QDB teams with HEC Paris & ITC to launch the 'Go global' export accelerator program

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Development Bank has announced the launch of its latest flagship program, the ‘Go Global’ Export Accelerator, in partnership with HEC Paris in Qatar and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The program develops the capabilities of Qatari exporting companies to empower their export-led growth and enhance their reach to international markets.

The new program helps Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) overcome the challenges they face when engaging in international markets and effectively network with potential clients or affiliated enterprises. The pilot phase of the program, which will be launched virtually to adhere to the pandemic’s safety precautions, will kick off in early March with the participants from 15 pre-selected Export SMEs. Registration is expected to open in the future for additional companies to take part in the upcoming editions of this program.

QDB’s CEO Mr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, highlighted the importance of this in developing the export capabilities of Qatari companies, adding: “We are always keen to expand the horizons for Qatari exporting companies through various programs and initiatives. This new program builds on the productive steps we have taken in this direction with our national and international partners, and is designed to support entrepreneurs in developing export plans and harnessing the latest knowledge and practical tools to take their businesses to new heights, while contributing to the development of the Qatari economy at large."

To develop the ‘Go Global Accelerator’ program, QDB has partnered with HEC Paris, one of the world’s leading providers of executive education, who will be delivering the learning aspects of the program.

Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar explains that “We are grateful to Qatar Development Bank for this vote of confidence in our renowned faculty who will guide exporters through important development issues, including global business strategy, international finance, marketing and negotiation skills. We are confident that participants will fully engage with the program, which will feature lectures, case studies, workshops and extensive interactive learning opportunities.”

“We also relish the opportunity to help advance the economic potential of Qatari exporters who have a significant role to play in advancing the country’s National Vision 2030. This is in line with our mission to train and empower Qatari entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute to the diversification of the nation’s economy. This partnership clearly demonstrates the importance of collaboration between private and public entities and higher education, which sharpens organizational competitiveness and develops the leadership skills needed to address global marketplace complexities, societal and environmental challenges and successful business transformations.”

This distinguished collaboration is the latest in a series of high-profile international partnerships within the framework of QDB’s export development efforts, including the launch of the Arabic Edition of the Global Trade Helpdesk platform in partnership with ITC, an active partner of the bank that is also taking part in QDB’s ‘Go Global Accelerator’ program.

Commenting on the new partnership and the launch of the program, ITC’s Executive Director Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton said:

“We are very happy to partner with the Qatar Development Bank and HEC-Paris to deliver this new programme aimed at helping MSMEs in Qatar boost their exports. With almost 60 years of actionable, results focused work, ITC has the expertise to equip Qatari MSMEs with practical insights on market knowledge, trade and investment intelligence and the tools needed to strengthen their value chain and conduct regional and international transactions.

This programme has been conceived to provide a complete range of trainings, coaching and export oriented activities with the purpose of making MSMEs more competitive in regional and international markets in order to generate more jobs and income.”

It is worth mentioning that in recent years, QDB has further enhanced its export development strategy through various programs and initiatives. In 2020, and despite the many challenges brought forth by the pandemic, the Bank managed to hold more than 20 exhibitions and bilateral meetings, most of which were virtual, with more than 130 companies benefiting from those events.

In parallel, the increase in the volume of exports by registered Export SMEs reached 23%, at QAR 686 million. Meanwhile, the growth rate in export financing reached 16% in 2020 with a cumulative total support of QAR 1.2 billion.

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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 the private sector.

QDB has achieved significant milestones in recent years, playing a chief role in growing Qatar’s private sector. QDB has also played an integral role in stimulating national economic and social development, through funding a variety of local projects and providing support to the private sector through a range of innovative services. By adopting this strategy, QDB has contributed to empowering Qatari entrepreneurs, improving the standard of living, as well as allowing Qatari entrepreneurs to benefit from a wide range of promising investment opportunities, and to develop their exporting potentials while supporting their entry to new international markets.

QDB’s strategy is entirely in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. It is focused on promoting and facilitating the growth of the private sector in key economic sectors, with the aim of building a diversified, sustainable economy.

 QDB aims to promote entrepreneurship spirit within the private sector in Qatar by providing the necessary services that shall ease the growth, development, and diversification of this sector. In doing so, QDB offers access to information, incubation, and capabilities to SMEs, in addition to access to capital through direct and indirect financial services, investment and access to local markets, and access to international markets for Qatari exporters through export insurance and funding services. For more information, please visit www.qdb.qa  

About HEC Paris:

Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris brings together 140 permanent professors, 4,500 students and 8,000 managers in executive education programs every year.

As leaders of impactful learning, HEC Paris has been committed to excellence and impact in research, teaching and thought leadership while delivering transformation and support in addressing the disciplines that matter in today’s complex global economic situation.

In 2010, HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation to bring world-class Executive Education programs and research activity to Doha and the region. HEC Paris launched Qatar’s first international EMBA, which is currently ranked number 3 worldwide by the Financial Times, and the Specialized Master’s in Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM). HEC Paris is also a world leader in custom-designed programs, and works with clients in Qatar and the region to design and deliver executive programs that address current business challenges.

The programs and research activities of HEC Paris in Qatar build corporate competitiveness within the global economy and are fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the transformation of Qatar into an advanced, competitive and knowledge-based economy. Corporate partnerships have also played a key part in HEC Paris’ mission of bringing about regional economic transformation by developing business talent, managers and leaders who can meet the societal and environmental challenges of the future. For more information, please visit https://www.qatar.exed.hec.edu/  

About the International Trade Centre:

Established in 1964, as the joint agency of the United Nations and the WTO, ITC is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalisation of SMEs. Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development.

ITC enables SMEs to become more competitive and connect to international markets for trade and investment, thus raising incomes and creating job opportunities, especially for women, young people, and poor communities.

ITC delivers integrated solutions around a core set of six focus areas. These focus areas represent a coherent set of interventions with corresponding programmes that are adapted and customized into client-focused solutions: Providing Trade and Market Intelligence, Building a Conducive Business Environment, Strengthening Trade and Investment Support Institutions, Connecting to International Value Chains, Promoting and Mainstreaming Inclusive and Green Trade, and Supporting Regional Economic Integration and South-South Links.

ITC’s main focus is to facilitate SME success in international business. Having worked with SMEs for 50 years, ITC is familiar with the unique needs of SMEs, including women-owned enterprises, and has vast experience in improving their international competitiveness and connecting them with markets.

All ITC’s work is focused on Aid for Trade, an initiative that helps developing countries in building capacity and trade-related infrastructure to expand trade opportunities.

ITC also brings together public and private sector actors to jointly contribute to a conducive business environment. ITC also works with the private sector to support its capacity as buyers, investors, and providers of technical assistance.

For more information, please visit https://www.intracen.org/ 

© Press Release 2021