Joseph Abraham (centre), Group Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank; with Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida (right), Chief Executive Officer, QFC Authority; and Hamed Al Saadi, Chief Financial and Tax Officer, QFC Authority, during the award ceremony at Four Se
Developing a strong business hub for QFC firms is crucial for QFC Authority. It not only creates an invaluable sense of community but a solid network which is fundamental to taking business to newer heights, Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC Authority, said.
Addressing QFC’s 17th business and networking event and the inaugural Qatar Business Awards, Yousuf Al Jaida said the year 2018 has seen Qatar reaffirming its economic resilience repeatedly.
Across all industries, local and international indicators point to Qatar’s remarkable stability, and to its impressive projected development.
Citing IMF’s latest reports, the QFC Authority CEO said Qatar’s GDP is projected to grow by 2.4 percent in 2018. That comes alongside the 2018 United Nations report that noted a 27 percent increase in FDI inflows to Qatar between 2016 and 2017. These figures are undeniable proof of Qatar’s economic strength and why it is certainly one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
“The QFC mirrors this and continues to grow strongly year on year…we are very proud to say that we now have over 570 firms registered at the QFC… Supporting you has always been and will continue to be our priority. It is for this reason that we have launched the first edition of our annual awards this evening,” Yousuf Al Jaida said.
“At the QFC, we pride ourselves on the versatility and growth of our clients which have all left a considerable mark on the industry.. Progress manifests itself in multiple ways and this is why our awards reflect what the QFC values the most — innovation, growth, and our customers,” he added.
The inaugural Qatar Business Awards celebrated and recognised QFC licensed firms for their achievement across five distinct categories.
This year’s award winners included Mitsubishi Hitachi, for New Business of the Year; CB Innovation Services, for Customer Excellence; Thomson Reuters, for the Most Innovative award; Bank of China Qatar, for the Best Performing Company and the Spanish Business Council, for the Best Non-for-Profit award.
In addition, Amwal received a Special Recognition award and the Commercial Bank was named Best Partner of the Year.
Speakers at the event included Vikas Jain, Head of Financial Institutions, MENA, Thomson Reuters, Clark Williams, Director of Marketing, Msheireb Properties, and Aisha Al-Sinani, Director, Direct Services, Mada.
Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank, said: “We are pleased to sponsor the Qatar Financial Centre’s Qatar Business Awards 2018, as it is a valuable initiative that recognises and rewards businesses for their achievements in Qatar. Commercial Bank has a long history of support for the Qatar Financial Centre, which plays an important role in Qatar’s economic development. This support continues today through our sponsorship of these awards.”
Lin Shengqiang, President, Bank of China Qatar, said: “Bank of China QFC Branch joined Qatar Financial Centre one year ago, but its achievements are great. As a QFC firm, it is a huge honour to be a sponsor of such a spectacular event. In the future,
“Bank of China QFC Branch will support the development of local enterprises and promote the local usage of RMB actively, also seek to become the preferred bank of Chinese companies and local business community, leading RMB business bank and bridge linking China and Qatar market.”
Bassam Hajhamad, PwC Qatar Country Senior Partner said: “PwC is delighted to collaborate with QFC and proud to have been shortlisted for the QFC Business Awards. Our reputation lies in building lasting relationships with our clients and focus on delivering value in what we do.”
Ahmed Hafez, Head of Thomson Reuters, Qatar, said: “We are very pleased of the cooperation and support we receive from QFC whom we consider as one of our major strategic partners and the right platform to do business in Qatar. We look forward to more collaboration and business in the future as both of us grow.”
The Qatar Business Awards will be held annually to recognise the achievements of firms registered on the QFC platform as well as inspire businesses to continue to set new standards of excellence.
