Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has sponsored local entrepreneurs under the Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC) at the ‘36th Gitex Technology Week 2016’ conference and exhibition in Dubai.
QDB said its sponsorship forms part of its interest to advance local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in Qatar.
Gitex is one of the world’s largest events that draw together tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, and investors from information and communications technology (ICT) sectors globally.
The conference presents participants with an opportunity to network with specialised international companies, share information, and keep abreast with the latest developments in the field of science and technology.
QDB said its decision to sponsor SMEs incubated at QBIC is consistent with the development agency’s strategy to open business prospects for local entrepreneurs and globally expand the outreach of Qatari businesses. Furthermore, by promoting the incubated businesses abroad, QDB seeks to expand the knowledge base of local technology companies, attain first-hand knowledge of the competition in the global tech market, and contribute to a knowledge-based diversified economy.
QDB chief executive officer Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said, “By sponsoring local companies abroad, we at QDB seek to contribute to national vision of the State of Qatar. By sponsoring our SMEs in large conventions like Gitex, we seek to motivate local entrepreneurs and support their growth as they engage with other creative technology companies abroad, broaden their professional networks, and build a quality of technological services that is on par with top international standards.”
He added, “QDB is interested in participating in all local, regional, and international events that support the growth of SMEs. It is our firm belief that events such as these empower our local companies by equipping them with the leverage of international exposure – the successes of other software and technology companies abroad serve as a positive example to Qatari tech-based SMEs.”
QBIC CEO Aysha al-Mudahka said, “Technology is a huge part of our everyday life and plays a main role in the success of any startup. Addressing the role of women in technology is crucial to the development of the tech scene in the region, especially since the participation of women in the workforce has increased significantly over the last few years. By supporting the expansion of women’s roles in the tech and entrepreneurship industry, it could have an immediate and positive effect on the private sector, as well as enhance the perception of women in the tech industry.”

8 Qatari companies join plastics, rubber expo in Germany
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) is promoting eight local plastics and rubber product manufacturers at the K-2016 exhibition being held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 to 26.
QDB said this is the first time that the bank’s export programme, Tasdeer, will be partaking at K-2016, tipped as the “world’s number one trade for plastics and rubber.” Local exhibitors have been presenting their products at the Qatar Pavilion, QDB said.  
The bank said its Tasdeer programme has “contributed significantly” to the development and promotion of Qatari exports in the global market by providing trade-related support for local businesses, such as the showcasing of local manufacturers at international exhibitions, organising bilateral trade cooperation programmes, and training workshops.  
In the past, QDB said Tasdeer has hosted local companies from across a number of industrial sectors at international exhibitions such as ‘Index’, an architectural and design exhibition, and ‘Big5’, a building and construction trade exhibition.
Incidentally, K-2016 coincides with SIAL Paris, an agri-food industry exhibition that is also presently seeing Tasdeer’s participation through the promotion of 14 leading Qatari food and beverage companies.
The eight Qatari companies participating in K-2016 include Doha Plastic, Asima Plastic Factory, Al Amoudi Plastic Factory, Qatar Plastic Products Company, Chem-Tech Qatar, Qatar Integrated Plastic Bags Factory, Al-Sada Factory for Plastic Pipes, and Qatar Polymer Industrial Company.
Tasdeer executive director Hassan Khalifa al-Mansoori said: “Our participation in well-renowned international exhibitions is in line with our marketing strategy to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote Qatari products.
“As part of our national development agenda, Qatar National Vision 2030, we hope to grow our presence globally by establishing a strong national industrial base, whose manufactured products meet international quality standards.”
This year, the products on display include raw materials, auxiliaries, semi-finished products, reinforced plastics, machinery and equipment, as well as services. K-2016 is anticipated to host a similarly vast turnout to the previous instalment held in 2013, which saw over 3,000 participating exhibitors from 59 countries and was visited by more than 218,000 visitors from 108 countries.