QNB Diamond Sponsor for 2nd Qatar Economic Forum

The Forum will bring together high-profile participants including government ministers and senior officials from Qatar and other countries, corporate and business leaders. It will also witness participation from the top management of leading Qatari, Arab and foreign banks and financial institutions, representatives of international organizations, leading economists and experts.

Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Acting Chief Executive of QNB said,

"This sponsorship affirms the Bank's commitment towards this country, which is witnessing remarkable growth rates in all sectors. The Forum also represents a perfect opportunity for interaction between the public and private sectors in Qatar and the region, thus significantly contributing towards developing the business sectors and investment opportunities, which constitute a major factor in enhancing the sustainable economic growth in Qatar."

Mr. Raouf Abou Zeki, General Manager of Al Iktisad Wa Al Aamal said, "The first forum attracted more than 1200 participants, and this year's forum is expected to attract a larger audience from the top level management of Qatari, and other Gulf companies operating in different sectors affirming the success of this forum. The forum's agenda will discuss several matters, including the investment environment, a vision of Qatar's economic future, investment opportunities in the gas, oil, industry, real estate, tourism, education and banking & financial services sectors. The topics covered also include Qatar's future as a regional financial and banking center, prospects for the Doha Stock Market (DSM) and the Gulf financial markets, in general."

Mr. Mohamed Al Saady, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy & Commerce added, "The 2nd Economic Forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in collaboration with Al Iktisad Wa Al Aamal Group and Qatar's Business Council, will emphasize on the economic boom the country is witnessing and the different investment opportunities offered. The forum will also provide the possibility for all participants to meet and nurture projects and partnerships in Qatar and other countries, as well as facilitate the meeting of the businessmen with Qatari officials involved in the different projects across various sector. "

QNB will participate on the first day of the forum in a seminar that will discuss the future of the banking sector in the GCC countries. On the second day of the forum, the bank will also participate in a session discussing investment opportunities in the DSM and Al Watani Funds in particular.

The London-based, Ansbacher Group, QNB's Wealth Management and Private Banking subsidiary providing a wide range of wealth management services in Qatar and the region will extend its golden sponsorship to the forum. Ansbacher, which operates in Switzerland, Channel Islands, the Bahamas, Dubai International Financial Center and Qatar Financial Center, was the first financial institution to be granted a license to operate at Qatar Financial Centre.