In Cooperation with Qatar Chamber

Doha, Qatar, 28 February 2016

Qatar Development Bank announced today the launch of its "Qatar's SME Ranking Program" during a press conference that was organized in cooperation with Qatar Chamber. The press took place at QDB's Headquarters.

The conference aim was to shed the light on Qatar's SME Ranking Program and the advantages it will provide to the private sector. The program will serve as an important platform for SMEs and entrepreneurs to showcase their successes and excellence in running their businesses

Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, commented: "QDB has always been at the forefront when creating new methods to provide support to the SME sector, a main component of diversifying the local economy. This is part of our realization of Qatar's National Vision 2030. At QDB, we aim through this program at helping Qatari young entrepreneurs make the most of this opportunity, and help them market their products in the local market."

The program will become a platform for SMEs to showcase their products and help entrepreneurs run their businesses. The program will also recognize the best-performing SMEs based on clear and transparent criteria, and motivating those who can improve their productivity and performance.

Qatar's SME Ranking Program will also serve as a platform to exchange ideas and discuss best practices in the SME sector, providing a learning opportunity for all.

Mr Saleh Al Sharki, General Director of Qatar Chamber, said: "The main goal behind the launch of Qatar's SME Ranking Program is to motivate SMEs and unleash their hidden potential in order to maximize operational and financial performances. We also think that we will be able to enhance the quality of products and manufactured items to enable it to compete on local, regional, and international levels."

"It is very crucial to focus and support the SME sector in Qatar, for what it represents in the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Our vision has always been to support the interests of the private sector and create a network of communications with different private sector organizations, in addition to providing state-of-the-art services to create the sustainable development we seek," he added.

Al Sharki concluded: "Qatar Chamber has always been a strategic partner to QDB throughout multiple initiatives. Our relationship with QDB and all government organizations is based on integration to serve the private sector, generally, and the SME sector in particular.

-Ends-

About the Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank was established in 1997, a 100% government-owned developmental organization. Its primary aim was to develop investments within local industries, accelerating growth and economic diversification in Qatar through support for private sector. QDB has launched a 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 QNV 2030. It is focused on promoting and facilitating the growth of the private sector in Qatar within key economic channels. This support will enable the development of long term, sustainable social and economic benefits across the economy.

© Press Release 2016