Al Meera Consumer Goods Company launched Wednesday its latest initiative that supports local entrepreneurs by showcasing ‘Made in Qatar’ products on the supermarket chain’s shelves.
“This initiative is important for both Al Meera and local entrepreneurs because it is the first step to transform their small businesses into full-fledged companies in the future,” Al Meera IT director Mohamed al-Bader told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event held at Katara – the Cultural Village Building 15.
In a statement, Al Meera explained that the event was organised to showcase the products of Qatari small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Al Meera’s commercial team.
It also offers them the opportunity to compete in the market, as well as to improve their standards across the industry, the statement continued.
“Working under the guidance of three leading entities, Nama, Bedaya and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs, the Qatari SMEs enjoyed the opportunity to gain new insights about product development and market capture from the commercial team of Al Meera,” the statement explained.
According to al-Bader, Al Meera’s commercial team also provides free advisory services on marketing and branding, as well a feasibility study to determine the success of the business and its products.
Al-Bader also underscored the importance of registering small businesses with Al Meera, citing the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) it signed with Qatar Fuel Company (Woqod) for the management of Woqod’s Sidra convenience stores.
“At present, Al Meera has 55 branches that are showcasing locally-made products. Qatari entrepreneurs registered with us will also benefit from our MoU with Woqod because this will provide them with a wider exposure once we manage their Sidra stores,” said al-Bader, who added that ‘Made in Qatar’ products comprise around 15% to 20% of the total goods being sold in Al Meera stores.
This year alone, al-Bader said Al Meera has as many as 31 Qatari suppliers, three of which, have transformed into full-fledged businesses. He added that Al Meera is sourcing a wide range of products from local suppliers and entrepreneurs in support of Qatar’s food security strategy.
“This initiative targets entrepreneurs and newly-established businesses, and Al Meera’s support was extended as part its corporate social responsibility mandate. Every great company starts with an idea, which needs nurturing and support to flourish.
“By engaging with these businesses with our expertise, Al Meera is playing an instrumental role in realising the economic development goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” the statement said.
Al Meera added, “'Made in Qatar' products have assumed greater importance in recent years due to geopolitical circumstances, but also as the country gears up to meet the diversification agenda of economic development laid out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, which is just a decade away. The initiative is Al Meera’s continued effort in its pursuit to support local producers and activate the SMEs’ contribution to the economic diversification of Qatar.”
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