Doha, 16 September 2015

Qatar Development Bank hosts three day 'Industrial Productivity' training program for 30 Qatari entrepreneurs, designed to elevate SME productivity as part of a series of local sessions entitled, 'Advanced Industrial Training Program.'

The training took place from August 24 to 26 and provided details about the latest strategies and applications to raise efficiency within industrial production.

Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, said: "This training program highlights our role and passion in developing and nurturing the skills of potential entrepreneurs and SMEs in Qatar. QDB provides training and services for local SME businesses to help encourage sector growth and contribute to Qatar's journey to economic diversification."

'Industrial Productivity' aims to build the capacity of existing and emerging industrial enterprises, offering a variety of practical solutions and advice across a wide range of topics, including; technology, financial and human resources, capacity planning, quality management, surplus reduction, operational planning, competitor market comparisons,  as well as analytical assessments of costs and benefits.

Experts who organized this program gave a detailed explanation of the support to be provided by Qatar Development Bank to help entrepreneurs either launch or improve their projects. They also explained how to take advantage of the bank's advisory services, including; development of feasibility studies, market research, guidance on launching and developing projects, as well as advice on ensuring projects are competitive in local and international markets.

Qatar Development Bank creates and hosts these education and guidance based training programs as part of their mission to accelerate the development and growth of the Qatari private sector that will contribute to a sustainable, competitive local economy.

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About Qatar Development Bank (QDB)
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) was established in 1997 as the Qatar Industrial Development Bank, a 100% government-owned developmental organisation. 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.

For more information, please contact:
Mohammed Mamdouh
Grayling                                                                                                                          
Tel: +97450176155                                                                                                                    
Email: Mohammed.Mamdouh@grayling.com

© Press Release 2015