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Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is among the several sectors that could strengthen economic relations between Qatar and Bangladesh, which witnessed a 900% growth in trade volume in the last five years, an official of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has said.“Qatar and Bangladesh have already established solid economic ties, but it is yet to see its full potential. There is a vast room for these countries’ economic relationship to expand further,” according to QFC CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida.Al-Jaida made the statement as special guest of the Bangladesh Investment Summit titled ‘The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potentials of Trade & Investment in Bangladesh’ held in Doha recently.“One example where Bangladesh and Qatar can further strengthen their already flourishing economic and business ties is in ICT. The two countries have exemplary experience on how ICT can accelerate economic growth, create lucrative opportunities, and support talented entrepreneurs and start-ups.“With expanding ICT sectors, there is a vast opportunity for knowledge and technology exchange between Qatar and Bangladesh that cater to various industries, such as healthcare and e-commerce applications,” al-Jaida explained.Aside from ICT, energy, and human capital, al-Jaida pointed out that agriculture, technology education, tourism, culture, and sports, are among the numerous other areas where Qatar and Bangladesh can expand mutually-beneficial investments and partnerships.Other “promising areas with great investment potential” include fintech, logistics, and digital innovation, where both countries “are exhibiting growing strength,” al-Jaida also explained.Al-Jaida also emphasised that Bangladesh and Qatar have been enjoying “a healthy economic relationship” for over four decades, which has significantly grown over the years.“This is evidenced in the exponential growth in the trade volume between the two nations, increasing by over 900% in the last five years from QR948mn in 2017 to more than QR10bn in 2022.“One significant example of trade between Qatar and Bangladesh is the agreement for Qatar to supply 2.5mn tonnes of LNG per annum to Bangladesh for 15 years, signed in 2017,” al-Jaida said.According to al-Jaida, Qatar is also “one of the biggest destinations” of manpower from Bangladesh, providing invaluable support to Qatar’s infrastructure development. Currently, about 420,000 Bangladeshi citizens are estimated to work in the government, semi-government, and private sectors of Qatar, he said.“As one of the fastest growing economies today, with a total export of goods and services worldwide worth about $39bn, Bangladesh can also consider Qatar as a lucrative investment destination to expand business in the rich Middle East market.“Qatar has attractive market conditions and benefits that will allow Bangladeshi businesses to maximise their investments, starting from business ownership of up to 100%. Moreover, investing in Qatar means investing in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with a GDP estimated to reach $228.8bn by 2024,” al-Jaida stressed.Al-Jaida added: “You will also be investing in the most network-ready, peaceful, and open country in the Middle East. To attract more foreign investments, the state has also approved a public-private partnership law to accelerate the country’s infrastructure development and support the private sector and foreign investors by offering opportunities to participate in the implementation, construction, financing, and operation of Qatar’s various projects.”

Several key sectors, including cybersecurity and banking, are expected to witness “unprecedented co-operation” between Qatar and Canada, according to an official of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF).“There are many important sectors that will witness unprecedented co-operation between Canada and Qatar. We are currently focusing on Information Technology (IT) and the cybersecurity sector, as well as in banking and real estate investment,” CQBF executive director and board member Yasser M Dhouib told Gulf Times in a statement.Dhouib also said, the transport sector, particularly for the Hamad International Port, is also one of the business forum’s points of focus.“The CQBF is working to offer Hamad International Port as a strategic Canadian future option,” Dhouib said, citing a Dubai-based multinational logistics company that announced “it had sold a stake in its main base in the Port of Jebel Ali and other major assets to one of the largest Canadian pension funds for $5bn.”Dhouib said, “The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum believes in the great interest that Canada attaches to investing in this vital sector. We are preparing a file that will be presented to the Canadian Minister of Transport Omar al-Ghabra and HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti.”Asked about the CQBF’s role in contributing to the growth of Qatar-Canada trade ties, Dhouib said since the business forum’s establishment in 2019, it has been serving its mandate as a strategic partner to drive Qatar and Canada’s business community towards a “win-win partnership.”He said, “Both countries share some important similarities in having a young leadership on the top of their governments, and also a deep commitment for sustainable development that includes a comprehensive understanding for international issues that includes peace and development and multilateral partnership in the international business sector.“CQBF sees itself as a facilitator in broadening prospects of co-operation and placing the interest of the Canadian business community closer to the different achievements of Qatar in many fields. Both two countries have important assets and thriving ideas and projects that certainly can provide expertise and knowledge to their region.”Dhouib added: “Qatar and Canada both share the intimate conviction and belief in empowering women in business. The two countries’ business communities will certainly have many things to share from their different backgrounds and experience. CQBF is ready to get these prospects fulfilled.”

