ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: Doha, May 19 (QNA) - The Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Eugen Carpov invited Qatari businessmen to visit his country, meet Moldovan counterparts and have an overview of the  investment opportunities there.
 The invitation came during a meeting between the Moldovan official and his accompanying delegation with representatives of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Qatar Chamber) headed by its Honorary Treasurer Ali Bin Abdulateef Al-Misnad.
 The meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation between the Qatari and Moldovan businessmen in the fields of agriculture, food security, communication and environment.
 Al-Misnad said that Qatar Chamber is currently studying the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with its Moldovan counterpart to enhance cooperation between businessmen of both countries, stressing that many Qatari businessmen are interested in exploring investment opportunities in Moldova.
 The Moldovan delegation included representative of the ministries of agriculture, communication and transportation. (QNA)​

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 19 (QNA) - Under the auspices of HE the Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, a regional workshop for Arab countries members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and countries with observer status opened here today.
 The workshop, organized  by the Department of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements at the Ministry of Business and Trade in collaboration with the WTO International Trade Training Institute,will continue until May 23.
  Participating  in the workshop are about  45 trade negotiations experts from 12  Arab countries, along with a number of Qatari employees from different government bodies.
     A statement issued by the ministry today said the workshop comes within the framework of efforts of the Ministry of Business and Tradeaimed to organize technical cooperation activities that will support the building of local capacities and deepen the understanding of government employees of the Doha round of WTO negotiations.
   During the workshop's five days,  four experts from the World Trade Organization will clarify the basic skills of trade negotiations, the  good preparation before entering into negotiations,  the proper application of such skills to ensure the achievement of the desired objectives of the negotiations, the application of skills on the three main issues of the Doha negotiations agenda.
 Taking part in the workshop, twenty qatari  employees from ministries of  business and trade, foreign affairs, economy and finance, energy and industry, environment, the Customs and Ports General Authority, Qatar Petroleum, in addition to representative of the GCC General Secretariat and the Islamic Development Bank. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1:

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 18 (QNA) - Qatar Development Bank will wrap up Sunday its second edition of its home-grown training programme which brought together over 30 Qatari entrepreneurs for an intensive 5-day induction into establishing and managing manufacturing projects in Qatar.
 The comprehensive training sessions presented attendees with a step-by-step approach to set up a viable, profitable and competitive manufacturing business in the country.
 Mansour Bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Development Bank said: "It was a very successful programme on the account of the collective positive feedback of participants. At QDB, we believe that our role does not stop any funding and financing only but also stretches to transform our organization into the mentor of the industry with a pool of professionals that continuously contributes to furthering the knowledge and education of Qatari entrepreneurs."
 Initially, experts of Qatar Development Bank profiled the business ideas of every participant and explained how they can develop solid and convincing business profiles. Training facilitators showed how entrepreneurs can accurately identify and assess potential business opportunities by carrying a thorough scanning of their industrial macro-environment. The third day of the training entailed key aspects and procedures to start the manufacturing business such as industrial ventures options in Qatar, commercial representation, resources and contacts, distributorship, employment laws, credit and bankability, contractual agreement and the governing jurisdiction landscape.
 Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Executive Director Strategy & Business Development, QDB said:" The continuous launch of such educational and training programs aims to elevate the entrepreneurs sector in Qatar, thus, enhancing the competitiveness capabilities of the promising sector, leading to robust the economic and financial cycle in the country, hence, meeting the 2030 vision.
 As part of its ambitious strategy to boost this sector and provide the SME owners with all needed support to ensure the desire success, QDB safeguards the continuity and momentum of such training courses which to be considered valuable information resources, an experience provider platform.
 This is the second edition of the training program which faced a major content upgrade and an increase in the participating parties. The program is aimed for Qatari locals only, and will provide them with the know how steps for launching industrial projects & for the local entrepreneurs to know all the requisites and the risks engaged to launch an industrial project."
 Participants were also presented with methods of production schedule, planning and control, materials requirement, capacity, shop floor and inventory control, product costing and pricing, and feasibility studies. Day 4 comprised presentations on production management which includes product manufacturing process, plan layout, procurement of the necessary equipment and tools, plant engineering and maintenance, and production programming.
