Some of the most influential figures from Qatar’s government, financial and public sectors are set to attend and speak at the upcoming Euromoney Qatar Conference 2015, which brings together international banking leaders with senior figures from the Gulf region.
To be held on December 9 and 10 at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, the conference will bring together a range of executives and experts to analyse the current state of the global economy, and the range of factors set to influence future growth in Qatar, the region and beyond.
Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the agenda includes keynote speeches and panel discussions by HE the Minister of Finance, Ali Sherif al-Emadi; HE the QCB Governor, Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr Hessa Sultan al-Jaber.
From Qatar’s financial sector, there will be on-stage discussions with Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari, QNB Group CEO; Yousuf al-Jaida, Qatar Financial Centre CEO; Dr R Seetharaman, Doha Bank CEO and Mohammed Mubarak al-Khater, Qatar Development Bank executive director (Investment).
For many years, Qatar has seemed resistant to international economic pressures, given the robust strength of its energy sector and the positive vision of its leadership. However, the recent announcement that Qatar’s 2016 budget will be “realistic” to show a “moderate” deficit suggests even this dynamic economy is facing challenges.
In June, the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS) said Qatar could face its first fiscal deficit for 15 years, following a fall in fiscal surplus in 2015 caused by lower oil prices.
With oil and particularly gas prices staying stubbornly low in recent months, Qatar will look to the private sector to make more impact, while cutting wasteful spending in the public sector, according to recent announcements.
This will create significant opportunities for international banks and private equity groups looking to increase their presence in Qatar, which will be examined at the conference.
The Euromoney conference will host a special pre-conference workshop on the opportunities for enhancing entrepreneurship in Qatar, in recognition of the growing need for a more dynamic private sector. The workshop will feature contributions from Qatar Development Bank and Qotuf, a Saudi Arabian initiative to boost entrepreneurship.