Oxford Business Group signs Memorandum of Understanding with Pinsent Masons

Qatar, 15 March 2015: The amendments currently being made to Qatar's labour laws and what the legislative overhaul means for investors are just some of the topics explored in a report soon to be published by the global publishing firm, Oxford Business Group (OBG).

The Report: Qatar 2015 will look in detail at the latest legal provisions, which oblige firms to remunerate workers by direct bank transfer, while considering other measures currently under review, such as proposed changes to the Kafala sponsorship system.

The publication will also shine the spotlight on Qatar's huge infrastructure drive, which is rapidly building momentum ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Other subjects given coverage include Qatar's efforts to create investment platforms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular the key role that Manateq - the economic zones company - is playing in supporting entrepreneurial activity.

The law firm Pinsent Masons has signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research with OBG for its forthcoming report on Qatar's economy. Under the MOU, OBG will have access to the company's resources, which will be used to compile the report's Law Chapter and provide additional analysis across all sectors of Qatar's economy. 

James Elwen, Partner and Head of Pinsent Masons' Qatar Office, said he believed that OBG's 2015 report would prove to be a valuable tool for investors looking to tap into the vast number of opportunities emerging in the country as 2022 draws closer.

"Qatar is currently enjoying an economic boom, with a raft of megaprojects taking shape that will require considerable participation from international industry experts," he said. "I am thrilled that our team will contribute to Oxford Business Group's forthcoming report by keeping investors and other interested parties updated on Qatar's changing legal framework at this pivotal point in time."

OBG's Country Director Nihan Alan welcomed Pinsent Masons on board for the Group's latest project, which marks its eleventh report on Qatar.

"Qatar is entering what promises to be one of it's busiest-ever periods of economic activity, with projects worth an estimated $150bn earmarked for tender before 2017. These developments, which come against a backdrop of falling oil prices, support the government's expectations that the non-hydrocarbons share of GDP will overtake the contribution made by oil and gas in 2015," she said. "We look forward to documenting this exciting new chapter in Qatar's growth story, which will undoubtedly be of huge interest to investors, and are delighted that Pinsent Masons will ensure our readers are provided with comprehensive analysis of the state's legal landscape."

The Report: Qatar 2015 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.

The publication will include a first-time Trade and Investment Chapter, alongside a range of interviews with leading representatives and personalities, including the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi. The report will be available in print or online. 

About Oxford Business Group
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms. The Report: Qatar 2015 will be produced in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Contributions will also be made by Pinsent Masons Qatar and PwC Qatar. 

The critically acclaimed economic and business reports have become the leading source of business intelligence on developing countries in the regions they cover. OBG's online economic briefings provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide. OBG's consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms currently operating in these markets and those looking to enter them.

For more information please contact:
Oxford Business Group, 131-151 Gt Titchfield St, London, UK W1W 5BB
Stephanie Parker, Director of Communications
Phone: +44 207 403 7213
E-mail: sparker@oxfordbusinessgroup.com
www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com

About Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons is a global 100 law firm employing over 2500 people in total, including over 1500 lawyers. The firm has market-leading UK coverage, with a significant presence in each of the UK's three legal jurisdictions. Its international profile encompasses four offices in Asia Pacific, two offices in the Gulf and three offices in Europe. The firm has also announced plans to launch in Australia from 1 May 2015.

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© Press Release 2015