Ooredoo and QNB join hands to support Qatar’s SME sector

Ooredoo and QNB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote next-generation ICT services in Qatar, and support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The strategic joint agreement aims to bring the companies’ resources together to offer up-and-coming enterprises access to discounted Ooredoo ICT services, as well as the capital needed to invest and grow their business via QNB.  
Working together, Ooredoo and QNB aim to create a one-stop-service for Qatar’s businesses to develop a knowledge-based economy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Ooredoo Qatar chief operating officer Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi said, “It’s always a great day when two Qatari companies can work together to benefit our country. We’re thrilled that this agreement is in an area we already invested so much into.
“We have the biggest range of next generation services in Qatar, which is why we are the leading ICT solutions provider. Thanks to this partnership, QNB business customers will be able to take advantage of our solutions at a discounted price, to grow their enterprise and to benefit Qatar.”
Yousef al-Neama, QNB’s general manager, Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said, “We believe that this new initiative will create a backbone for business success in Qatar. Working with Ooredoo, we are positive that we can nurture a new wave of businesses, and push forward our goal of being the business bank of choice.
“Supporting small businesses has always been a priority for us as we understand that today’s SMEs can turn into tomorrow’s corporation with the right tools. We look forward to seeing the positive results of this agreement.”   
He added: “We are pleased to partner with Ooredoo to support Qatar’s SME sector. QNB is keen on supporting the Qatari SME sector through our strong offering, aimed at helping setup and establish these companies, as well as supporting them toward establishing themselves as strong players in the Qatari market, which will bring great benefit to our national economy and aid our country’s future growth.”
Both Ooredoo and QNB have focused heavily on support for Qatar’s SMEs in 2016, with Ooredoo hosting a range of events aimed at educating the sector on its ICT portfolio and showcasing the company’s latest business offerings.
QNB recently unveiled a new banking package for SMEs, which includes a 24-hour decision time for “account turnover facilities” and professional loans, tailored products for manufacturing, tourism, education, medical and healthcare sectors, and the introduction of a dedicated SME Business World credit card.
Ooredoo said the MoU is the latest in a long history of collaboration between the two companies. Previous agreements include the launch of the QNB First mobile package, offering great communication deals via Ooredoo for QNB First customers, interest free payments on all Ooredoo Shop devices bought with a QNB credit card, and QNB’s contribution in creating the Mobile Money Wallet with Ooredoo.