 The last two days of the training programme looked closely into the model of the manufacturing process where QDB experts gave practical tips for developing and managing a manufacturing small- to medium-enterprise and the requisites for registration. Attendees were provided with an overview of QDB's indirect loan facility, Al Dhameen, and the Qatar Business Incubator, a joint initiative between the bank and the Social Development Centre, in addition to QDB's online advisory service, the SME Toolkit, as smart solutions to jump-start a business venture. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 18 (QNA) - The banking system in Qatar has been robust, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% in assets from March 2008  March 2012 and another 20% in the year to March 2013. Higher energy prices and increased gas production have funded a large public spending program, which has driven credit growth and resulted in overall asset gains, according to QNB Group's soon to be published report, Qatar Economic Insight 2013.
  Total banking assets to GDP increased from 97% in 2008 to 117% in 2012. This is higher than the GCC average of 93%, but still comparatively lower than some major economies such as Germany and China. Qatar's banking sector asset quality remains stronger than in many countries in the world, with non-performing loans (NPL) estimated at just 2% of total loans in 2012.  Qatar's banking system also has sound capitalisation, with a capital adequacy ratio of 19%, far above Basel requirements.
  The main driver for Qatar's banking growth was domestic assets, which in turn was driven by 27% growth in credit (accounts for 71% of domestic assets).  Conventional banks account for the largest share of assets (72%) and, therefore, were largely responsible for the strong growth with their balance sheets expanding by 18% in 2012.
  The top five banks in Qatar accounted for 77% of total banking sectors assets in March 2013. QNB is the largest bank in Qatar and the MENA region with total assets of US$104.4bn as at March 2013. QNB has also put Qatar on the global banking landscape by emerging as "The Strongest Bank" in the world for 2012 as per the recently released survey by Bloomberg Markets.
  The sector's overall credit facilities increased by 25% in the year to March 2013 to US$142bn, compared to March 2012. Credit facilities to the public sector accounted for the largest portion (40%) of overall loans as at March 2013
  The public sector was also the key growth driver for overall gains in banking sector deposits. Deposits from the public sector rose sharply by 83% year-on-year as at March 2013.

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 16 (QNA) - Qatar Airways has resumed Boeing 787 Dreamliner services between Doha and London Heathrow after a worldwide grounding of the aircraft in January.
The Doha-based carrier was the first to launch Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights to the UK in December, and the return to service means it remains the only airline in the world to operate scheduled 787 flights to and from the United Kingdom.
Landing at London Heathrow at 11.19am local time yesterday, QR075 was the airlines first Boeing 787 to resume flights to the capital. The aircraft returned to Doha a few hours later as flight QR076, one of the airlines five daily services between the UK and the State of Qatar.
The first of the airlines five Boeing 787 Dreamliners returned to service on the Doha Dubai route on May 1. The airline will be gradually phasing in Boeing 787 flights over the next few weeks on long-haul routes such as Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "The Doha Heathrow route is one of our most popular international services, and so Im thrilled that our Dreamliners are back in the skies, providing our passengers with an unparalleled level of service and comfort to and from the UK.
"I have always hailed the Dreamliner as the state-of-the-art aircraft destined to change the way people travel. After a setback that not only affected our own worldwide operations, but those of many carriers worldwide, we look forward to now deploying the Dreamliner on other key routes over the coming weeks."
Qatar Airways UK Country Manager Richard Oliver said: "We are absolutely delighted to be back in the air with the Boeing 787s in the UK providing our passengers with a unique travel experience.
"With our Heathrow operations going back up to five flights a day following the re-introduction of the Dreamliner on the London route, we fly to our Doha hub and offer passengers a raft of excellent connections to cities across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia."
Made up of composite materials, the 787 Dreamliner is lighter and more fuel efficient than any comparable aircraft of its size and range.
Qatar Airways has 254 custom-made seats across its 787 Business and Economy Class cabins with specially designed interiors. Business Class is configured 121 with 22 seats, while Economy has 232 seats in a 333 layout.
The airlines 787s are the world’s first fully connected Dreamliners with wireless facilities for passengers to remain in touch with friends and colleagues on the ground through the internet and SMS mobile texting across both the Business and Economy cabins.
