Author

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) is proposing to update its prudential Islamic banking regime as part of ongoing work programme to implement the IFSB (Islamic Financial Services Board) framework.The QFCRA seeks amendments to its extant Islamic Banking Business Prudential Rules 2015 (IBANK) framework to include the IFSB approach for credit risk and BCBS (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) counterparty credit risk; new norms related to credit risk management, prudential treatment for equity investment in funds, categorisation of problem assets and provisioning, and large exposures framework.The updated IBANK rules are expected to be in place on July 1, 2024.It is seeking to assess the impact of these proposals and these revisions support the QFCRA's commitment to the maintenance of high global regulatory standards for conventional and Islamic financial services and the continued development of the QFC as a leading financial and business centre in the Middle East.The QFCRA has proposed to update capital adequacy requirements in relation to credit risk and market risk in respect of Shariah compliant financing and investment instruments such as profit-sharing investment accounts and exposures relating to investments in sukuk, securitisations and real estate transactions.Proposing changes to credit risk management framework, the QFCRA seeks to include specific powers to direct banks to set specific credit limits and direct banks credit risk management framework where it considers that an Islamic bank is taking excessive credit risk relative to its financial or operational capacity.IBANK currently permits banks to use external ratings (where available) to assess exposures to other banks and corporates. Financing-to-Value (FTV) ratios and external ratings are also used to determine risk-weightings for real estate financing exposures.The IFSB-23 continues to permit the use of such external ratings and FTV ratios, but requires banks to undertake robust due diligence on the risk profile and characteristics of the counterparty before using the external ratings approach. IFSB-23 also introduces a recalibration of risk weightings in most asset classes.The QFCRA is proposing to update IBANK to include these new risk-weightings and exposures relating to banks and corporates, specialised financing, covered sukuk, real estate, equity, subordinate debt, off-balance sheet and currency mismatch.The proposed amendments to IBANK to calculate the capital charge for counterparty credit risk (CCR) for Shariah-compliant hedging instruments. CCR relates to potential loss that a firm may incur in the event that counterparty to a transaction default before the final settlement of the transaction's cash flows.The proposed CCR framework for bilateral transactions relates to exposures arising from over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives, long settlement transactions and securities financing transactions.The proposed framework includes new definitions for “non-performing exposure” and “forbearance” as well as proposal to introduce additional requirements related to write-downs and write-offs of defaulted exposures and collateral write-downs.The QFCRA is proposing to include the three approaches to address equity investments in an Islamic investment fund, allowing flexibility for the banks to use one or a combination of the three approaches to the fund’s underlying assets subject to certain conditions.On the large exposures framework, it said the aim is to act as a backstop to prevent a QFC Islamic bank from incurring disproportionately large losses because of the failure of an individual counterparty or group of connected counterparties due to the occurrence of unforeseen events.IBANK currently contains provisions dealing with concentration risk and large exposures, which are designed to complement the risk-based capital requirements in IBANK by protecting banks from large losses resulting from the sudden default of a single counterparty or a group of connected counterparties.However, large exposures provisions in IBANK were issued in 2016 and since that time, the BCBS has published additional qualitative and quantitative guidance on identification, measurement, and specific treatments for certain types of exposures that is relevant to Islamic bank large exposure risks.

The softening of the tightening bias in the US rate scenario had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), whose key index gained as much as 80 points this week..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[115066]**The foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled 0.81% higher this week which saw United Development Company receive bid from the Qatar Investment Authority to buy 40% of its stake in Qatar Cool."The Fed's statement following the announcement indicates a softening of the tightening bias...Markets were seeking clarity about rate cuts next year and the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) did not disappoint, as it signalled a potential Fed pivot," said Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer, Century Financial.The industrials, transport and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Al Faleh Educational Holding received approval from the Qatar Financial Market Authority to shift its trading to the main market.The foreign individuals were increasingly bullish this week which saw global credit rating agency Moody’s affirm Commercial Bank’s rating of “A2/Prime-1” with “stable” outlook.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers this week which saw QIIN ink pact with Mastercard to develop digital channels for international remittances.As much as 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw N-KOM rebrand as Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar report a double-digit year-on-year growth in the building permits issued in November 2023.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main market this week which saw contracts worth more than QR1.7bn signed until last November through cooperation with eight international companies and efforts underway to enhance the success of this initiative and support the private sector.The local retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.09mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.2mn trade across 30 deals.The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly net selling in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.14mn change hands across eight transactions.The Islamic index outperformed the other indices in the main bourse this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute more than 58% of the total trade volume.Market capitalisation was seen adding QR0.93bn or 0.16% to QR578.32bn on the back of microcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase both in the main bourse and venture market this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.81%, the All Share Index by 0.27% and the All Islamic Index by 1.59% this week.The industrials sector index zoomed 1.94%, transport (1.36%) and realty (1.07%), while consumer goods and services declined 1.45%, telecom (0.63%), banks and financial services (0.27%) and insurance (0.23%) this week.Major gainers in the main market included Beema, Ahlibank Qatar, Milaha, Qatar National Cement, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Alijarah Holding, Widam Food, Industries Qatar, Salam International Investment, Gulf International Services, Aamal Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco and Ezdan. In the venture market, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QNB, Zad Holding, Mekdam Holding, Woqod, Qatari German Medical Devices, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing and Nakilat were among the losers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.The foreign funds’ net buying increased substantially to QR105.85mn compared to QR30.34mn the week ended December 7.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded drastically to QR28.96mn against QR9.91mn the previous week.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.16mn compared with net sellers of QR0.41mn a week ago.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR149.66mn against QR143.02mn the week ended December 7.The local retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR3.97mn compared with net buyers QR40.01mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling strengthened marginally to QR0.62mn against QR0.11mn a week ago.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened significantly to QR11.23mn compared to QR63.21mn the week ended December 7.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to tune of QR0.06mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 26% surge in trade volumes to 753.76mn shares, 43% in value to QR2.6bn and deals by 15% to 76,689 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes shot up 32% to 1.86mn equities, value by 23% to QR1.96mn and transactions by 78% to 251.

