DOHA: Doha Bank’s SME division showcased its products and capabilities at the recently concluded Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).
Organised by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the event was held under the patronage of Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani.
The Bank’s pavilion received enthusiastic response from fledgling and established Qatari entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said statement yesterday.
Doha Bank, as QDB’s preferred partner for the ‘Al Dhameen’ programme, participated in GEW to show its support for entrepreneurs and SMEs by providing information on financing through this programme. The ‘Al Dhameen’ programme supports Qatari SMEs in overcoming various obstacles usually faced by them due to lack of collateral security or short credit history.
This programme aims at encouraging commercial banks to extend credit to key sectors such as manufacturing, education, healthcare and important services. Doha Bank has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the success of SMEs by supporting diverse and new projects under QDB’s ‘Al Dhameen’ credit guarantee programme such as setting up a battery factory which will help Qatar meet its requirement for industrial batteries, establishing a dental clinic employing the most advanced equipment as well as a welding electrodes manufacturing facility, among others. These projects will not only generate local employment but will also enable domestic consumers to meet their demands from these locally made products.
Additionally, these projects will contribute to the Qatari economy by helping it to diversify and reduce its reliance on oil and natural gas-based industries and by bringing the best know-how to the country’s doorsteps.
Atul Kinra, Head of SME unit at Doha Bank, participated in a panel discussion held during the GEW on a uniform SME definition in Qatar. A presentation was made during ‘Al Dhameen’ workshop organised for SME entrepreneurs on the sidelines of GEW. The workshop aimed to showcase the capabilities of Doha Bank to support and promote the SMEs.
The Peninsula
