QDB, Qatar Shell Reveal Six new Business Opportunities to Qatari SMEs

Doha, May 30 (QNA) - Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Shell hosted their fourth annual SME Business Opportunities Workshop to reveal six new specific business opportunities that will enable local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to join Qatar Shells supply chain. During the workshop, more than 250 Qatari SMEs and entrepreneurs were presented with the upcoming tenders, and pre-qualification process to become suppliers to Pearl GTL, the worlds largest gas-to-liquids plant, delivered by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell. Commenting on the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of QDB Abdul Aziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa said "For the fourth consecutive year, our partnership with Qatar Shell continues to bear fruit as we remain steadfast in providing valuable business opportunities to Qatari SMEs". "Since local business represents the backbone of any sustainable economy, QDB is proud of its commitment to supporting the Economic Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by bolstering the growth of the private sector and empowering local SMEs and their contribution towards economic development" he added. Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies Michiel Kool said, "The fourth annual SME Business Opportunity Workshop reflects our ongoing commitment, alongside our strategic partner QDB, to supporting the growth of Qatars private sector. Since 2013, we have offered 14 business opportunities specifically to Qatari SMEs because we have every confidence in the quality and capability of local suppliers in the market, who we believe can add value to our operations in Qatar." Qatar Shell presented the following new business opportunities: Active and Healthy Lifestyle, CSR Program Delivery; Translation Services; Compressor Dry Gas Seals Refurbishment and Testing Services; CO and Industrial Gases Manufacturing; Plastic and Glass Sample Bottles Manufacturing; and White Metal Bearing Refurbishment Services. During the workshop, Qatari SMEs owners and entrepreneurs were briefed on Qatar Shells tendering process, as well as the advisory support and financial incentives provided by QDB. Local SMEs have now been invited to register their interest to tender until 7th June 2016. Registered SMEs will then be invited to qualifications stage by 3rd week of June, and successful SMEs will be awarded contracts by December 2016, said Qatar Shell in a statement. Qatar Development Bank (QDB) was established in 1997 as the Qatar Industrial Development Bank, a 100% government-owned developmental organization. Its primary aim was to develop investments within local industries, thereby accelerating growth and economic diversification in Qatar through support for private sector. Shell is the largest international investor in Qatar having invested USD 21 billion over the past decade. Qatar Petroleum and Shell have jointly delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the worlds largest GTL plant and cements Qatars position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of up to USD19 billion it represents the largest single investment in the Shell Groups global portfolio. (END)