QIB’s sponsorship and participation at the conference is in line with its commitment to support Qatar’s National Vision 2030’s thrust of creating a diversified economy

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) is the main sponsor of the “International Conference on Access to Financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurs in the Arab World” organised by Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics on October 26 and 27. The conference aims to discuss ways to improve SMEs access to finance in the Arab world. Discussions will revolve on how policymakers in the Arab world are applying international practices and available tools for business environment reforms, as well as encourage academic research in the area of SME financing.
It also aims to articulate the positive impact of those initiatives on the development of the private sector and the economy.
QIB’s sponsorship and participation at the conference is in line with its commitment to support the Qatar’s National Vision 2030’s thrust of creating a diversified economy by developing the private sector and SMEs, which is a part of QIB’s social responsibility towards supporting key social, educational, and community events.
The conference will also focus on the university’s efforts to support entrepreneurship through its academic programmes and its innovative Centre for Entrepreneurship. It will address a number of topics in relation to entrepreneurship and SMEs, with a particular focus on financing. Over its four sessions, the conference will explore themes such as the role of the government in facilitating financial access for SMEs, private equity for entrepreneurs and SMEs, banking and finance issues for SMEs and entrepreneurs, and debt and direct finance as options for SMEs and entrepreneurs. An additional workshop session will cover access to finance for SMEs in Qatar and GCC countries.
“This conference reflects the important role of educational institutions in discussing and developing solutions for economic objectives and challenges relevant to both our local community and the region as a whole,” said QIB Group CEO Bassel Gamal.
Gamal added: “QIB’s support underscores our on-going commitment to support local community events and the country’s economic development. Entrepreneur and SME financing is an area where QIB has strong expertise and we are pleased to be able to support research and discussion relating to this growing economic sector.”