Unique features of the 787 Dreamliners include larger windows, reduced cabin noise and cleaner cabin air. 
Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 124 aircraft to 126 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.
Qatar Airways has so far launched four destinations this year Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Chicago (USA).
Over the next few weeks and months, the network will grow further with Salalah, Oman (May 22), Basra and Sulaymaniyah (Iraq on June 3 and August 20 respectively), Chengdu, China (September 3) and recently-announced new routes of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (September 18), Clark International Airport, Philippines (October 28) and Philadelphia, USA (2 April 2014).  (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 16 (QNA) - The Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) today celebrated the launch of the International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics - 2013, issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), under the patronage of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the yearbook launch, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry welcomed Qatar's joining of the list of the Gulf countries covered by statistics, namely Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, stressing that Qatar attaches great importance to the manufacturing sector in conformity with the vision and parameters set by the wise leadership to ensure a better for the country and its people.
 In his speech, HE the  Minister of Energy and Industry stressed the importance of the International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics 2013, saying it made a review of countries classification according to the ratio of the added value of manufacturing to the total population. He said reports published by UNIDO indicated the high value-added manufacturing in industrialized countries during  last year, but at rates much lower than expected, despite an active movement in North America and East Asia.
HE the Minister of Energy and Industry highly valued the role of information, statistics and key indicators in the industrial sector around the world in the achievement of further economic growth, noting that success in broadening and deepening of the industrial and manufacturing base in any country of the world depends entirely on the existence of an accurate and reliable database and statistics. He stressed in this context the importance of the current yearbook, which publishes industrial statistics at the global level, offers a summary of the key indicators of industrial statistics, and provides detailed information about the structure and growth of the manufacturing industry in the world.
Dr. Al Sada added that developing and emerging industrialized economies have maintained, in general, a strong growth in the value-added manufacturing over the past year despite a slowdown in industrial production due to lower demand for exports.
He pointed out that many world countries are still working to overcome the effects of the global economic crisis that hit the world by the end of 2008, and to restore balance to the elements of their industrial growth after the crisis has led to the loss of many jobs in the industrial and manufacturing sectors and, subsequently, to declining levels of production. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 16 (QNA) - Tunisian Industry Minister Mehdi Jomaa on Thursday met with HE Qatar's Ambassador to Tunisia Saad bin Nasser Al-Humaidi.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed cooperation ties between Qatar and Tunisia and aspects of developing and boosting them, especially in the industrial sphere in order to serve the mutual benefits of the two brotherly countries. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Tunis, May 16 (QNA) - Qatar is fully committed to co-operation and enhanced co-ordination between Arab Exchanges and financial institutions to spur economic growth in the region, Qatar Exchange's (QE) top executive told a key conference here.
 QE Chief Executive Officer Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori assured the Qatari bourse' support to all initiatives of the General Secretariat of the Arab Federation of Exchanges (AFE) that endeavour to boost joint programmes of the Arab exchanges and financial institutions.
 "Qatar Exchange is keen to participate in all AFE's programmes to further achieve co-operation between member stock exchanges for the best interest of all," said Al Mansoori.
 The QE CEO is in Tunisia to participate in the meetings of the 38th session of the AFE's Council and General Secretariat. The meetings which started Wednesday will continue over the next two days.
 Top directors of stock exchanges and representatives of various clearing firms and financial services' companies from the Arab region are in attendance.
 The conference will focus on the preparatory gatherings and the Executive Committee meeting which will discuss the agenda of the ordinary Annual Meeting of the AFE's Council and submit its recommendations to the Council.
 The AFE's Annual Meeting programme will begin Thursday with a welcome speech by Tunis Stock Exchange Chairman Mohammed Fadhel Abdelkefi followed by an address by Ahmed Saleh Al Marhoon, the Director General of the Muscat Securities Market and President of the AFE for the session.
 World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) CEO Huseyin Erkan make a presentation on the topic 'What type of Exchanges are suitable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)'.
 This will be followed by a lecture on implementing governance principles in stock exchanges by Thomas Krantz, Senior Advisor - Capital Markets at Thomas Murray and the former Secretary General of the WFE.
