International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) was the platinum sponsor of MEED Qatar Projects 2013, which was held in Doha last week under the patronage of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada.
The keynote address was presented by HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani, governor of Qatar Central Bank.
While the event had a line-up of highly-recognised speakers, it also witnessed the announcement of the MEED Lifetime Achievement Award winner - HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Chairman of Qatar’s Administrative Control and Transparency Authority - in appreciation of his outstanding contribution to projects development in Qatar.
Delivering the welcome address on February 18, IBQ managing director Jabra Ghandour spoke on the current economic advances and developments in Qatar in light of the prevailing global
financial landscape.
“The Qatari economy has been characterised by considerable growth over the past few years with a landmark track record of success, despite an unfavourable global financial landscape, to be one of the world’s fastest growing economies on account of the government’s wise and commendable policies and strategies,” Ghandour said. “Furthermore, Qatar’s increasing population, expanding trade and industrial sectors will put a further demand on service-based projects, mainly in energy and water, and therefore we firmly believe that this is the most suitable time for both national and global firms to showcase their services in the promising Qatari market.”
Ghandour also hailed the government’s diversification strategies that are in line with Qatar’s National Vision for 2030, and said: “This will certainly be an incentive for public and private spending.”
MEED Qatar Projects has become a key calendar event on the agenda of the country’s businesses.