Industry led roundtable in partnership with MENA Private Equity Association

20th May 2012 (Doha, QATAR): Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB), in partnership with Dubai-based MENA Private Equity Association, is organizing a roundtable addressing the growing importance of SME's to the region's economic development, the challenges they face and the role of Private Equity in facilitating this growth.

The roundtable titled the 'Challenges facing SMEs in the Region & the Role of Private Equity' will be held on 21st May 2012 at the Al Sharq Hotel and Spa, Doha. A select group of experts, private equity practitioners and businesses from Qatar and across the region, will attend the invitation-only session.

With an aim to facilitate knowledge-sharing, the key points the roundtable will address include types of funding, exit-strategies, management support, legal structures and best-practice case studies in the SME industry in the region. 

Stressing on the significance of SMEs in in the region, Emad Mansour, CEO of QFIB commented, "Our aim through this roundtable is to exchange views and discuss in depth the important role SMEs are playing in driving the economic growth of the region.  We intend to highlight the legal and administrative frameworks required for SME's to thrive and study the challenges facing SMEs in our region. We also aim to look into the different ways Private Equity can drive this sector's growth and push them to outperform and generate significant returns."

QFIB, Qatar's first independent shari'ah compliant investment bank authorised by the QFC Regulatory Authority, takes special interest in the SME sector. It aims to play a significant role in fostering the SME sector in Qatar.  Most recently it has provided guidance and support to the Qatar Business Plan Competition organized by Enterprise Qatar in their efforts to nurture entrepreneurship. 

About QFIB
Established in 2009, Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB) is shari'ah compliant investment bank well positioned to work across the MENA region.   QFIB is unique in Qatar, simultaneously independent and central to the market, providing clients and counterparties with access to one of the region's deepest pools of capital. Adopting an investment strategy that centres on sector and geographical diversification, QFIB's target sectors include the energy, financial services, industrials, real estate, and health care services.

QFIB is the first independent Shari'ah compliant investment bank licensed by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) and is ISO 27001 certified. Offering Principal Investments, Asset Management and Corporate Finance Advisory services, QFIB operates to the highest of international business regulatory standards and corporate governance. 

As part of QFIB's long-term commitment to its shareholders, the company aims to list its shares on the Qatar Exchange in 2012. 

In 2011, QFIB was awarded "Best Investment Bank in the GCC" at the Islamic Business & Finance Awards organized by CPI Financial.

Media Contact:        
Samar Atassi
Head of Corporate Communications
Qatar First Investment Bank
Direct: +974 4448 3355
Fax   +974 444 3560
Email: samar.atassi@qfib.com.qa
P.O. Box 28028 Doha, Qatar

© Press Release 2012