Not only has the 2022 FIFA World Cup put Qatar on the global stage, but the “world’s greatest show” – hosted for the first time in the Middle East by the LNG-rich Gulf state – also showcased several innovations in the payment space, a Visa official has said.“Qatar has been a fascinating journey...transactions in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar was 40% higher than the previous edition and 300% higher than the 2014 World Cup,” revealed Akshay Chopra, vice-president, head of Innovation and Design, CEMEA at Visa, the Official Payment Technology Partner of FIFA.Chopra said Visa also utilised several innovations during the World Cup, including ‘tap on phone’, as well as facial biometrics, which was utilised effectively in food and beverage (F&B) by Flat White Specialty Coffee in Qatar, Chopra told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the recently-held ‘Visa CEMEA Security Summit’ in Dubai.“From a commerce and payments perspective, this really became an engine of commerce. Because of facial biometrics, there was no need for Flat White’s customers to take out any wallet or make any physical payment method; you literally just scan your face at the point of sale, and you’re done,” Chopra explained.Chopra also said “Visa is working with three major banks in Qatar” to industrialise the tap on phone concept. He said this innovation eliminates the need for small merchants to obtain expensive and bulky payment acceptance devices and, instead, they can simply install the application on their mobile phones.He stressed that Visa is constantly creating comprehensive one-stop solutions for managing business operations, citing tap on phone, which will help empower small business owners to access their inventory, and send payments to customers, suppliers, and employees seamlessly.“In fact, so many people experienced tap on phone for the first time in Qatar...we’re also working with QIB on a first-of-a-kind ability to send money securely from your account or wallet to another Visa card account, prepaid, debit, credit, or anything.“Remittance is another big play, so there’s a lot going on in Qatar. Even from the security perspective, we’re innovating. We’re testing new concepts and all of these are next frontiers for security, as well,” Chopra further explained, adding that there is also a “massive potential” in B2B payments.Asked about Visa’s role in the development of the fintech sector, Chopra said one of the challenges of fintechs in Qatar, the GCC, and elsewhere, is the ability to scale and tap a wider market.“If you work with a partner like Visa, you can immediately plug into our network of financial institutions of issuers; you can immediately start using a lot of solutions, even from the Innovation Centre, which will reduce your time to market and allow you to build faster and scale faster. So, I think that would be one area where we can certainly support fintechs,” he noted.On the Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), Chopra lauded its establishment, saying organisations like QFTH will help provide a level of quality and validation for its member fintechs.“In principle, that’s exactly the kind of organisation we would love to partner with because they bring all the fintechs in one place. In general, the emergence of these fintech hubs is an excellent strength because fintech, especially in this region, has the power to genuinely transform people’s lives,” Chopra emphasised.Asked how Visa is collaborating with its partners, such as banks, fintechs, and merchants to ensure that security is a top priority across the payments industry, Chopra said Visa is working on innovations, such as ‘tokenisation’.Chopra explained that tokenisation uses cryptography to make one’s card details only valid on specific devices, thus preventing fraud. He said the concept of tokenisation has helped transformed the payments landscape and is becoming more widely adopted in the CEMEA region each year.“More and more issuers are adopting it, and many customers are increasingly using tokens on their devices, rather than plastic cards. That’s a big one from a tech perspective,” Chopra stressed.

Aamal Company was able to achieve “outstanding results” in 2022 and in all its sectors, said Aamal chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani during the Annual Ordinary General Assembly Meeting, which approved the distribution of a 5% cash dividend Tuesday.“A number of factors have contributed to this success, including our diversification strategy, the strength of the company's financial position, and the ability to further develop its activities.“However, one of the most important factors is the resilience and strength of the Qatari economy, and the keenness of our wise government to create a distinctive and safe environment for investment under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,” Sheikh Faisal said.Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal al-Thani, vice-chairman and managing director, reported that Aamal’s net profit stood at QR347.8mn or a 14% growth in 2022, while revenue growth increased 29% to reach QR2.05bn.“Aamal’s subsidiaries are always seeking to capitalise on new opportunities and maintain their market-leading positions by enhancing and expanding their offerings. This reflects our commitment to creating long-term shareholder value through the continued profitable operation and expansion of our diversified business platform,” Sheikh Mohamed said.On the performance of Aamal’s four sectors, Sheikh Mohamed said the trading and distribution sector has seen a remarkable performance, with revenue growth of 23.5% and net profit growth of 4.8%.“Of particular note this year has been Aamal’s further expansion into healthcare and health IT, with major contracts being won to support development, maintenance and equipment installation across the Qatari healthcare sector, including the provision of digital solutions to the e-health portal project,” he said.Similarly, Aamal’s industrial manufacturing sector has seen revenues and net profit increase by 19.9% and 16.6%, respectively.“This sector has also played a major role in supplying products to several key national projects. This included work in relation to all eight of the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums, the North Field East LNG Facilities (NFE), and the Kharsaah Solar plant, which aims to fulfil local energy supply needs as well as Qatar Energy’s long-term sustainability goals,” he said.Meanwhile, the property sector maintained its leading position, maximising occupancy rates across its portfolio, which has seen revenue and net profit growth of 14.7% and 13.4%, respectively.“The sector is benefiting from record levels of footfall at City Center Doha, which proved to be a major attraction for many FIFA World Cup visitors due to its central location and easy accessibility,” he said.Sheikh Mohamed said, the World Cup made a positive impact on the managed services sector, which won contracts related to supplying transport logistics, and saw increased demand for its entertainment services to achieve significant year-on-year revenue and net profit growth of 74.1% and 196.5%, respectively.“At a corporate level, we have increased our foreign ownership limit to 100%. This will enhance the company’s attractiveness to foreign investors and should increase the volume of share trading, benefiting Aamal, its shareholders, and the market in general,” Sheikh Mohamed added.

