DOHA: International and regional markets are showing increasing interest in private companies exporting products from Qatar, a top executive said following the Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) participation in a leading global food industry expo held in Paris.
Through its export wing Tasdeer, QDB hosted ten companies from Qatar at the SIAL food expo held in the capital of France from October 19 to 23.
From the ten companies hosted by QDB at Qatar's Pavilion, seven came from Qatar's food industry, two from the plastics industry and one from the hospitality sector.
High profile officials from public and private sector and decision makers including HE Qatar's Ambassador to France Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Qatar's pavilion at the expo.
SIAL attracted nearly 6,000 leading food and agriculture companies from the world and around 150,000 visitors from 100 countries.
Commenting on QDB's experience at the expo, QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa said, "Qatar's participation in SIAL was impressive and the opportunities were promising. Countless discussions and meetings were held between Qatari companies and businesses from around the world.
"It is clear from this event that Qatari companies are competitive and garnering great interest from regional and international markets. We will continue to provide Qatari exporters with all the financial and advisory services support they need to reach new markets and drive continued growth in Qatar's private sector," he said.
Tasdeer Executive Director Hassan Khalifa Al Mansoori said, "SIAL provided a powerful platform and invaluable opportunity for Qatari companies to connect with potential buyers and suppliers in key markets around the world.
"The expo gave Qatari companies positive exposure in the global market, identify possible opportunities and establish new business partnerships."
Through Tasdeer, the QDB has strengthened Qatar's exports by opening opportunities for trade in strategic markets, he said and added, "We are happy with the many discussions held between Qatari companies and business delegations at the expo and we hope these meetings will lead to deals and new business for Qatar's private sector." (QNA)
