Oxford Business Group launches The Report: Qatar 2008

Rated as the premier guide for foreign direct investment into the country's vibrant economy, the 270 page publication, with an international distribution of 71,000, is published for the fifth consecutive year in partnership with Qatar National Bank for capital markets, Clyde and Co for legal affairs and Deloitte for accountancy.

The Report features a series of exclusive interviews with leading political and economic figures conducted by a team of OBG analysts based in Qatar for six months.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, said in an exclusive Viewpoint:

"We find ourselves in the middle of a challenge with three main aspects: democracy, which has its own means of strength; comprehensive development, which supports democracy and manages its affairs; and free trade, which supports both."

Reviewing the development of Qatar in an exclusive interview, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs told OBG: "The distinguished and accelerating economic emergence achieved by Qatar in recent years adds confidence to its ability to go forward by implementing its long term vision."

Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, contributed an exclusive Viewpoint in which he focused on the reforms and developments taking place across Qatar's economy: "All this is in line with our continued strategy for the diversification of the whole economy."

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holdings, viewed the effects of greater competition, Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Qatar National Bank, examined how well Gulf financial institutions have weathered the international credit storm, Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel, talked about his organization's quest to embrace a place in the top twenty of the world's telecommunications providers, Mohammed Al Sherawi, Chief Coordinator of Industries Qatar, recorded the prospects for small and medium size Qatar enterprises, Khalifa Al Sowaidi, Managing Director, Qatar Fertilizer Company, talked of the great strides made in strengthening the Qatari economy, and Saif Ali al Hajari, Vice-Chairman of Qatar Foundation traces the emirate's rise to it educational challenge.

The publication features a range of sections, including focuses on Politics, the Economy, Banking, Islamic Financial Services, Energy, Insurance, Transport, Real Estate, Construction, Industry, Telecoms & IT, and Tourism.

Elizabeth Boissevain, Regional Director of OBG, said: "The Report: Qatar comes at a most exciting time in the development of the country, when its economy is expanding in new directions, and when Qatar is taking on a new prominence in regional affairs."

"The in-depth profiles of myriad sectors of Qatar offer a broad range of understanding which is not available anywhere else," she added.

Abby Lindenberg, Qatar Country Director, said: "The Report: Qatar 2008 is a truly invaluable guide to the country, with a remarkable range of topics which encompass the political landscape, macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and developments in many sectors."

"People who are interested in investing in Qatar will find a wealth of information to guide their decisions," added Lindenberg.

26% of subscribers to The Report: Qatar 2008, considered the most extensive, independent, unbiased and authoritative review of Qatar available, are in energy, 24% in financial institutions, 23% in real estate and construction, 14% in industry, and 10% in IT and telecommunications. 25% of them are in Europe, 21% in GCC and the Middle East, 20% in North America, 15% in Asia, and 13% in North Africa.

Available in print form and online, The Report: Qatar 2008 is part of the range of OBG's publications, which are renowned as leading sources of information on developing and emerging economies around the world.