Taking a page from Qatar National Vision 2030’s knowledge-based economy pillar, Bangladesh is striving to transform itself into a smart country by 2041, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed.Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Summit titled ‘The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Potentials of Trade & Investment in Bangladesh’, Wazed emphasised that the South Asian nation envisions itself as a “Smart Bangladesh” in the next 18 years “providing strength to a knowledge-based society.”“Bangladesh offers to be a partner in realising the Qatar National Vision 2030. We can equip our purpose with knowledge and skills to create an advanced employment market in Qatar,” she said in her speech.Wazed also said Qatar and Bangladesh can further develop economic relations in different areas, such as its tourism, hospitality, agriculture and agro-processing industries, infrastructure and logistics sectors, as well as in energy, particularly renewable energy.Citing disruptions in the global market, including the war in Ukraine, Wazed said Bangladesh has been pushed to a “hard spot.” “In order to meet our energy needs, we are interested in increasing our energy imports from Qatar,” she emphasised.The event was organised by Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in association with Bangladesh Forum Qatar (BFQ). Sultan bin Rashid al-Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was the guest of honour.On the sidelines of the event, Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani said Qatar and Bangladesh “are bound by close relations for long years.” He noted that the forum presented an opportunity for businessmen in Qatar to learn about the investment opportunities available in Bangladesh.Sheikh Faisal said, “Qatari businessmen are keen to enhance the investment and partnership relations with companies in the countries with which we have extended and share strong relations. The agricultural and tourism industry sectors are always a priority for Qataris.”Similarly, Qatar Chamber board member Dr Khaled bin Klefeekh al-Hajri said the forum also provides a good opportunity to strengthen relations between the private sector in Qatar and Bangladesh.Al-Hajri said Qatar Chamber has reviewed the investment incentives in Bangladesh and the developments taking place in its economy. He noted that industry, agriculture, and tourism sectors are promising areas that offer mega investment opportunities in Bangladesh.Qatar Chamber board member Khaled bin Jabor al-Kuwari underscored the chamber’s keenness to enhance co-operation relations and develop Qatar-Bangladesh trade exchange.He said, “The coming period will witness more alliances and partnerships between Qatari companies and their counterparts from Bangladesh. The Qatari private sector is keen to invest in Bangladesh since it offers plenty of investment incentives and facilities.”Qatar Financial Centre CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, in his keynote speech, said both countries are associated with strong relations, adding that Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) offers a host of investment incentives for foreign investors.The event was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between QFC and Summit Group of Bangladesh led by al-Jaida and Ayestra Aziz Khan, managing director & CEO, Summit Power International.In his welcome speech, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Qatar, Nazrul Islam, said: “The embassy extends its support in regards to investment in Bangladesh. Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, chairman of BSEC said: “Bangladesh always welcomes foreign investors with better returns.”

The ‘Made in Qatar’ trademark took centre stage Saturday during the launch of the ‘Qatari Products our 1st Choice’ festival, which was inaugurated by HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra.The week-long festival showcases the best of Qatar’s food and non-food products that underlines the country’s cultural heritage and tradition. The festival has been celebrated annually since 2010 and run this time until March 9 at all LuLu outlets in the region.The festival aims to promote locally-produced food and non-food products and supports small Qatari businesses and entrepreneurs. It showcases a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, chicken, eggs, Arabic lamb and beef, chilled items and dairy, frozen foods, such as chicken parts and processed foods, as well as delicatessen and bakery products, assorted groceries, health and beauty products, linen, pillow and table covers, and bed and bedsheets.Joining HE the Minister Saturday were Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani; Jaber Hassan al-Jaber, director of Rayyan Municipality; Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International; Dr Masoud Jarallah al-Marri, director of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality; Mohamed Hamad al-Attan al-Marri, vice-president of the Central Municipal Council; Mubarak bin Fraish al-Salem, member of the Central Municipal Council for District 15; Adel al-Kaldi, assistant director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality; Ubaid Ali of Qatar Chamber; and Abdulla Abdul Razak, as well as many distinguished Qatari nationals and dignitaries from various public and private sector organisations and senior officials from the LuLu management.Representatives of leading agricultural farms were also present at the inaugural ceremony, including Al Rayyan Farms, Nabati Farms, Regional Agricultural Farms, Agrico, Simsima Farms, Ummqran Farms, Alfardan Group Farms, Ajaj Farms, Al Safwa Farms, Paramount Agricole Farms and Mahaseel, as well as other suppliers such as Almana Unilever, Qatar Detergent, Althaluf, Qbake, Qatar National Import and Export Co, and Gulf Centre for Food Stuff, and officials from 25 farms, a press statement noted.Al-Jaber expressed gratitude to LuLu Group for its keenness to promote local products, noting that the initiative is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Municipality to support farmers. He also thanked farmers and other participants of the programme for promoting local products.Dr Althaf said the festival is part of the LuLu World Food Festival, which aims to promote local products. He said LuLu remains as the largest buyer of local agricultural produce by showcasing 300 local products from 35 farms.Thanking HE the Minister for inaugurating the festival, Dr Althaf said: “During the last five years, we have increased the number of products for the festival. Initially, there were only a few major products displayed on our shelves but today, the local products that we are showcasing cover most of the essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables, as well as micro-greens, among others.”Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the festival, Dr Althaf said: “During His Excellency the Minister’s tour of the hypermarket, we were also discussing LuLu’s sustainable development strategy, which is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. His Excellency witnessed some of our efforts in recycling plastics and even operated one of our reverse vending machines.“He was also briefed on what LuLu is doing in terms of the group’s circular economy and our refill stations, among other initiatives. Many agricultural countries today, whether in Europe or Asia, are experiencing shortages in much agricultural produce.”Dr Althaf continued, “We always emphasise that food security is essential, and I think the great efforts that Qatar had made in the past are paying off now. The Qatari products that we have seen not only cover basic essentials but also various industries, such as requirements in the hospitality sector.”He also underscored LuLu Group’s commitment to promoting Qatari food and non-food products and agricultural produce. Almost all prominent Qatari brands are regularly on display, such as Dandy, Al Maha, Baladna, Mazzaraty, Qbake, Rawa, qfm, Rayyan, Qatar Pafki, Pearl, Jawharh, Flora, Gourmet, Jerry Smith, Agrico Qatar, Paramount Agricole, Ocean Fish, Napoli Bakeries, Al Waha, Korean Bakeries, Parline, Ghazlan, Al Manhal, Dana, Aqua Gulf, Safa, Sidra, Lusail, Doha and Napico, among others.LuLu Group has a longstanding partnership with local farmers and remains the focal point in marketing local agricultural produce for many years. While LuLu hypermarkets have been promoting Qatari products and farm produce for many years, the last several years have been focusing more on a social and economic commitment to the nation.During the event, the festival will be providing a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Qatar. It is a celebration of the country’s rich heritage and tradition. The festival also supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to sell their products and reach a wider audience.In a statement, LuLu said the group ignited the retail revolution by integrating all consumer needs under one roof and becoming a shopping destination with its strong presence in the region for over two decades.“Besides, the group has a global presence with comprehensive and well-established sourcing offices and logistics centres in 23 countries across the world, including the US, the UK, Spain and Italy,” the statement added.

