Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar Shell unveiled seven new business opportunities for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as part of the supply chain for Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant, Gulf Times reports.
Opportunities will include manufacturing of safety boards and electric labels; cafeteria and catering services for staff and events; servicing of custody flow meter calibration; manufacturing of stud bolts; supplying onsite welding inspection services; manufacturing and maintaining fire extinguishers; and managing Qatar Shell’s social media.
Local SMEs are the “cornerstone” for achieving a sustainable and diversified economy and key to facilitating a thriving private sector in Qatar, the two organisations said.
“We are committed to supporting SMEs as part of strengthening the diversification of the economy and the private sector,” QDB executive director of strategy and business development Hamad al-Kubaisi told the third annual ‘SME Business Opportunities Workshop’ held in Doha.
More than 150 local entrepreneurs and SMEs participated in the workshop where they were briefed on Qatar Shell’s tendering process as well as the advisory support and financial incentives provided by QDB.
“The local SMEs were shortlisted from many others because demonstrated excellence and the drive to succeed. They revealed their commercial sharpness, adhered to our technical and HSSE standards as well as to our global tendering process,” Qatar Shell manager for corporate affairs and deputy country chairman Rob Sherwin said.
In 2014, 110 local SMEs and firms were qualified to tender for the seven specific business opportunities and five Qatari SMEs were awarded the contracts for Pearl GTL in December.
“We believe that QDB and Qatar Shell’s combined strengths and abilities will open new horizons for the private sector in Qatar and we are committed to continue offering more business opportunities to even a wider number of local SMEs, as we trust in their ability to add value to our operations in Qatar,” Sherwin said.