 The Annual Ordinary Meeting of the AFE Council will begin later today and the Council will discuss a number of topics on its agenda, including listening to the report of the Chairman of the Executive Committee on what has been achieved, ratifying the financial statements and reports for the fiscal year 2012, listening to the General Secretariat's proposals on the AFE's action plans and programmes for the next session, and discussing a proposal by the Egyptian Exchange to amend the AFE's articles of association.
 The meeting will also approve the transition of the AFE's presidency from Muscat Securities Market to Tunisia, the host country. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Bangkok, May 15 (QNA) - Qatar Airways today announced a new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways to destinations across Thailand and the capital cities of neighbouring Cambodia and Myanmar.
Effective today (May 15), the agreement sees Qatar Airways QR flight code on services beyond the Thai capital with Bangkok Airways to a raft of destinations giving passengers more convenient and greater access to markets.
The domestic Thai codeshare destinations to and from Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi International Airport are Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Trat, Sukhothai, Lampang, Krabi. In addition, Qatar Airways will also codeshare with Bangkok Airways on flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Yangon, the capital cities of Cambodia and Myanmar respectively.
Customers can now make bookings through their local travel agent, any Qatar Airways office or through the airlines website www.qatarairways.com
Passengers travelling from many of Qatar Airways key markets in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East to and from southeast Asia can take advantage of the new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways for greater access to more markets.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways hub in Doha is strategically well placed to connect East and West, and through this new partnership with Bangkok Airways we are able to cater to passengers who wish to seamlessly connect onwards to further destinations in countries where the airline already has an established presence  in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
"This new codeshare with Bangkok Airways gives our passengers greater and easier access to more points across Thailand which is one of our most popular destinations in Asia."
Qatar Airways currently operates non-stop flights between Doha and Bangkok four-times-daily and also serves Phuket in Thailand daily from the Qatari capital. In addition, Qatar Airways serves both Phnom Penh and Yangon daily from Doha.
Bangkok Airways Senior Vice President Network Management Peter Wiesner added: "This new partnership will offer better flight connectivity for passengers travelling on long-haul routes with Qatar Airways to Bangkok for their onward journey within Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
"Moreover, Thailand’s key destinations, namely Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai always have great potential which attract a large number of tourists. Therefore, we believe this partnership will offer a unique service for Qatar Airways passengers and will strengthen Bangkok Airways extensive network as well as boosting tourism in Thailand and Asia."
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines currently operating a modern fleet of 124 aircraft to 126 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America from its strategically located hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.
The airline has an aggressive growth strategy, with four new routes already launched this year  Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Chicago (USA).
Over the next few weeks and months, the network will grow further with Salalah (Oman on May 22); Basra (Iraq on June 3); Sulaymaniyah (Iraq on August 20); Chengdu (China on September 3); Addis Ababa (Ethiopia on September 18); Clark International Airport (Philippines on October 28); and Philadelphia (USA on 2 April 2014). (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 15 (QNA) - The Qatar Exchange down on Wednesday 3.17 points or 0.04% to 8,934.93 points from the previous closing of  8,938.10 points.
The volume of shares traded fell to 10,777,011 from 11,526,547 Tuesday, and the value of shares increased to QR382,996,897.25 from QR350,448,159.15  Tuesday.
Among the top losers were Industries Qatar whose share dropped 0.71% to QR169.00, Commercial Bank of Qatar lost 0.88% to QR67.70, Doha Insurance fell 0.58% to QR25.55 and Islamic Holding down 2.33% to QR37.70.
Today the Qatar Banking and Financial sector lost 0.22 points while the Insurance sector down 0.12 points. The Qatar industrial sector dropped 0.35 points and the Services sector added 0.18 points. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 15 (QNA) - Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April 2013. The CPI reached 114.0, showing an increase of 0.1% when compared to the CPI of March 2013, and an increase of 3.7% compared to the CPI of April, 2012.
A comparison of the CPI of April, 2013 with that of the previous month (CPI of March, 2013) by major groups, shows increases in three groups, namely: "Medical care and medical services": 0.8%, "Transport and Communications": by 0.6% and "Rent, Fuel and Energy": 0.2%. On the other hand, prices declined by 0.7% in "Miscellaneous goods & services", by 0.6% in "Furniture, Textiles and Home Appliances".
