Doha: As part of a nationwide strategy to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Qatar Shell, in partnership with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), signed four new contracts today with Qatari SMEs.
The four Qatari SMEs that have been awarded contracts include Buzwair Scientific & Technical Gases, for carbon monoxide and industrial gases; Al-Ahed Trading & Contracting Co. Ltd for white metal bearing refurbishment; Second Dimension International Marketing for active and healthy lifestyle CSR programme delivery; and Q-Advice for language translation services. A fifth contract is expected to be awarded shortly.
Amro Ahmed, Qatar Shell’s Commercial Excellence & Local Content and SME Manager, signed the agreements with the CEOs of the Qatari SMEs in the presence of Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, and Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies.
Commenting on the successful initiative, Mr. Al-Khalifa stated, “This initiative is part of QDB’s efforts to facilitate access to local contracts for small and medium businesses, especially with international companies. Our continuing partnership with Qatar Shell provides SMEs with the chance to make a significant impact on their business by joining the Qatar Shell supply chain, and also gives those companies the opportunity to expand regionally and globally.”
Mr. Kool stated, “We are guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030 and want to contribute to the development of the private sector in Qatar. In support of our valued partner Qatar Petroleum, and in close collaboration with QDB, we aim to provide specific opportunities for local SMEs and entrepreneurs. These four contracts show our confidence in the ability of local SMEs to be an active and integral part of the Qatar Shell’s supply chain, and we look forward to helping them grow in the future.”
This is the fourth year of the ‘SME Business Opportunity” resulting in a total of 18 contracts with local SMEs. The total aggregate value of those contracts is estimated at 100 million QR.
The awarding ceremony is the culmination of a process that began in May when more than 250 Qatari SMEs attended the annual ‘Qatari SME Business Opportunities Workshop”. Forty-three companies expressed an interest to bid, and of those, 26 were invited to tender for six business opportunities on offer with 18 submitting formal bids.
Those awarded contracts have up to 18 months to build their capacity to be able to handle the contracts and cater to Qatar Shell’s required standards. QDB plays an important role by providing the SMEs and entrepreneurs with management, advisory and financial support. As the leading development bank in Qatar with a mandate to support Qatari SMEs, QDB works with its wide network of local partner banks to attract local SMEs to participate in this initiative.
Last year, Qatar Shell and QDB won the Social Development Center’s Reyada ‘Outstanding Entrepreneurial Support’ Award for their role in developing Qatari entrepreneurs and SMEs. The award is in recognition of this successful partnership in developing Qatar’s economy and private sector, as well as delivering sustainable contributions to positively impact Qatar.
-Ends-
About Qatar Development Bank
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.
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 centre, 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
Ali Al-Ansari
Media Relations Manager
Qatar Shell
Telephone: +974 4021 9203
Email: Ali.Al-Ansari@shell.com
© Press Release 2016