LuLu Group launched the 17th edition of the “Let’s Eatalian” festival at LuLu Hypermarket, Abu Sidra branch, Monday.The festival, which is being held at all LuLu outlets in the region until March 5, showcases the best of Italian cuisine with support from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and in co-operation with the Italian embassy in Qatar.“Let’s Eatalian” will “bring the wholesome goodness of Italy’s delightful cuisine to shoppers across all LuLu stores in Qatar, and is set to attract visitors from all over the country with its unique blend of vibrant traditional and cultural experiences of Italy, with live musical performances and dance displays”.Similarly, the event is a chance to indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy, prepared by some of the best Italian chefs in the region, as well as to learn about the history and traditions of Italy and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with family and friends.The festival was inaugurated by Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi and his wife, in the presence of ITA commissioner Paola Lisi, Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed M A al-Thani, businessman Nabeel Abu Issa, Italian Chamber of Commerce president Palma Libotte, and Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International.Also attending the event were dignitaries from different ministries, Qatar Chamber, ICC Qatar, and representatives of the retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.An informative cooking demonstration, led by the ambassador and chef Claudio Trovato of Cucina restaurant at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, was also one of the highlights of the event.LuLu has brought a unique range to this festival through its sourcing offices network in Europe, specifically the newest sourcing office of the group in Malpensa, Milan, which supports the trade of Italian products in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region.The festival is a “great way to explore the tastes and goodness of Italian ingredients at budget-friendly prices”.Shoppers can buy fresh pizza, Italian-style cakes and desserts from the LuLu kitchens, made with the finest ingredients.Speaking on the sidelines of the event, ambassador Toschi lauded LuLu Group, describing the global retailer as “a very good partner” and saying that the group has “a significant presence” in Italy, with access to growing number of Italian brands.“We are proud of LuLu Group,” he said. “And we are working on putting more focus on quality products and sustainable brands, especially those which Italy is known for.”According to Toschi, the “Let’s Eatalian Festival” has been highly successful in providing a platform to showcase a wide variety of Italian food products and cuisines, as well as the country’s traditions and culture.“Food is one of the best ways to bring people together; it also helps people explore new cultures and allows anyone to experience the best ingredients of the world,” the envoy further said.The ambassador stressed that Italy’s food export to Qatar has been “growing significantly year by year” and that the Italian embassy in Qatar is planning to launch further initiatives, in co-ordination with LuLu Group, to bring more Italian products to the country in the near future.He noted that Italy will participate in the International Horticultural Exhibition (Expo 2023 Doha), which will be held in the country from October.“Expo Doha 2023 will be an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Italy in food security and sustainability, as well as in the environment and health sectors,” Toschi said.According to Dr Althaf, LuLu Group is planning to organise a series of exciting events and activities in the coming weeks across its hypermarkets in Qatar.He also said that LuLu has forged partnerships with different Italian companies.By May this year, he said, several new exclusive brands are expected to be added to LuLu outlets in Qatar.He said the initiative will help expand the range of Italian foods, including more organic and healthy foods.On LuLu Group’s export centre in Milan, Italy, Dr Althaf said the facility has started operating at full capacity.“The centre, which facilitates the export of food products from Italy to Qatar, has started sending shipments,” he added. “It is expected to be inaugurated officially in May this year.”He noted that Italian food exports to Qatar “witnessed a 100% growth” since the establishment of a partnership between LuLu Group and the ITA with the support of the embassy of Italy in Qatar.“The expansion of LuLu outlets and the growing food supply contributed greatly in raising imports from Italy,” Dr Althaf added.To boost the imports further, he said LuLu Group is planning to re-launch some programmes with a special focus on healthy food ranges, such as low sugar and snacks below the 100-calorie range.The “Let’s Eatalian” festival brings top-quality food and ingredients to the spotlight, stuffed with the goodness and gourmet taste of Italian food and the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.A wide variety of excellent cheeses, Italian chocolate, fruit jams, coffee, salt, water, pasta, spaghetti, sauce, puff pastries from well-known brands, and Italian apples, kiwis and other vegetables are on display at “best buy” prices.

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) and the Canadian embassy in Qatar are working to develop economic co-operation between Canada and Qatar to achieve sustainable development, as well as joint co-operation to promote the Francophonie.These were among the key points discussed in a meeting held recently in Doha between CQBF executive director and board member Yasser M Dhouib and Canada’s ambassador to Qatar, Isabelle Martin.“The CQBF and ambassador Isabelle Martin agreed to support joint co-operation between Canada and Qatar within the framework of the Francophonie...CQBF believes that the Francophonie is a strong framework and space for multi-joint co-operation, and the economic aspect comes at the forefront of this co-operation,” Dhouib told Gulf Times in a statement.Dhouib said the International Organisation of la Francophonie implements Francophone multilateral co-operation in the service of the interests of its 88 member states and member governments, which include 54 de jure members, including Canada, seven associate members, and 27 observer members, including the State of Qatar.“The work of the International Organisation of the Francophonie is concentrated in the following four main areas: promoting the French language, cultural, and linguistic diversity; and promoting peace, democracy, and human rights, support for education, training, higher education, and research,” he explained.Dhouib also underscored the support being provided by the governments of Qatar and Canada, saying the CQBF is working according to institutional mechanisms in a democratic manner within the board of directors headed by ambassador Ferry De Kerckhove.“We also have great support from Qatari ambassador Dr Khalid bin Rashid al-Mansouri and Canadian ambassador Isabelle Martin to serve the two friendly countries,” Dhouib pointed out.He added: “We also believe that the relations of both countries will be beneficial to North-South and South-South co-operation. CQBF is looking at ways on what Qatar and Canada can offer in the Francophonie organisation based on mutual interests and as a stabilising force in both their regions.”