The year-on-year comparison, comparing the CPI of April 2013 with that of April 2012, shows increases of 3.7% at the overall level. Increases were recorded in all the groups except "Miscellaneous goods & services" where prices declined by 0.6%. The highest increases were recorded in the groups: "Entertainment, recreation and culture": 8.2%, "Rent, Fuel and Energy: 6.2%, and "Furniture, Textiles & Home Appliances": 3.1%.
A CPI exclusive of "Rent, Fuel and Energy" group has also been calculated. After eliminating the effect of rent, the overall index reached 125.6, showing no change compared to the CPI of March, 2013, and an increase of 2.9% when compared to the month of April 2012.(QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 15 (QNA) - The Public Works Authority Ashghal today announced that work had started on the construction of seven new healthcare projects with a total value of QR 1.2 billion.
The contracts include the construction of additional operation rooms at Hamad General Hospital, in addition to five healthcare centres at Al Nuaim, Al Muntazah (Rawdat Al Khail), Al Karaana, Al Roda and Al Ghuwairiyah, and the construction of a health and wellness centre in Umm Slal.
The signing ceremony was held this morning in the presence of Ashghal’s President H.E Eng. Nasser Ali Al-Mawlawi, H.E Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Health and Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health, along with senior officials from the Supreme Council of Health, the Primary Health Care Corporation, the Hamad Medical Corporation, and Ashghal.
According to H.E Eng. Nasser Ali Al-Mawlawi, Ashghal is steadfast in its commitment to support the establishment of an advanced and world-class healthcare system in the country in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).
Al-Mawlawi said the seven new state-of-the-art facilities are part of Ashghals continued contribution towards developing the nations advanced health care system that will meet the growing demands of locals and expatriates alike.
"Health and welfare are one of the key elements of the Human Development Pillar of QNV 2030. That is why Ashghal in collaboration with its partners will continue to deliver projects that are built on a par with the highest international standards of quality and safety in the concept, design and construction stages.
As we focus on developing significant infrastructure projects for Qatar, our priority remains to improve the quality of life for our communities and achieve the goal of sustainable human development", Al-Mawlawi added.
As part of its Buildings Programme, Ashghal plans to develop 124 building projects in 2013  2014 for an estimated cost of QR 14.2 billion, out of which 22 projects will be assigned for the healthcare sector.

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Tunis, May 15 (QNA) - Tunisian Labour Minister Naoufel Jammeli conferred here on Wednesday with Qatar's Ambassador to Tunisia HE Saad Bin Nasser Al-Memaidi.
During the meeting, they reviewed facets of joint cooperation especially in the labour area in light of the executive programme for the leadership works of the Qatari-Tunisian Friendship Fund which was launched earlier on May 08.
Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) has officially launched its special programme to develop entrepreneurship of small and medium-sized businesses among youth in Tunisia, which is aimed at providing 20000 job opportunities for Tunisian youth over the next five years.
This project is part of the USA 100 million grant presented from the Qatari people to the Tunisian people under the guidance of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the direct supervision of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 15 (QNA) - Telecom operator Ooredoo, previously known as Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel), has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Qtel International Finance Limited (QIFL) will pay interest to its Global Medium Term Note (GMTN) holders on June 10 next month.
The issuer QIFL will pay interest to noteholders (US $900,000,000 at the rate of 6.5%) US $29,250,000 and noteholders (US $600,000,000 at the rate of 7.875%) US $23,625,000 that is due June 10, a Qatar Exchange notification said Wednesday.
The terms defined in the notice shall have the meaning given to them in the terms and conditions of the notes and the final terms, QIFL said. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Muscat, May 14 (QNA) - A round of talks kicked off at Oman's Ministry of Finance headquarters here Tuesday between HE Qatar's Minister of Economy and Finance Yousuf Hussain Kamal and Omani Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs Darweesh bin Ismael Al-Baloushi in the presence of Oman's Minister of Tourism Ahmad bin Nassir Al-Mahrazi, HE Qatar's Ambassador to Oman Abdullah Mohamed Al-Khater and Oman's Ambassador to Qatar Mohamed bin Nassir Al-Wahibi.
