Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group has received the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Qatar and MLA (Mandated Lead Arranger)’ Award from the Global Trade Review (GTR) for its participation in the Barzan Gas Project. The winners were announced at the GTR Leaders in Trade Charity Awards dinner which was recently held in London. QNB Group played an active role in the Barzan Gas Project by participating in the project’s syndicated financing completed last year. At the time it was the world’s largest project financial deal. The group had chosen to come on board for the project because of the opportunities that it presented in terms of demonstrating the Bank’s market leadership and strengthening it as a corporate financial adviser. The Barzan Gas Project is a catalyst for the future development of Qatar, marking a powerful step forward in Qatar’s overall industrial and human development, and is in line with the country’s National Vision 2030. The aim is for the gas from the project to be used to supply Qatar’s growing domestic energy demand. GTR is the worlds’ leading international trade finance magazine featuring key market banks, credit insurers, traders and other well respected industry organisations. As well as covering the global trade finance export markets, GTR provides in-depth news, leads and analysis on the global emerging markets trade finance, export finance and risk markets. QNB Group operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employing about 7,000 staff operating from 335 branches and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 650 machines. Based on the group’s continuous strong performance and the expanding international presence, the bank is currently ranked as the most valuable brand in the MENA region, with a world ranking of 114 from 189 in 2011. It is also ranked as the largest bank in the Gulf region.