QDB and Qatar Shell will reveal six new business opportunities to Qatari small and medium enterprises at an event to be held here on May 30.

The fourth annual ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ is part of a nationwide strategy to support Qatari small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

During the event, they will reveal six new specific tender opportunities for local SMEs to join Qatar Shell’s supply chain.

Through its strategic partnership with QDB, Qatar Shell works to promote and accelerate the development of the private sector in Qatar, by presenting SMEs with the opportunity to become part of the supply chain for Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas to liquids plant delivered by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell.

Bader al-Kuwari, business localisation support manager at QDB said, “Qatar Development Bank’s partnership with Shell aims to accelerate the development of the private sector in Qatar through the promotion of specific opportunities for local SMEs. In support of the Qatar National Vision, QDB seeks to develop partnerships with reputable large companies, such as Shell, who can offer opportunities in their supply chain for local entrepreneurs and whose high standards will enable successful local bidders to then compete on an international level.”

Amro Ahmed, local content and SME manager at Qatar Shell said, “We are looking forward to hosting our fourth annual ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ as part of our ongoing commitment, alongside our strategic partner QDB, to develop SMEs and support Qatar’s thriving private sector, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

“By providing local enterprises with access to specific business opportunities within Qatar Shell’s supply chain, Qatar Shell helps Qatari SMEs raise their operating standards in order to fulfil global requirements,” he added.

“We also remain committed to continuing to provide diversified business opportunities to local businesses, as we trust in their ability to add value to our operations.”

In 2015, more than 150 Qatari SMEs attended the third annual ‘Qatari SME Business Opportunities Workshop’, where more than 60 local SMEs showed their interest to participate and compete for the seven business opportunities on offer.

More than 30 local SMEs were shortlisted and were invited to participate in Qatar Shell’s tender process that resulted in the awarding of six individual contracts.

In 2014, some 110 local SMEs and entrepreneurs participated in the ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ and as many as 33 SMEs qualified to tender resulting in the awarding of five individual contracts. While in 2013, three contracts were awarded to local SMEs.

QDB plays a vital 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.

In 2015, Qatar Shell and QDB won the Social Development Centre’s – Reyada ‘Outstanding Entrepreneurial Support’ Award for their role in developing Qatari entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The award is a clear demonstration of this successful partnership in developing Qatar’s economy and private sector, as well as delivering sustainable contributions to positively impact Qatar.

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