The Qatari market offers many business opportunities for American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) official has said.According to USQBC managing director Mohamed Barakat, a wide range of US companies and corporations are already engaged in different business ventures with Qatar.“And we can see this advancing to the next level. However, there is also a big piece of the pie for SMEs that need more assistance and support in accessing the Qatari market,” Barakat told Gulf Times in an interview.He said the Qatari market offers investment opportunities to American SMEs “either on a bigger scale” or even partnerships with other small Qatari business enterprises in different sectors.“There are many programmes that support small and medium businesses in the US. These projects, in collaboration with Qatari initiatives for SMEs in Qatar, such as those being implemented by Qatar Development Bank (QBD), among others, will help connect US and Qatari SMEs together through the network of Qatari entities and the access of the US to a wide range of its SMEs.“One of the key roles of the USQBC is to work closely with these enterprises regardless of the size of the company and connect them with programmes and initiatives to help them find potential partners and access, as well as the opportunity to explore other markets,” Barakat explained.He said, “Some companies may not understand the market yet, while others may be knowledgeable of it already but they need someone to provide access to specific markets, and this is where USQBC plays an important part of their journey.“During the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, it was emphasised that achieving these goals is a collaborative effort between all authorities and entities from both the public and private sectors of Qatar and the US. In partnership with these different entities, we hope to see this segment growing rapidly in the next couple of years.”Barakat noted that while these programmes are catering to a wide range of sectors, several “red hot sectors” were discussed during the strategic dialogue, such as agriculture, agri-tech, the advancement of fintech in Qatar, Information Technology (IT), and cybersecurity, among other growing sectors in Qatar.“USQBC will focus on sectors that are based on the priorities in Qatar and what they match in the US, which is active in all sectors. We will adjust to having more companies focus on whatever sector becomes hot,” Barakat stressed.Post-World Cup, Barakat said, there is a new focus on sectors, such as agri-tech, fintech, and e-sports, among others, as well as tourism and facility management.“Sustainability and the environment are also hot sectors in Qatar. USQBC has actually worked with a couple of medium-sized companies and helped them enter the Qatari market, so we’d like to see more of that growth. We adjust based on the priorities here,” he said.According to Barakat, USQBC will also be looking at the Qatari entities that would be participating in the ‘2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit’ slated in the US from May 1 to 4.“This would also give us a better understanding of the shifting sectors that Qatari companies are looking for. And we’re always going to find the sectors that match their respective businesses,” he noted.

Major players and stakeholders in Qatar’s private and public sectors stand to gain from ‘RISE with SAP’ in accelerating the digitalisation journey of companies and government institutions in the country.Microsoft and SAP jointly announced the launch of ‘RISE with SAP’ on Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud data centre region in Qatar during the ‘RISE with SAP on the Road’ event held Tuesday in Doha.SAP customers in Qatar can now host RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure, expanding the opportunities for building a cloud-first economy in Qatar, the GCC, and the Mena region.On the sidelines of the event, Microsoft and SAP officials joined private and public sector stakeholders during a roundtable discussion to elaborate on the role of RISE with SAP in their respective digitalisation journeys.Farha Muhanna al-Kuwari, Human Resources Information Systems Centre director at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), said: “CGB has been partners with SAP for more than a decade to support the transformation of Mawared – the Qatar government’s HR system by standardising processes and streamline operations leveraging the latest technologies.“Considering the mission-critical services that the Mawared platform provides to government entities, the impact of disruption or outage can be severe in terms of business operations, data loss, and reputational harm. By deploying Microsoft Azure Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Solution (BCDR), we are now able to avoid disruptions, protect Mawared’s applications and data, and keep Mawared platform running and recoverable in case of unforeseen disasters or unplanned outages.”Abdulaziz Ibrahim al-Tamimi, CEO of Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), said: “RISE with SAP was a key milestone for Qatar Petroleum Material Company’s (QPMC) holistic digital transformation journey in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the countries strategy to diversify its economy.“SAP’s expertise and cutting-edge technologies and Microsoft's cloud infrastructure will play an effective role in achieving our 2023 goals to drive innovation, enhance our competitiveness, and deliver greater value to our customers.”Hamdan Merchant, senior director Innovation & IT & BI at GWC, said: “The cloud offers the ideal option to support the strategic goals of the GWC. Using RISE with SAP on Azure for our deployment, we get instant access to the latest patches, innovations, and updates from SAP.”Al Meera Consumer Goods IT director Abdulaziz Almana, said: “In our journey to adopt digital transformation of our operations across our more than 60 stores to the cloud, we have selected RISE with SAP running on Microsoft Azure to allow us to leverage cloud computing, automated business process, and innovative solutions to significantly improve our operational performance and apply a more integrated approach in serving our clients.”Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf said: “Bringing RISE with SAP on Azure to Qatar, supports our efforts to increase opportunities for our customers to innovate on their own terms and achieve their business goals.”Alaa Jaber, managing director, Qatar and Fast Growth Markets at SAP, said: “The aim is to go beyond a technical migration to the cloud and, instead, enable private and public sector entities to truly transform their operations, realising a faster time-to-market for new capabilities and applications.”