The talks were attended by representatives from Qatari Diar company, Oman Tourism Development Company  (OMRAN) and Oman Investment Fund (OIF) in addition to a number of representatives from investment firms in both countries.
The two sides addressed a range of topics related to the existing cooperation in the different investment areas, and means of  developing them to serve the interests of the two countries and their peoples.
The two sides watched a visual presentation on the important projects which both countries are intended to implement in the fields of tourism development, construction, marketing and industry.
They agreed on holding joint meetings between representatives from corporates and investment funds in both countries to discuss the future joint projects.
HE Yousuf Hussein Kamal affirmed Qatar's commitment to abide by the directives of the leaderships of the two countries which will positively reflect on both peoples.
HE the Qatari Minister of Economy and Finance arrived in Muscat earlier Tuesday on a one-day visit, where he was welcomed upon arrival by the Omani Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs. (QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 14 (QNA) - Qatar Exchange pursued its upswing trend Tuesday, adding 37.85 points (or 0.43%) to advance to 8,938.10 points from 8,900.25 on Monday.
The volume of the shares traded fell to 11,526,547 from 13,485,022 on Monday and the value of shares decreased to QR350, 448,159.15 from QR615,697,389.21 Monday.
Among the top gainers were International Islamic Bank which was up 1.16% to QR52.50, Vodafone Qatar rose 0.96% to QR9.50, Barwa Real Estate gained 0.92% to QR24.17 and Doha Bank up by 2.04% to QR47.45.
The Banking and Financial sector index up 0.60 points while Consumer Goods and Services sector index gained 0.40 points. The industrial sector lost 0.29  points while insurance sector rose 0.45 points.(QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 14 (QNA) - President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire Hassan Dramane Ouattara on Tuesday called upon  the Qatari businessmen to visit and invest in his country , saying Qatar will find the best place in Cote d'Ivoire describing it as a "Station of Investments for  All".
During his meeting here last night with Qatari businessmen, President Ouattara said ,"We will be happy with the presence of Qatari private sector in Cote d'Ivoire because we have a lot of chances to invest in steel, gold and different kinds of metals, oil ,gas as well as in the agricultural, housing, health and educational sectors.
He added that his country is recognized with the private sector as a key element in the development process, and that it has redoubled investments in the public and private sectors during the two years.
The Cote d'Ivoire President stressed that his country is planning to increase the investment in the private sector by
30 % to 50% each year and thus it can maintain the high level of growth which officially reached 8 % last year.
He added that Cote d'Ivoire's average Gross National Product ( GDP) growth rate currently stands at about $ 25 billion, and that his country wants to restore the prosperity that was experienced twenty years ago, indicating that the figures of the  World Bank confirm that the growth  rate in C?te d'Ivoire in 2012 reach to 9.8 % .(QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 14 (QNA) - HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, who is also Chairman & Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum, has said that the expansion of the investment in Qatar whether inside or outside, is focusing on the prominent features of QP's strategy for the upcoming five years 2013-2017, and is reviewed by the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment in order to make these investments a key pillar of the Qatar's economy.
HE the Minister of Energy and Industry said in a statement he gave Tuesday on the sidelines of a ceremony set for  launching a new corporate identity for "middleware" here that QP has multilateral projects, some in the design phase and the other in the implementation phase, most notably Ras Laffan refinery 2, as there is an expansion in Mesaieed's refinery as well as petrochemical projects and other projects.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the new name and the corporate identity of the "Middleware company, "Dr. Al-Sada  pointed out that the ceremony is representing a new turning point for Qatar Holding Intermediate Industries, which is known as "Qatar Holding".
He also announced that the company is entering a new phase of challenges with the completion of the renamed and given a new corporate identity, which will operate under the new name of Qatar Intermediate Industries Ltd. the Middeware.
HE Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, stressed that  the Qatar Intermediate Industries Holding Company Limited "Middleware" is seeking to develop new products and create new attractive investments opportunities in a number of medium,  local and international industries.
