa, and to learn how we #ImpactQatar please follow us on Twitter: @Shell_Qatar and Instagram: shellqatar
For Media Enquiries
Farah Al-Ali Al-Maadeed
Media Relations Manager
Qatar Shell
Telephone: +974 4495 7415
Email: f.al-maadeed@shell.com
© Press Release 2016