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) is seeking to play a key role in increasing the volume Qatar’s investments in Canada’s wide range of sectors, an official has said.In an interview with Gulf Times, CQBF executive director and board member Yasser M Dhouib said that in the next two years, the business forum plans to establish a strategic economic alliance between Canada and Qatar in the trade, business, and economic fields.“Qatar ranks third in the Gulf at the level of trade exchange with Canada. The CQBF’s plans also include increasing the volume of Qatari investments in Canada in vital sectors, such as technology (AI, cybersecurity, and software development), real estate, education, medical sector and pharmaceutical industry, infrastructure, entertainment cities, and the insurance and banking sector,” he explained.Asked to provide an overview of Qatar-Canada bilateral trade and how it witnessed growth over the years, Dhouib said: “Canada and Qatar have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974. Qatar is a source of significant potential Canadian direct investment and an important security partner and diplomatic actor in the region.“As the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, the energy sector remains Qatar’s main economic driver, but the government is rapidly transforming toward a modern and diversified economy that is both hydrocarbon and knowledge-based.”Dhouib said in 2020, Qatar was Canada’s third largest merchandise trade partner in the Gulf Region and the eleventh most important partner in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) with a bilateral merchandise trade total of about $196.2mn.Canada’s merchandise exports to Qatar in 2020 were valued at $113.5mn and included mineral ores, aircraft and parts, machinery, cereals, and scientific instruments. Canada’s 2020 merchandise imports from Qatar, valued at $82.7mn, included mineral fuels and oils, aluminium, fertilisers, chemical products, and mineral ores.“More than 9,000 Canadian expatriates live and prosper in Qatar, working within Canadian and Qatari companies and institutions. This dynamic expatriate community is very active in Qatar and helps to advance our mutual interests.“Qatar Airways offers four direct flights per week between Montréal and Doha. Since December 2020, Air Canada operates three direct flights per week between Toronto and Doha,” he said.Dhouib added: “Energy is the most important sector in 2022 and 2023. Qatar Energy has partnered with ExxonMobil to explore Canada’s East Coast (offshore Newfoundland)“Qatar Energy has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil Canada, the leading player in the province’s offshore industry, to acquire a 40% ownership of exploration license 1165A off Canada's East Coast.”

Energy and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors is being seen as an important sector for Qatar-Germany investment partnerships post-World Cup, an official of the German Industry and Commerce Chamber in the Gulf Region (AHK Gulf) has said.Aside from hydrocarbons, several other vital sectors would also play a key role in enhancing Qatar and Germany’s economic relations, according to AHK Gulf Regional CEO Oliver Oehms.“I am also very curious to see what’s happening in the field of R&D-driven industry and industrial development, especially since there are exciting ideas in the development of biotech and pharmaceutical clusters. And I see that Qatar has a competitive edge over its peers here in the region,” Oehms told Gulf Times in an interview.This year, Oehms said he is committed to being more active in Doha, citing AHK’s robust partnership with the German Business Council in Qatar.“We still have a fairly new energy partnership between Germany and Qatar. It is a government-to-government (G2G) forum but we are implementing it here in Doha. This partnership is not only about sourcing gas from Qatar.“But in terms of sustainable management practices, green building management, and renewable energy development, among other fields, we would also like to explore these with our Qatari partners,” Oehms explained.He further said, “And knowing that COP28 will be held in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE, it would be exciting across the region for launching new initiatives to kick off sustainable practices.”Oehms also expressed AHK’s strong support for the sustainable development efforts of Qatar, citing Germany’s expertise in the implementation of renewable energy and generation, solar photovoltaic technology, and wind energy, among many others.“I think the most interesting potential is in energy-efficient building management and energy-efficient building design, whether high-rise or industrial buildings. We still have a significant potential for reducing the CO2 footprint across the region.“Obviously, it would require some political decision-making and defining the respective technical frameworks but for me, it is a low-hanging fruit that would hopefully be picked by our partners here across the region,” he noted.Similarly, sports is also another sector that Qatar and Germany could explore further following the Gulf state’s successful staging of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was the first ever to be held in the Middle East.“The infrastructure is already here. It is a known fact that a lot of German professional football clubs like to utilise the facilities being provided by Qatar. For sure, we will see this growth due to the attractiveness of the destination and maybe Qatar is able to outperform some European destinations in this regard due to the quality of the infrastructure provided. In this regard, I am quite confident,” Oehms emphasised.Speaking on tourism and Qatar’s bid to position itself as a premier tourist destination both globally and in the region, Oehms noted that German tour organisers and cruise ship operators are interesting target groups that could participate in these efforts.“We are very much interested in Qatar’s participation in the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin) slated from March 7 to 9 this year. It may still be too early at this time but certainly, for next year, I am expecting Qatar to come up with some exciting news to be launched during ITB,” he pointed out.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is seeking to tap the Qatari and mainstream markets in a bid to make the Southeast Asian nation the "preferred source" for a wide range of food and beverage (F&B) and cosmetics and personal care products, an official said yesterday.Speaking at the Qatar leg of the DTI's Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to GCC countries, Glenn Penaranda, assistant secretary and officer-in-charge of the DTI Trade Promotions Group, said Qatar is a key export market for Philippine F&B, personal healthcare, and related products.Penaranda is leading this year's OBMM to GCC countries, which is showcasing high-quality products from more than a dozen export companies from the Philippines.In his speech, Penaranda lauded the participation of representatives of the different Qatari companies that attended the event, which concludes today. The OBMM kicked off in Manama, Bahrain, and proceeded to Kuwait City. From Qatar, the mission will culminate in Dubai (February 16 to 25) in time for 'Gulfood 2023'."Beyond this captive market, we really aim to also serve the mainstream market...we encourage both our buyers and partners and our exporters to establish partnerships in pursuing market opportunities here in Qatar and beyond."As we promote increased bilateral relations with Qatar, be assured that the Philippine government through the DTI, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) in Dubai, and the Philippine embassy in Qatar, will actively engage the Qatari government, its authorities, and the private sector, in facilitating more bilateral business," Penaranda stressed.In her welcome remarks, Philippine ambassador to Qatar Lilibeth V Pono emphasised that exporting companies from the Philippines will not only serve the more than 260,000 overseas Filipinos in Qatar but also the hundreds of thousands of Asian expatriates here, making the country "a very large market for Philippine products.""These Filipino F&B and personal healthcare products will not only cater to the taste of other cultures but also meet global standards in the industry. Filipino products are marketable. They are global. And they can withstand the dynamics of the ups and downs of the global trade and economic environment," Pono said.She added: "The business mission from the Philippines sets out to reinvigorate trade relations and reduce the trade gap between the Philippines and Qatar. In 2021, the total bilateral trade reached $224mn, of which, $46mn represents Philippine exports to this country."In 2021, Qatar ranked as the Philippines' 41st trading partner. We see that there is still enormous opportunities that remain untapped based on our export assessment and the potential export of Philippine food and agri-based products alone can grow to as much as $90mn."

