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More than 250 SMEs and entrepreneurs attended joint workshop to learn about tender opportunities
Doha - As part of a nationwide strategy to support Qatari Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Shell hosted their fourth annual 'SME Business Opportunities Workshop' to reveal six new specific business opportunities that will enable local SMEs to join Qatar Shell's supply chain.
During the workshop, more than 250 Qatari SMEs and entrepreneurs were presented with the upcoming tenders, and pre-qualification process to become suppliers to Pearl GTL, the world's largest gas-to-liquids plant, delivered by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell.
Commenting on the event, Abdul Aziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of QDB, said, "For the fourth consecutive year, our partnership with Qatar Shell continues to bear fruit as we remain steadfast in providing valuable business opportunities to Qatari SMEs".
"Since local business represents the backbone of any sustainable economy, QDB is proud of its commitment to supporting the Economic Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by bolstering the growth of the private sector and empowering local SMEs and their contribution towards economic development" he added.
Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, said, "The fourth annual 'SME Business Opportunity Workshop' reflects our ongoing commitment, alongside our strategic partner QDB, to supporting the growth of Qatar's private sector. Since 2013, we have offered 14 business opportunities specifically to Qatari SMEs because we have every confidence in the quality and capability of local suppliers in the market, who we believe can add value to our operations in Qatar."
Qatar Shell presented the following new business opportunities: Active and Healthy Lifestyle, CSR Program Delivery;Translation Services; Compressor Dry Gas Seals Refurbishment and Testing Services; CO and Industrial Gases - Manufacturing; Plastic and Glass Sample Bottles - Manufacturing; and White Metal Bearing Refurbishment - Services.
During the workshop, Qatari SMEs owners and entrepreneurs were briefed on Qatar Shell's tendering process, as well as the advisory support and financial incentives provided by QDB.
Local SMEs have now been invited to register their interest to tender until 7th June 2016. Registered SMEs will then be invited to qualifications stage by 3rd week of June, and successful SMEs will be awarded contracts by December 2016.
For further information about the workshop please visit:
smeopp.qdb.qa/
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About Qatar Development Bank
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, 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.
About Qatar Shell
Shell is the largest international investor in Qatar having invested USD 21 billion over the past decade. Qatar Petroleum and Shell have jointly delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the world's largest GTL plant and cements Qatar's position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of up to USD19 billion it represents the largest single investment in the Shell Group's global portfolio.
The Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project (QP (70%) and Shell (30%) combines Shell's global leadership in LNG with Qatar's position as the world's largest LNG supplier.
Shell has established a world-class research and development facility and a learning center, the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park. Shell has a financial commitment to invest up to USD100 million on programmes in support of energy and the environment at the Centre over a 10-year period.
Qatar Shell contributes to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 not only through our economic investments, but also through our investments in national talent and capability development, both internally through the professional development of our Qatari employees, and externally through our extensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme, positively impacting Qatar, in partnership with Qatari institutions.
For more information, please visit: www.shell.com.qa, and to learn how we #ImpactQatar please follow us on Twitter: @Shell_Qatar and Instagram: shellqatar
For Media Enquiries
Farah Al-Ali Al-Maadeed
Media Relations Manager
Qatar Shell
Telephone: +974 4495 7415
Email: f.al-maadeed@shell.com
© Press Release 2016
