QDB hosts 10 Qatari firms at major Paris food exhibition

 Sheikh Mishaal at the Qatar Pavilion at SIAL, a leading global food industry exhibition in Paris recently.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) successfully concluded its participation at SIAL, a leading global food industry exhibition in Paris recently.

Through its export arm, Tasdeer, QDB hosted some 10 Qatari companies at the Qatar Pavilion, which received high profile visits from public and private sector decision makers including Qatar’s Ambassador to France, Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad al-Thani.

During the event, Qatari companies met with business delegations and trade officials from key export markets around the globe including Kenya and Tanzania.

SIAL attracted nearly 6,000 leading food and agriculture companies from around the world, welcoming 150,000 visitors from 100 countries. Of the 10 companies hosted at Qatar’s pavilion, seven were from Qatar’s food industry, two from the plastics industry and one from the hospitality sector.

On QDB’s participation, chief executive officer Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said, “Qatar’s participation in SIAL was impressive and the opportunities were promising. Countless discussions and meetings were held between Qatari companies and businesses from around the world.”

“It is clear from our participation at this event that Qatari companies are competitive, garnering great interest from regional and international markets. We will continue to provide Qatari exporters with all the financial and advisory services support they need to reach new markets and drive continued growth in Qatar’s private sector,” he added.

Tasdeer executive director Hassan Khalifa al-Mansoori said, “SIAL provided a powerful platform and an invaluable opportunity for Qatari companies to connect with potential buyers and suppliers in key markets around the world. It allowed Qatari companies to receive positive exposure in the global market, identify possible opportunities and establish new business partnerships.”

“QDB has contributed, through Tasdeer, to strengthening Qatari exports and opening trade opportunities in strategic markets. We are happy with the many discussions held between Qatari companies and business delegations at the conference. We hope these meetings will lead to deals and new business for Qatar’s private sector,” he added.

Tasdeer has contributed to the growth of Qatari exports on a large scale, showing the ability of the country’s products to compete in new markets and the critical importance of working with companies to boost their export potential through export promotion, market studies, training workshops and publications for practitioners such as QDB’s Exporter’s Directory.