The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has lauded the role of micro and small businesses in honing the skills of the Qatari youth, which contributes to the development of the country’s society.
“We believe in supporting development projects in Qatar as these social business initiatives play a vital role in supporting the Qatari youth by providing them with a platform to launch their projects,” HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Sultan bin Rashid al-Khater said in a speech yesterday.
Al-Khater addressed a large gathering of local entrepreneurs and a panel of international speakers after opening the fourth edition of ‘2019 Entrepreneurship and Business Conference & Products’, organised by the Centre of Social Development – Nama at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
In a statement, Nama Centre said the event targets the small and microenterprises projects and enables them to access the local market to conduct business “in a natural competitive environment.” It also attempts to strengthen their presence and impact on the national economy, and emphasises the role of their strategic partners in supporting and codifying them and provide them with an ecosystem. 
It also contributes in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among those who are interested in penetrating the international and local markets. The event also includes a conference with the participation of local and international speakers to highlight future pilot solutions.
“This contributes to the development of the Qatari society and optimises the concept of local production in the Qatari market. It also promotes entrepreneurship initiatives, which are one of the main channels leading to the development of human capital and therefore Qatar’s economy, one of the pillars of realising the Qatar National Vision 2030,” al-Khater continued.
For her part, Nama Centre acting executive director Amal bint Abdul Latif al-Mannai said: “The exhibition aims to create a natural marketing environment for small and micro enterprises in the state of Qatar by enabling them to conduct their normal business activities and showcase their products and sell them.”
She added: “Through these exhibitions, we aim to build the knowledge and financial capacities of the small and micro entrepreneurs by providing them with the technical, financial, promotional, and incubation support. This will enable them to better execute and manage their projects in an attempt to ensure growth and sustainability.
“This event comes in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission to implement policies, guide initiatives and capacities, contribute to the expansion of the youth choices, develop their skills and abilities, and empower them within the state of Qatar by equipping them with the technical and material capacities to achieve social well-being and realise the objectives of Qatar’s future national plan.”
The ‘2019 Entrepreneurship and Business Conference & Products’ will run until January 25 at the DECC. It is sponsored by Qatar Islamic Bank and Exxon Mobil, with strategic partners, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Chamber, as well as development partner, Qatar Development Bank (QDB).