The interest and commitment of German industries in Qatar have always remained “strong and impressive,” according to an official of the German Industry and Commerce Chamber in the Gulf Region (AHK Gulf).The significant importance placed by German companies on Qatar is mirrored by “strong Qatari commitment” towards Germany, either as an investor or as a business or joint venture partner, AHK Gulf Regional CEO Oliver Oehms told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.“For instance, AHK has been collaborating very closely with the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Qatar Chamber for many years. We have been operating in Qatar for the past 20 years with our standalone office, which, at the same time, has been supporting the German Business Council in Qatar,” Oehms explained.On Qatar’s pledge to invest €10bn in Germany as announced by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in 2018, Oehms noted that there are several German blue chip companies that have “very strong and growing Qatari engagement.”“It has been known that Qatar has been a very strong partner in Volkswagen and Deutsche Bank, and other German companies. We are very happy that one of Germany’s leading energy providers, RWE AG (RWE), is being supported by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which agreed to invest €2.42mn for its accelerated ‘Growing Green’ strategy,” he said.Oehms also said Qatar has investments in Germany’s automotive, banking, and energy sectors, including Hapag-Lloyd AG, a German international shipping and container transportation company, as well as in German pharmaceutical companies.On potential up-and-coming sectors that may encourage future investments and partnerships, Oehms said: “Looking into the portfolio of German industry, machinery is still a strong sector, which is contributing significantly to the development of German exports, which is relatively immune to the ups and downs of international market developments.”“If you look at the economic fundamentals, I think the German industry continues to be a safe haven also for Qatari investments,” he noted.Asked to give an overview of German companies operating in the Gulf, with a special focus on Qatar, Oehms said: “The German portfolio in the Gulf region, in general, is quite broad and deep; it has been developing very dynamically for the past two to three years for various reasons. But certainly, the most important reason is the energy crisis in Europe.”

Qatari jewellery brand Noudar is set to launch a new collection during the highly-anticipated 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will run from February 20 to 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Noudar’s latest collection is inspired by the history and timeless legacy of natural pearls in Qatar.Speaking at a press conference Sunday, Ali Alfardan, vice chairman of Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery, emphasised that pearls are an integral part of Qatari culture.“In the past, Qatar has depended heavily on pearl diving. Today, many people are very interested in pearls, especially natural pearls, which have made a comeback in the market. Noudar is one of our brands that speaks about Qatari culture through its different collections,” he explained.Alfardan Jewellery’s brand name, Noudar, means gold in ancient Arabic. Noor Ali Hussain Alfardan, founder and designer of Noudar Jewels, combines influences from the timeless treasures of Arabian civilisation with a modernist take on luxury jewellery.This collection, like other Noudar collections, also takes inspiration from the noble heritage of Arabic traditions. Islamic patterns, reminiscent of mosaics and Henna designs, are aesthetically present throughout this daring, yet romantic jewellery for the modern woman.The designer’s fascination with watches and horological mechanisms has strongly influenced Noudar’s jewellery, emphasising the importance of craftsmanship to improve comfort, movement, and flexibility in her creations.Noor has been designing jewellery since she was a child. In 2012, she launched Noudar, and she feels that out of all the new fine jewellery brands that have emerged, the ones that are owned by women are doing their best. Today, Noor was included in the Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine’s list of the 20 most influential women in the industry.Noudar is the only in-house brand by Alfardan Jewellery and showcases how Noor has inherited the spirit of elegance and modernity of the family while keeping deeply rooted in the beauty of the culture of her ancestors. The designs have been worn across the globe by the likes of Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, and Kendall Jenner.

