DOHA: Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Shell yesterday announced business opportunities valuing QR70m for local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The value of six contracts for 2016 is more than the combined value of contracts offered in the past three years.
“In 2013, 2014 and 2015, we have awarded contracts with total value of QR35m. This year we are offering six contracts with a combined value of QR70m — thus the total is at QR105m. The value of contracts has increased (every year). We are completely committed to continue to give stream of opportunities to local economy,” said Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies at the press conference organised on the sidelines of a workshop organised yesterday at Four Seasons Hotel.
QDB and Qatar Shell hosted their fourth annual ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ to reveal six new business opportunities that will enable local SMEs to join Qatar Shell’s 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 world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant, delivered by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell.
“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,” said Abdul Aziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of QDB. “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.
Qatar Shell presented new business opportunities Active and Healthy in ‘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’.
“The fourth annual workshop reflects our ongoing commitment, alongside our strategic partner QDB, to supporting the growth of Qatar’s 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,” said Kool.
During the workshop, Qatari SMEs owners and entrepreneurs were briefed on Qatar Shell’s 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 June 7, 2016. Registered SMEs will then be invited to qualifications stage by third week of June, and successful SMEs will be awarded contracts by December 2016.
