As part of a nationwide strategy to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Qatar Shell, in partnership with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), signed agreements today with six new Qatari SMEs.

At the signing ceremony, held in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, four new local SMEs were awarded with contracts to become the supplier of choice for Pearl GTL, the world’s largest Gas-to-liquids plant delivered by Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Shell. In addition, two SMEs were awarded contracts with Qatar Shell at the signing ceremony.

Amro Ahmed Local Content and SME Manager of Qatar Shell signed the agreements with the CEOs of the Qatari SMEs, in the presence of Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank and Michiel Kool Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, who both witnessed the signings alongside HE Dr Al Sada.

The six Qatari SMEs that have been awarded contracts are: Cooper & Turner W.L.L for the manufacturing of stud bolts; Fouj Café for the provision of cafeteria and catering services for staff and events; Digital Print Centre for the manufacturing of safety boards and electric labels; Inspection Technology (I-Tech) for the supply of onsite welding inspection services; Chubb Fire, International Gulf Trading for the manufacturing and maintenance of fire extinguishers; and Social Media Solutions for the management of Qatar Shell’s social media platforms.

Commenting on this successful initiative, Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank said: “Our strategy is to accelerate the growth and development of Qatar’s private sector, and it is through these joint initiatives that we are able to link local SMEs to world-class companies such as Shell. Local SMEs grow and flourish by acquiring contracts that have the potential to elevate their future, while global companies and their customers get the services they need from a local supplier, which reduces supply chain risk and provides quality assurance."

“The addition of six new Qatari SMEs to the eight local suppliers awarded in 2013 and 2014 is a clear demonstration of our successful partnership with Qatar Shell to bolster a robust private sector in Qatar," added Al-Khalifa.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Kool said: “In support of our valued partner Qatar Petroleum and in close collaboration with QDB, we remain committed to support the Qatar National Vision 2030 by developing local SMEs and entrepreneurs. As a result of this successful joint partnership, I am extremely proud to officially welcome six new Qatari SMEs onto the supply roster for Pearl GTL and Qatar Shell."

The annual ‘SME Business Opportunity’ initiative has been growing year on year. In 2014, 110 local entrepreneurs participated in the ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ of which 33 SMEs were qualified to tender, and five were awarded with contracts. This is in comparison to 2013, when only 10 local SMEs were qualified to participate in the tender process that resulted in the awarding of three contracts, all of which are currently performing well.

This year, more than 150 Qatari SMEs attended the third annual ‘Qatari SME Business Opportunities Workshop’, where more than 60 local SMEs showed their interest to compete for the seven business opportunities on offer. More than 30 local SMEs were shortlisted and were invited to participate in Qatar Shell’s tendering a process.

QDB plays an important role by providing the SMEs and entrepreneurs with management, advisory and financial support. As the leading development bank in Qatar with a mandate to support Qatari SMEs, QDB works with its wide network of local partner banks to attract local SMEs to participate in this initiative.

Earlier this year, Qatar Shell and QDB won the Social Development Center’s –Reyada ‘Outstanding Entrepreneurial Support’ Award for their role in developing Qatari entrepreneurs and SMEs. The award is a clear demonstration of this successful partnership in developing Qatar’s economy and private sector, as well as delivering sustainable contributions to positively impact Qatar.

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