Doha, Qatar: Qatar hosted the National Development Forum yesterday, providing opportunities for the local and international private sector to become an effective partner in delivering the Third National Development Strategy.
The event witnessed the participation of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with the Minister of Finance, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of Municipality, H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, H E Sheikh Bander bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani along with other delegates, Qatar government entities, and local and international private sector executives and CEOs of the top level.
During a press meeting prior to the event, Nasser Mohammed Kazem Al Ansari (pictured), Director of Public Relations and Communications Dept. highlighted that the one-day forum is an “open discussion” collecting questions from the private sector and compiled through the application as a panelist discussion will follow with top ministers on the economic front.
Noting the opportunities and challenges facing the private sector across access to financing, talent, and regulations, he explained that the role and participation of the private sector is to execute the NDS3 initiatives and projects.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Al Ansari stressed that “It’s an open discussion to understand the aspirations, ambitions for the private sector from stakeholders.” The Director underlined that the main goal of the forum is to ensure strong engagement and strengthen partnerships between the private sector and the government. The focus will also be on identifying actionable initiatives that align with NDS3 and promote a collective commitment to sustainable economic growth. “The event aims to create a joint action plan for collaboration that will benefit both sectors and it will be endorsed by His Excellency the Prime Minister at the event itself,” Al Ansari said.
He further added, “This is a very pivotal event for Qatar and we are looking to enable collaboration with the private sector and to support them with growth and stimulate those conversations between all of them to ensure that there is alignment and to also ensure that they are a key partner in delivering the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.”
The forum witnessed over 350 participants with nearly 80 percent attendees from the private sector and 20 percent from the public.
