The inaugural edition of the Qatar Self-Sufficiency Exhibition (QSSE 2018) will open opportunities for Qatari companies to tap international markets, the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani said.

After leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the three-day QSSSE 2018 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, he explained that the “innovative expo” aligns with the goals of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s “visionary leadership for a diverse, sustainable economy.”
“This gives Qatari companies a unique opportunity to engage with global players on the world stage and it enables international exhibitors to demonstrate how they can contribute to that goal. Walking the exhibition floor, it was clear to see how important this exhibition and its potential to set the future agenda,” Sheikh Faisal said.
QSSE 2108 is a first-of-its-kind event showcasing the latest manufacturing and production line innovations that could play a significant role in driving Qatar’s transformation towards a diverse, sustainable economy.
It showcases 120 booths from Qatar and the region, as well as France, Germany, Austria, Tunisia, Netherlands, Brazil, Kuwait, Canada, Greece, Iran, China, Finland, Kurkistan, and Turkey. 
With self-sufficiency being a key pillar in Qatar’s long-term strategy, there is a growing need for new lines of production within the country that will help facilitate a sustainable economy of the future, according to event organisers.
Qatar Development Bank CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said QDB’s sponsorship of QSSE 2018 forms part of the bank's efforts towards self-sufficiency through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Manateq CEO Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi said as the exhibition’s Economic Partner, QSSE 2018 “is the perfect platform” and a “great two-way potential” for Manateq to share expertise and offer a deep dive into the business solutions and initiatives it offers to those looking to set up business in Qatar, and for those looking to be part of creating a sustainable economy for Qatar.
Gulf Warehousing Company chairman Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassem bin Jabor al-Thani said GWC’s long-term strategies and forward thinking have established a standard in logistics operation that support the country’s ability to be self-reliant. 
“This duty towards innovation has always formed an essential core of our purpose – to set a world-class standard in logistics operation, while supporting Qatar, now more than ever, in becoming a sustainable and diverse economy,” he said.
Abdulrahman Saleh al-Obaidly, chairman of Hisky for Tourism and Exhibitions, organisers of QSSE 2018, added: “We have been extremely encouraged by the level of support from distinguished figures from the local business landscape and across the various sectors, ever since we proposed the idea for this exhibition. And it was an honour to have someone in such a prominent position as Sheikh Faisal to inaugurate this event.”