ID :
354711
Tue, 01/20/2015 - 19:27
Auther :

QFCA-QU Agreement Boosts Finance Research and Education in Qatar

Doha, January 20 (QNA) - The Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC Authority) and Qatar University (QU) signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to a partnership to promote mutual interests in finance research and education, and to boost financial and business skills. The MoU was signed by President of Qatar University Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the QFC Authority Yousuf Mohammed Al-Jaida. The agreement enhances collaboration in three main areas, comprising MBA graduation projects, QFC Authority research grants, and faculty awards. Each year, MBA students from the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at Qatar University will be eligible to participate in one project with the QFC Authority , who will provide funding and set the topic, aligning it with students' interests and experience. Additionally, two research grants will be given to CBE faculty members annually by the QFC Authority to conduct research of mutual interest. The research topics, based on criteria previously selected by CBE faculty members, will be selected by both parties. Also, the QFC Authority will create 'The Faculty Award in Finance Research', aimed at recognising a CBE faculty member conducting research in an area of finance which is deemed to best contribute to the economic development of Qatar and the GCC. The award, funded by the QFC Authority , will be given annually, based on criteria and a selection process agreed by both institutions. President of Qatar University Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad said: "Qatar University's relationship with the QFC Authority stands on a solid foundation. This has been proven time after time, most recently through the Kawader programme cooperation. The signing of this MoU is a further step in growing that relationship and represents a significant commitment by both of our organisations in shared endeavours to build a strong local talent base, whilst contributing through relevant research and education to the development of a vibrant financial services sector." Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the QFC Authority Yousuf Mohammed Al-Jaida welcomed the signing of the MoU, and stated: "Enlarging the talent pool available to the commercial and financial sector in Qatar through education is a key imperative for the QFC Authority . It is part of our strategy to develop a first-class international financial services industry and business sector in Qatar. This is consistent with the Human Development Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and reflects our continuing commitment to contributing to the wellbeing of the local community. It is with a great sense of joy and pride that I announce a closer and stronger relationship with Qatar University. This will inevitably lead to a number of concrete initiatives, additional research and improved skills to the benefit of all concerned." Established in 2005, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore centre that provides a platform for domestic, regional and international growth. It consists of the QFC Authority , the QFC Regulatory Authority, the Civil and Commercial Court (First Instance and Appellate Divisions) and the Regulatory Tribunal. The QFC Authority is the commercial and strategic arm of the QFC. It develops and ensures compliance with QFC regulations, administers key QFC office functions and deals with applications from non-regulated organisations. (QNA) QF, UK Host Joint Forum to Build Strong Links in Education and Research London, January 20 (QNA) - High-level discussions have taken place between senior leaders at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and partners from Britains leading research and development, and higher education institutions. The Qatar Foundation-United Kingdom: The Road Ahead Forum provided participants with an opportunity to share the latest developments in ongoing partnerships, as well as explore potential collaborations and initiatives of mutual interest in their respective fields of expertise. The event supported Qatar Foundations vision to lead the human, social and economic development of Qatar through education and research. With its mission to promote a culture of excellence, QFs collaboration with eminent practitioners from the UK was focused on driving innovation and productive change that supports national priorities, as set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, and to develop cutting-edge infrastructure and initiatives for the benefit of Qatar and beyond. The day witnessed the announcement of the next stage of the British Library-Qatar Foundation Partnership which will lead to the digitisation of 1.1 million more pages of material related to Qatar and the Gulfs history that will be shared with researchers, students and the general public for free through Qatar National Librarys online Qatar Digital Library. These were complemented by research-focused discussions hosted by Qatar Research and Development (QF R&D), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) and Qatar Science and Technology Park. The event was held at Kings College London with over 200 participants. Breakout sessions were organised in order to allow the academics and research leaders to meet with others in their own field to discuss collaboration. Dr Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director of QNRF, led a discussion with representatives of UK research councils about proposals that would promote long-term economic diversification as well as short-term benefits to Qatars people. Other workshops included QF members discussing open access to information, educational innovation, an overview of innovative technologies in the fields of energy, environment and water, as well as discussions about the computing, biomedical and health research landscapes in Qatar. The Qatar Foundation-United Kingdom: The Road Ahead Forum follows long-term partnership agreements signed with British institutions which have delivered a range of benefits to Qatar and promoted greater understanding about the Arab world in the United Kingdom. The discussions held at the Forum will form the basis for a new set of discussions and collaborations between Qatar Foundation and UK partners that participants expect will mirror the fruitful outcomes of previous agreements. (END)

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