He expressed confidence that the efforts of the middleware company will create partnerships and investments opportunities which have constructive contribution to the intermediate Industries as well as encouraging the private sector to invest in small and medium , scale projects in Qatar,referring to the valuable contribution  of the company in supporting Qatar's national vision 2013.
The Minister of Energy and Industry said that the QP's middleware company will not be within the four companies  that the QP will tender its shares fro subscription in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Dr Hussein Ali Al Abdullah, Chairman Qatar Exchange, said last week that the QP is planning to list four companies , affiliated to the QP during the next two years, worth $ 50 bn.(END)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: Doha, May 13 (QNA) - The Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre (QSRTC) today held a GTL Jet Fuel Forum to share the outcome and data of a world-class research programme conducted by a GTL Jet Fuel Consortium.
 GTL Jet Fuel is one of the main five products produced by the Qatar Petroleum - shell Pearl GTL plant in Ras Laffan, the largest GTL plant in the world.
 The day-long forum addressed insights based upon three years of research and development by the research Consortium, which was funded by Qatar Science and Technology Park, and involved global industry leaders such as Qatar Airways, Airbus, Qatar Petroleum , Rolls-Royce plc, Woqod, along with Qatar Shell.
 A rare research collaboration, the Consortium discussed the benefits of the new blend of jet fuel in detail, which is the first new aviation fuel to be approved for global markets in two decades. Data compiled during research on the process of making GTL Jet Fuel were shared for the first time during the Forum, as were certification protocols.
 Wael Sawan, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, said, "I am extremely proud that our partnership with Qatar Petroleum on Pearl GTL resulted in a product that is considered a great innovation in the history of aviation fuel.
 "I am also proud of the extraordinary ambition that has driven this research, which has set an excellent example of the power of collaboration. The pool of knowledge, ideas and research skills generated by some of the best-in-class stakeholders and the resulting product it bore will go a long way in cementing Qatar's status as GTL capital of the world," added Sawan. 

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 13 (QNA) - The State of Qatar and the Republic of Hungary, Monday signed an agreement for cooperation in the fields of economy and technological works.
 The agreement was signed for Qatar by HE the  Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, and for Hungary by Minister of state for Climate and Energy Pal Kovacs.
 The agreement aims to establish a cooperation framework between the two countries in the economic, trade and technical fields. It calls for encouraging private sector, businessmen and corporates to explore the possibilities of establishing projects in the fields referred to in the agreement.
 The signing of the agreement was a part of the Hungarian official's visit to Doha.
 HE the Minister of Business and Trade said in a statement today that the current volume of trade between the two countries does not reflect the actual friendship between them, adding that the agreement will open the doors for genuine cooperation in different areas. (QNA

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 13 (QNA) - HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada who is also Qatar Petroleum's Board Chairman and Managing Director,  Board Chairman of  Chiyoda Corporation Takashi Kubota  and  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of  CTCI Corporation John T. Yu signed a contract for engineering services, procurement and construction of Ras Laffan II  refinery project,  the second condensate refinery at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
   The signing ceremony, held in Doha,  was attended by General Manager of Qatargas  HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of senior officials from Qatar Petroleum and Qatargas.
    Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada welcomed the signed of this contract, saying  it "is a key element in our approach to expand and diversify the industrial base in Qatar,"  adding that the  refinery will provide a new support to Qatar National Vision drawn up by HH the Emir  Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to ensure optimum exploitation of the natural resources of the state, with the active contribution in securing energy for domestic and international markets. "(QNA

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage:

ArticleMainBodyImage1:

ArticleMainBodyHTML1: ​Doha, May 12 (QNA) - HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohamed bin Salih Al Sada met here today with high-powered delegation from the Republic of Ukraine led by Vice Prime Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko.
 A statement issued by Qatar Petroleum said the two sides discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Ukraine, in addition to a host of issues of mutual concern.
The Ukrainian delegation comprises the Minister of Fuel and Energy Eduard Stavitskyi, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, Mayor of Kiev Alexander Popov and a number of ranking officials in the Ukrainian government, the statement added.
 The meeting was attended by Ukrainian Ambassador to Qatar Ivgen Mikitenko and a number of officials from Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Petroleum International.(QNA)

ArticleHomeMainRollUpImage:

ArticleHomeSubRollUpImage: