QATAR. Two of Qatar’s leading companies, Qtel and Doha Bank, have signed an agreement to provide specialised support for Qatar’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), through an innovative business solution initiative.

This agreement will bring together support from a leading financial institution and a global telecommunications provider.

This response will ensure that Qatari businesses will emerge from the global recession stronger and even more competitive. 

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Qtel will provide dedicated communications and technology support to members of Doha Bank’s Tatweer Programme, the specialised banking solution for small and medium businesses.

Small businesses, which make-up the backbone of Qatar’s economy, have come under significant pressure in 2009 due to global conditions. The partnership is designed to enable Tatweer participants to better manage costs and improve efficiencies.

In addition, Doha Bank customers will have access to a range of specialist communication solutions from Qtel, while Qtel business customers will benefit from a range of enhanced financial solutions and special offers.

Engineer Khalid Abdulla Al-Mansouri, Executive Director, Business Solutions Division, Qtel, said: “Bringing together Qatar’s leading communication solution provider with one of Qatar’s leading banks enables us to develop integrated business solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of small and medium businesses.

Since financing and technology are two of the most significant challenges for small companies, support from experts in both these fields will provide an important boost in a challenging time.”

As well as dedicated solution support, the two companies will co-organise a series of special workshops, designed to examine specific opportunities for the SME sector in Qatar, and to highlight potential financial and business solutions that could enable greater company growth.

Kevin Cain, Head – Wholesale Banking of Doha Bank, said: “We are very proud of this new alliance, which we believe will add significant value for our clients in the SME sector.

Qatar has a proud heritage of trade and entrepreneurial spirit, and we believe our tailored solution will help build upon this legacy for the future. Since its launch, Tatweer has provided significant advantages for participating companies, and with Qtel’s involvement, we believe we will take this support to new levels.”

Since its introduction, Tatweer has been successful in providing one-stop services for a wide variety of businesses, and has proven instrumental in arranging financing, developing services to drive growth and efficiency, and delivering in-business banking services. 

Qtel also offers a range of dedicated SME services through Qtel Business Solutions (QBS), including a wide portfolio of productivity, communication improvements and cost management solutions like Qtel’s innovative BillXpress which enables clients to see all communications costs online in real-time.

By pooling their unique SME expertise, the two companies are confident that they can further develop their respective specialisations in the field of small business support, and consequently create greater opportunities for Qatari companies to contribute to the knowledge-based economy.

Qtel and Doha Bank will shortly be unveiling a range of SME workshops that will take place in the second half of 2009.

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