Doha, April 5, 2015

Qatar Development Bank organized a workshop on "Jahez 2", which was held on Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel, which Qatar Development Bank has provided 14 new industrial facilities to support the growth of the food and beverages sector in Qatar.

Qatar Development Bank launched its "Jahez 1" initiative several months ago, which included 32 industrial facilities, dedicated to supporting a number of industry sectors including chemicals, plastics, wood materials, and electronic materials . This initiative so far seen tremendous success, offering a large number of Qatari businessmen a range of innovative and distinctive projects.

The Jahez initiative focuses on leasing complete and equipped facilities to Qatari SMEs and entrepreneurs to encourage them to establish innovative and environmentally friendly businesses. The initiative also aims to accelerate the trend towards a diversified and knowledge-based economy to achieve sustainable economic development, which is considered a key element of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The workshop demonstrates QDB's efforts to develop both SMEs and entrepreneurs, as well as focuses on the importance of "Jahiz 2" in providing the support they require. The workshop addressed the valuation method, the criteria of projects selection, and provided an open forum for questions from attendees.

Commenting on the successful workshop, Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, said: "Qatar Development Bank continues to provide innovative initiatives to support Qatari businessmen and the local economy, which of course will be reflected positively in the Qatar's present and future". He added: "The Jahiz initiative first phase was a huge success, with a large number of entrepreneurs applying for the benefits provided to them, and today we expect Jahiz 2 will achieve similar success. There are now 46 industrial facilities, serving five different industrial sectors, all of which was accomplished within a few months".

Qatar Development Bank will receive applications from mid-April 2016 until September 15, 2016, to begin the second stage during which applications are evaluated. This is divided into two phases:  the first is to make sure that the documents required are correct and the second phase is a comprehensive review of conditions. The evaluation process will take nine weeks, following which QDB will set up personal interviews, which will last for six weeks, followed by a declaration of the winners in February 2017.

Each facility is around 2230 square meters, divided between two floors. The ground area is 1784 square meters, and an administrative office floor is around 446 square meters, leased at a competitive rate of 5 QR / sqm per month. The Bank also supports the winning entrepreneurs by providing a package of advisory and financing programs that give them the best possible start.

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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 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 in 2006, the bank revisited its mission statement to reflect the successful completion of its new strategic objective and changed its name to Qatar Development Bank. In 2008, 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 on QDB or interview opportunities, please contact
Ahmad Rabah, Grayling
Mob: +97474785678
Email: ahmad.rabah@grayling.com

© Press Release 2016