Press releases

ITC together with QBD and HEC Paris launch the first Export Accelerator Program

2 March 2021
ITC News
Improving SME competitiveness and international market access for Qatari SMEs

(Geneva/Doha) The Qatar Development Bank (QDB), with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and of HEC Paris, a world leader in Executive Education, is launching the Export Accelerator Program to develop the capabilities of Qatari exporting companies boosting their export-led growth and enhancing their reach to international markets.

The new project is set to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) overcome the challenges they face when engaging internationally, and to network effectively with potential clients or affiliated enterprises. The pilot phase of the program -launched virtually to adhere to the pandemic's safety precautions - kicked off on 1t March 2021 with the participation of representatives from 15 pre-selected SMEs.

By participating in the Export Accelerator Program, the SMEs will either begin to export or increase their existing exports by acquiring the needed skills and knowledge to identify and explore new market opportunities and diversify business partners.

Participating companies will benefit from exposure to best export practices, direct assistance tailored to their specific needs and most importantly, connection with export markets and buyers.

Commenting on the new partnership and the launch of the program, ITC's Executive Director Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: 'We are very happy to partner with QDB and HEC Paris to deliver this new program aimed at helping MSMEs in Qatar boost their exports. With almost 60 years of actionable, results-focused work, ITC has the expertise to equip Qatari MSMEs with practical insights on market knowledge, trade and investment intelligence and the tools needed to strengthen their value chain and conduct regional and international transactions.

This program has been conceived to provide a complete range of trainings, coaching and export-oriented activities with the purpose of making MSMEs more competitive in regional and international markets in order to generate more jobs and income.'

Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar explains that 'We are grateful to Qatar Development Bank for this vote of confidence in our renowned faculty who will guide exporters through important development issues, including global business strategy, international finance, marketing and negotiation skills. We are confident that participants will fully engage with the program, which will feature lectures, case studies, workshops and extensive interactive learning opportunities.'

'We also relish the opportunity to help advance the economic potential of Qatari exporters who have a significant role to play in advancing the country's National Vision 2030. This is in line with our mission to train and empower Qatari entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute to the diversification of the nation's economy. This partnership clearly demonstrates the importance of collaboration between private and public entities and higher education, which sharpens organizational competitiveness and develops the leadership skills needed to address global marketplace complexities, societal and environmental challenges and successful business transformations.'

QDB's CEO Mr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, highlighted the importance of this in developing the export capabilities of Qatari companies, adding: 'We are always keen to expand the horizons for Qatari exporting companies through various programs and initiatives. This new program builds on the productive steps we have taken in this direction with our national and international partners, and is designed to support entrepreneurs in developing export plans and harnessing the latest knowledge and practical tools to take their businesses to new heights, while contributing to the development of the Qatari economy at large.'

The project's activities contribute directly to the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030 which puts diversification of the economy as a priority objective. ITC is committed to supporting Qatar in realizing this objective through this new project as well as future opportunities for collaboration in Qatar and in the region.

About ITC- The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org.

Follow ITC on Twitter  | Facebook  | LinkedIn  | Instagram | Flickr

Contact: International Trade Centre

Vittorio Cammarota

Chief, Communications and Events

T: +41 22 730 0322

E: vcammarota [at] intracen.org (vcammarota[at]intracen[dot]org)