Qatar Investor Window (QIW) Starts in Doha

Doha, November 21 (QNA) -Qatar Investor Window (QIW) 2011 conference kicked off in Doha on Monday. The one-day QIW 2011 conference , held at Grand Hyatt Hotel, under the Patronage of the Qatari Prime Minister, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, is co-organised by UCI International (UK) in partnership with the Qatari Businessmen Association. Addressing the opening session on behalf of the Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, and QBA members, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani said this event aims to explore the regions emerging business opportunities, and vast untapped investment potential providing a platform for companies and entrepreneurs seeking investment, to discuss unique business opportunities with Qatari, Gulf and Global investors. The reason is incorporated in our Vision which is "to Act as a catalyst for the promotion of diversified investment flows, modern entrepreneurial spirit and corporate development in Qatar by continuously improving the business environment taking into account social development, international and regional trends as well as national interests," he said. We, the QBA, are here today to coordinate with all businesspeople in terms of facilitating the application of effective initiatives that target the advancement of the private sector s capabilities and skills, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani in his opening address noting meantime that this is the second such event the QBA, has organized in partnership with UCI International. QIW 2011 was attended by the members of Qatar Businessmen Association among them Hussein Ibrahim Alfardan, Vice-Chairman and members of QBA including Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al-Thani, Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser, Mr Salah Jaidah, Nabil Abou Issa, and Maqboul Habib Khalfan. Given the rapid growth in the region and Qatar s hosting of the World Cup in 2022, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani said today's platform in the shape of Qatar investor Window 2011 is a valuable opportunity to learn more about this emerging market and be introduced to a range of significant investors to discuss your products, he said. HE further said that Qatar is an outstanding market in which to invest: It is the world s fastest growing economy. Rapid annual GDP growth rate 16% 4 years to 2010 21% in 2011 & 10% in 2012. We forecast the overall economy will reach US$197bn in 2012 Qatar has the third largest proven natural gas reserves in the world as total of 894tn cubic feet, which at current production rates will last for over 200 years. HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani said in the opening address he delivered on behalf of the Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, said the World Economic Forum (WEF) competitiveness index ranks Qatar 17th globally and 1st in the middle east Qatar currently has the highest credit rating in the GCC, together with Kuwait . It is one of the very few global sovereigns that received a ratings upgrade in 2010 (SA&P AA- to AA with stable outlook) Qatar s long-term goals are set out in the QNV 2030, which is based on the principles of sustainable economic, social, environmental and human capital development. The QNV 2030 will be implemented through a series of short term plans, the most recent being the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, he noted. Economic diversification in the non-hydrocarbon sectors is a central pillar of the NDS. NDS 2011-16 estimates US$225bn of investment will take place. The government will provide 42% / US$95bn of the total investment .Roughly half or US$125bn will be in the non-oil and gas sector ; To encourage this private sector investment the state of Qatar has built modern infrastructures, amended laws and legislation and offers generous incentives to both local and foreign investors. As a result of these developmental efforts the economy is undergoing structural changes and offers considerable investment opportunities in the production and infrastructure sectors. Qatar has already entered new industries that leverage its comparative advantages of inexpensive hydrocarbon feedstock and cheap energy inputs . Petrochemicals, fertilizer and metal production. Manufacturing is expected to grow 18% in 2011 The construction sector grew at a remarkable rate of 46% from 2005-2008- US$185bn worth of projects are expected in the coming decade. - Metro, Doha port, Lusail, Airport, East coast rail link between Ras Laffan and new port in Mesaieed, freight rail link to Saudi and Bahrain Causeway. Transport, storage and communications is the fastest growing services sector. (Forecast growth of 11% 2011 and 7% 2012) Our services sector companies include iconic international brands (Qatar Airways & AL Jazeera) while the Qatar Financial Sector (QFC) has been successful in attracting globally renowned companies. One significant aspect of the Qatar Investor Window is to provide information and lead to a better understanding of the Qatari economy and Gulf trends in doing business, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani said. I trust I have given you a taste of the remarkable opportunities that exist here in Qatar and I hope this event will mirror the state s economic success and will also reflect the strong positive outlook that exists (in Qatar). Ladies and gentlemen today s event is an invitation to our potential partners to establish fruitful contacts and profitable joint ventures with their Qataris counterparts. This unique conference brings together Qatari, Gulf and international investors to hear investment proposals from an array of global entrepreneurs and international government representatives. It is a rare gathering of international business leaders focusing on growth opportunities for Qatar, and is an event of huge potential. QIW 2011 will present new projects in the hi-tech, manufacturing, renewable and sports sectors to be developed in Qatar with local Qatari partners. The event will also present unique global investment opportunities in these sectors. Other superb roster of speakers has assembled for QIW 2011. These include along with HE sheikh faisal Bin Qassem Al-Thani Chairman, Qatari Businessmen Association; James Caan CEO of Hamilton Bradshaw Private Equity, Chairman of 90 North Real Estate Partners and entrepreneur of the UK s BBC Dragon s Den television programme; Professor Abdullatif Al Meer Managing Director, Qinvest; Shashank Srivastava Acting CEO & Chief Strategic Development Officer, Qatar Financial Centre Authority; Ghazi Al Rawi CEO, Eastgate Capital Group; Hamad Al Saad Chairman s Advisor, Hassad Food Company; Emad Mansour CEO, Qatar First Investment Bank; Wayde Clews Director of Sports at ASPIRE Sports Academy; and Khaled Al Mohannadi Assistant Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee. The main panel topics of the conference will be dedicated to the discussion of succeeding in partnership with Qatari investors and business leaders, especially driving business through sport in Qatar. Qatar s hosting of the World Cup in 2022, this event is a significant draw card for global investors with an interest in exploring business potential in this country. Sport and sport business, then will feature heavily, but also more general business topics will be discussed, including: Succeeding in partnership with Qatari and other Gulf investors , What are Qatari institutional funds doing in current economic climate? and Using sport for development partnerships to benefit business . In addition to the panel-led discussions, there will be summary presentations by outstanding organisations offering investment opportunities and partnerships, as well as outstanding networking opportunities. QIW 2011 has gathered individuals and companies from all over the world with international experience and presence, such as from the UK, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, France, Spain, Poland, Azerbaijan, the US, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE and others. A variety of major global and Qatar investors are here, along with international business leaders, project developers, and potential joint-venture partners. Involved companies include: Qatar Investment Authority, Commercial Bank, BARWA, UDC, Qatari Diar, Aspire, Qatar Foundation, Qatar First Investment Bank and others. International supporting partners of this event include: the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, the Middle East Association, Dow Jones and KMD Consulting who are all working together with the Qatari Businessmen Association to underline the global nature of QIW 2011. The broadcast partner of QIW 2011 is Al Jazeera, and the official airline is Qatar Airways. And what are the recommendations of QIW 2011? The primary recommendation will be for Qatari investors to follow up with the projects presented at this conference, and to attract the principal investment behind these projects to begin to implement them in Qatar. Secondly, it is recommend that Qatari investors attending this event take steps to engage with the ideas behind the suggested projects at their business site, to better understand the management ethos behind these projects; to discover if they like the ideas, trust their prospective partners and/or respect them to deliver what they have seen at the conference.(END)