The World Bank Group has opened its first office in Qatar and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), marking a new phase in co-operation between the two sides, reports QNA. The agreement was signed during an official ceremony in Doha, attended by His Excellency the Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, and QFFD Chairperson His Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, along with senior officials.**media[409081]**The new office, hosted at QFFD headquarters in co-operation with the Ministry of Finance, is intended to strengthen engagement with Qatar's public and private sectors and support the country's National Vision 2030. It will also serve as a platform to encourage Qatari investment in emerging markets. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, HE al-Kuwari said relations between Qatar and the World Bank had seen significant growth in recent years, describing the opening of the office as a qualitative step that would expand cooperation and reflect a clear alignment in strategic priorities.