Organising more exhibitions and events in the country will play an integral role in priming Qatar as a global tourist destination, according to Ali Alfardan, vice chairman of the Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery.“Organising different types of exhibitions is part of the State’s plan to transform Qatar into a premier tourism destination in the region. After the World Cup and all the infrastructure that has been built, we need to get busy with different events to help spur economic development,” Alfardan told Gulf Times during a press conference Sunday.He announced key points about the upcoming and highly-anticipated 19th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from February 20 to 25.A celebration of luxury and stunning craftsmanshipRenowned international brands and jewellery connoisseurs from all over the world are bringing extremely rare and large stones, both in terms of value and uniqueness.Apart from the perennial favorites, and with nearly 60 brands, this year’s Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition sees an increase in renowned jewellery brands joining the Alfardan Jewellery Pavilion to celebrate the spirit of luxury and stunning craftsmanship.The country’s top luxury retailers and renowned global brands will present their exclusive collections under one roof. They include Chopard, Franck Muller, Corum, Girard-Perregaux, Marli, Chaumet, Noudar, Al Tawash, Yeprem, Butani, Davidor, Gold Design, Molu Jewellery, Shay Accessories, Yessayan, Robert Wan, AWKN1, Mehta and Son, Araya, Krisonia, Khanna Jewellers, Piranesi, Pichiotti SRL, Casato, Zoughaib & Co Jewellery, Samra, House of Rose, and Luvor.“We need a lot of exhibitions in Doha and DJWE is one of those events that would help attract more tourists to Qatar. Events, such as the jewellery exhibition and the classic cars exhibition, for example, are very important to enhance tourists’ experience while visiting the country,” Alfardan explained.According to Alfardan, DJWE’s reputation is growing consistently worldwide based on the number of participating jewellery companies. This year’s exhibition has an exceedingly high number of major brands joining DJWE, he said, adding that about a dozen companies are still on the waiting list and could not be accommodated.“Due to the high number of companies wanting to join DJWE, we have asked Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker to expand next year’s exhibition to have a mezzanine added to the event to accommodate more participants, as well as more facilities to enhance the booths and pavilions,” he said.Alfardan said, “I consider DJWE as the biggest exhibition in the world – even bigger than SIHH (Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie) because many of the companies participating in DWJE are not joining SIHH.“And as al-Baker had said, there are over 500 companies participating in DJWE, including Franck Muller and Tiffany’s, which are not in SIHH,” Alfardan emphasised.In this year’s exhibition, Alfardan Jewellery will feature several high-class brands under its portfolio, such as Chopard, Tiffany, Vacheron Constatin, Marli, Sartoro, Girard-Perregaux, Noudar, Franck Muller, Chaumet, Persee Paris, Yeprem, and Corum.“Once again, Alfardan Jewellery will exhibit an unparalleled collection at the 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, highlighting unique and elegant gems and pieces, even from our very own Qatari brand. We thank all our customers and visitors for their encouragement as always,” he said.For 18 years, DJWE has been the go-to, exclusive, high-profile gathering for jewellery aficionados, global brands, and aspiring designers. And in 2023, it will continue to be the heart of glamour, where exclusivity, beauty, art, legacy, and unique artistry will intertwine under one roof with almost 60 Alfardan Jewellery brands represented.Unparalleled quality and sophistication are the hallmarks of Alfardan Jewellery, which has been trusted by generations. Alfardan Jewellery is a pioneer in the region for holding the exclusive jewellery and watches exhibition for the first time in 1977. It eventually became a public event in 2003 where the world’s finest designers gathered in the region to feature their best works.

The Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of food and agri-based products to Qatar by $19.05mn, according to the Export Potential Assessment conducted by the International Trade Centre (ITC).This was announced yesterday by Dubai-based Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) as part of the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, which is being held from February 11 to 25.The business mission is organised by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and PTIC-Dubai. As many as 26 Philippine exporters of halal-certified food, personal care, and cosmetic products will participate in the OBMM.Citing ITC’s Export Potential Assessment, PTIC-Dubai reported in a statement that the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of food and agri-based products to the UAE by $56.40mn, Bahrain by $3.92mn, and Kuwait by $11.59mn.The ITC assessment also noted that the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports of personal care and cosmetic products to the GCC by $1.53mn.The Qatar leg of the GCC mission will run from February 14 to 16. It is currently being held in Manama, Bahrain until February 13. It will then proceed to Kuwait City (February 13 to 14) and will culminate in Dubai (February 16 to 25) in time for ‘Gulfood 2023’.The Philippines organises additional business-to-business (B2B) matching activities to complement its participation in Gulfood and maximise opportunities for exporters. This also provides an opportunity for buyers to meet Philippine suppliers who are not participating in Gulfood.This year’s mission will include exporters from five Philippine regions that can offer a variety of food, personal care, and cosmetic products to GCC’s diverse population, including Overseas Filipino Workers.In 2022, Philippine exports of food products and personal care products to GCC amounted to $223.4mn and $10.9mn, respectively. Based on the products of participating exporters in the OBMM and the ITC’s Export Potential Assessment, the mission aims to maximise the Philippines’ additional export potential to the GCC estimated at $100mn.In 2021, the UAE accounted for 61.48% of Philippine exports to the GCC followed by Saudi Arabia (18.38%) and Qatar (10.69%).“The Philippines is continuously strengthening its halal ecosystem to be able to better serve the growing global halal market. The mission aims to contribute to increased understanding of Philippine exporters on the halal market in the GCC, especially for the 15 exporters who are first-time participants to the OBMM,” said DTI-Trade Promotion Group assistant secretary Glenn Penaranda.He added: “Furthermore, our sustained initiatives to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East is a testament to our desire to work with other countries in attaining food security through cooperation and innovation.”

Sheikha Tamader al-Thani, the director of International Relations and Chambers Affairs at Qatar Chamber, has been elected as a member of the General Council of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF), according to ICC Qatar’s latest newsletter.Sheikha Tamader is among the 13 women set to serve on the council, which the newsletter describes as “the most gender-diverse membership in WCF history.”In collaboration with ICC, the federation provides all the tools to support chambers and micro-small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), connecting chambers worldwide to develop and reinforce its chamber community.The WCF represents more than 1,400 chambers across the globe. The election results of its General Council scores high on regional and gender diversity.“Chamber leaders from local, regional, national, and transnational chambers were eligible to run for the General Council, each member serving a three-year term with the opportunity to run twice.“In addition to the 20 elected seats, 15 WCF members are appointed by the WCF chair, in co-ordination with the ICC Secretary-General and the WCF Executive Committee, to ensure a balanced General Council,” the newsletter stated.It also said, “This secures diversity in the network, ensuring members are varied in terms of gender and geography, including developed and developing economy, chamber size, and type of chamber. Five transnational chambers representing different regions of the world have also been invited to join the council.“The final composition of the council sees representation from all parts of membership worldwide. It includes nine representatives from the Americas, 13 from the Africa and Middle East region, nine from Asia-Pacific, and 12 from Europe.”Commenting on the new members, WCF chairman Nicolás Uribe said: “We are proud of the level of enthusiasm and support of our members who showed interest in serving on the ICC WCF General Council.”He added: “We have successfully brought together one of the most diverse and inclusive councils in our long history, and I look forward to working with all members to strengthen the WCF and the wider chamber community, with the overarching objective of elevating and empowering businesses worldwide to be leading players in tackling our most pressing issues. As the representative of chambers of commerce worldwide, we must lead by exemplarity to drive an impactful future for chambers everywhere.”