By Peter Alagos

Business Reporter

Qatar Chamber vice-chairman has said he is optimistic that recognising the efforts of top-performing industry players in the private sector would encourage more entrepreneurs in the country to pursue excellence in their respective fields.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the inaugural Qatar Enterprise Agility Awards held yesterday on Monday night the Grand Hyatt, Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Tawar al-Kuwari said “it is good” to recognise the achievements of industry innovators, adding that the success of Qatar’s business sector “is everyone’s success.”

“There’s a nice effect when this is made known in the business circles through the media. Other company owners will see the importance of excelling in the business and the rewards that they would reap. We’re expecting more entrepreneurs to follow,” al-Kuwari said.

Organised by Entrepreneur Mena in association with Barclays, the ceremony recognised 15 Qatar-based companies from various fields, including individuals who have made economic and social contributions to the country.

The recipients of the Qatar Enterprise Agility Awards are Qatar Islamic Bank for the Islamic Banking category, Doha Bank (retail banking), Doha Insurance (insurance), Gulf Warehousing (logistics), Ezdan Holding (real estate), Drake & Scull International (construction), Hill International (consulting), Katara Hospitality (hospitality), Fifty One East (retail), Hamad Medical Corporation (healthcare), and BPO+ (information technology).

The organisers also bestowed special awards to gaming company Girnass (startup of the year), Ghanem Mohamed al-Muftah (social entrepreneurship), Buthaina al-Ansari (equality enterprise), and Hisham al-Mana (entrepreneur of the year).

Entrepreneur Mena also gave a special token of recognition to al-Kuwari for QC’s assistance and support to the awards project. “It is good to honour companies that have been doing well and complement their big efforts and best practices in Qatar’s private sector. We hope to see more companies next year,” said al-Kuwari when asked about his reaction to the award he received.

Al-Kuwari also emphasised the government’s support to the Qatar private sector and said, “We have a very active economy and the government has its doors open to everybody.”

When asked about QC’s support to the awards project, Entrepreneur Middle East editor in chief Fida Z Chaaban said, “The vice chairman’s presence is a big boon to us.”

Chaaban noted that the inaugural awarding ceremony aimed to give special recognition to enterprise achievers across a variety of categories in Qatar’s socio-economic landscape.

“Basically, the aim of the award is to recognise industry achievement and the burgeoning corporate space in Qatar. It also recognises and honours enterprise leaders and individuals, who have distinguished themselves and demonstrated innovation and outstanding business conduct,” Chaaban said.