Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group last Thursday. The new agreement is a joint strategic collaboration in examining innovative means and opportunities to support small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. The MoU commits the two institutions to share knowledge and expertise relating to the SME sector in Qatar. A work group composed of key stakeholders and experts from each party will be formed in order to work on the feasibility of co-developing an investment and financing vehicle that will focus on supporting and developing SMEs and local businesses. The preliminary work to be undertaken by the joint parties will cover, although be not limited to, the following: concept design, market analysis, structure and governance, as well as potential positioning and product development. The MoU will enhance the ability of both organizations to achieve its respective objectives and mandate. The MoU was signed by Khaled Mohammed Al-Aboodi, the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the ICD; and Abdulaziz Nasser Al Khalifa, the Chief Executive Officer of QDB; Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, said: "We are delighted to partner with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), which includes in its membership a number of countries that strive to offer all assistance to young entrepreneurs. Qatar Development Bank aims to empower local SMEs and entrepreneurs to help achieve Qatar's National Vision 2030. Through this Memorandum QDB will conduct a compatibility study for ICD programs, and find the best applicable ways to utilize the findings in supporting the local SMEs, especially in providing funds to this important and vital sector, in order to develop the skills of the Qatari entrepreneurs and empower them to grow and compete successfully in the regional markets, in accordance with international standards." During the signing ceremony, Al-Aboodi said: "ICD and QDB share a mission of supporting the private sector, in particular SMEs. We look forward to enhancing our cooperation through this new and innovative initiative as there are great opportunities for local businesses to benefit." — SG
