Doha, Qatar; 8 April 2014: Qatar Development Bank recently concluded its fourth edition of its intensive 4-day industrial training program which ran between 23-26 March. The program brought together about 20 entrepreneurs, who learned effective strategies for establishing and managing manufacturing projects in Qatar. The sessions presented attendees with a step-by-step approach for setting up viable and competitive manufacturing businesses in the country.

The program is dedicated to Qatar's entrepreneurs and provides useful knowledge for launching industrial projects and to familiarize all the potential requirements, opportunities and the risks when launching a major industrial project.

Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB said: " At QDB, we believe that our role does not only stop at financing; rather we feel it is our responsibility to advise entrepreneurs at each stage of their growth by providing mentoring, intelligence and skills needed to build and manage their businesses."

"We are proud to host this training program for the fourth time, as we strive to develop knowledge transfer and nurture organic growth across Qatar, while fostering entrepreneurial growth across the country in line with the 2030 vision," Al Khalifa added.

Prior to hosting the training which was conducted in collaboration with, Social Development Center (SDC),  Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting  (GOIC), Eversheds, Enterprise Qatar, Jadwa Program and Qatar Business Incubation Centre; Training facilitators showed how entrepreneurs can accurately identify and assess potential business opportunities by carrying a comprehensive evaluation of their relevant industrial macro-environment. In addition, the training familiarized participants with key aspects and procedures necessary to make their proposal a success, including: selecting industrial opportunities in Qatar, legality issues, technical analysis, selection of technology provider and several services provided by Qatar to support the entrepreneurs such as services provided by  Private Sector Qatar

Participants were also presented with methods of production schedule, business planning and control, materials requirement, capacity, shop floor and inventory control, product costing and pricing, feasibility studies, market constraints and demand analysis. In addition, the presentations compromised of production management including product manufacturing process, plant layout, procurement of the necessary equipment and tools, plant engineering and maintenance and production programming.

The training program looked closely into the model of the manufacturing process where the experts gave practical tips for assessing the selection of technology the total investment and production costs, financial analysis for industrial projects and developing and managing a manufacturing small and medium size enterprise and the requisites for registration. Attendees were provided with an overview of QDB's indirect loan facility, Al Dhameen, Direct Finance and the Qatar Business Incubation Centre; a joint initiative between QDB and SDC, in addition to the SME Toolkit, as smart solutions to jump-start and grow a business venture in Qatar.

QDB concluded the 4-day program by charting schedules for participants to avail of customized mentoring and counseling sessions.

-Ends-

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:
Rami Yashruti
Grayling
E: rami.yashruti@grayling.com
M: +974 55 389 036

Samer Bsaiso
Grayling
E: samer.bsaiso@grayling.com
M: +974 66 647 185

© Press Release 2014