The US rate hike pause substantially lifted the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which on Thursday saw its key barometer surge 188 points and capitalisation add more than QR10bn..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**A higher than average demand, particularly in the banking counter, led the 20-Qatar Index to gain as much as 188 points or 1.93% to 9,927.72 points.The foreign institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 7.05%.More than 79% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation shot up QR10.21bn or 1.8% to QR573.32bn with large and midcap segments gaining the most.The foreign retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main market, which touched an intraday high of 9,984 points.The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn trade across four deals.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index soared 1.91%, the All Islamic Index by 1.64% and the All Share Index by 1.86% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The banks and financial sector index surged 2.73%, industrials (1.5%), realty (1.49%), insurance (1.34%) and transport (0.6%); while telecom declined 0.39% and consumer goods and services 0.16%.Major losers in the main market included Ahlibank Qatar, Commercial Bank, Dukhan Bank, United Development Company, Qatar Islamic Bank, QNB, QIIB, Masraf Al Rayan, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, QLM, Qatar Insurance and Milaha.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Nakilat, Qatari German Medical Devices, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Lesha Bank, Zad Holding and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign funds were net buyers to the tune of QR80.36mn compared with net sellers of QR0.46mn on December 13.The foreign individual investors’ net buying increased noticeably to QR9.17mn against QR3.76mn the previous day.The local individual investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR6.59mn compared with net sellers of QR0.7mn on Wednesday.The Gulf individuals’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.41mn against QR0.25mn on December 13.However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the tune of QR50.18mn compared with net buyers of QR21.56mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded significantly to QR41.77mn against QR28.94mn on Wednesday.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR4.6mn compared with net buyers of QR4.52mn on December 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh straight session.Trade volumes in the main market more than doubled to 311.38mn shares and value more than doubled to QR1.18bn on 53% increase in deals to 23,771.The venture market saw 5% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.42mn equities but on 8% jump value to QR0.42mn amidst 21% lower transactions at 55.

The Gulf Co-operation Council's (GCC) non-energy sectors are set to drive GDP (gross domestic product) growth in 2024 and the GCC inflation is slated to be around 2.5%, higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).The latest Economic Insight report for the Middle East, commissioned by ICAEW and compiled by Oxford Economics, said the region is expected to defy the global slowdown in 2024 as the non-energy sectors continue to drive growth.The pace of the Middle East’s GDP growth is predicted to rise to 3.2% next year, above the global GDP growth forecast of 2.1%.According to the Q4 (fourth quarter) report, the Middle East economy will expand less than initially expected this year, with GDP growth expected at 1.3%. However, growth will improve in 2024 and outpace most advanced and emerging economies.Projections for the GCC growth this year have been scaled back to 0.7% on large negative contribution from the energy sector amid ongoing curbs in oil production, it said.Highlighting that there are "promising signs" within the non-energy sectors, notably in Saudi Arabia and the UAE; the report said "the GCC's growth is expected to rise to 3.9% next year, primarily propelled by these industries."“The economic outlook this quarter has been significantly hampered by oil output cuts. We now expect GCC oil output to shrink by nearly 5% this year, which makes it the weakest performance since 2009, excluding 2020. However, despite oil production and prices, there remains positive momentum in the non-energy sectors and an overall investment drive across the region to support this growth,” Hanadi Khalife, Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said.The resurgence in travel and tourism across the region has been notably robust, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels in nearly every GCC country, it said, adding Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry continues to thrive, welcoming 27.6mn overnight tourists this year."This is expected to increase further, with a projected 30mn tourists by 2024 and more than 50mn by 2032," the report said, adding the government recently revised its 2030 visitor target to 150mn (both domestic and international), up from the previous 100mn, aiming for the tourism sector to contribute 6% of GDP in the current year and 10% by 2030.The introduction of a unified GCC tourist visa, expected to take effect in 2024 or 2025, will likely further amplify visitor arrivals to the region, according to ICAEW.Scott Livermore, ICAEW economic advisor, and chief economist and managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said the global economic backdrop is weakening as the world enters 2024, with most major economies poised for a significant slowdown."However, there are indicators of optimism for the region. We have seen better than expected recovery in the travel and tourism sector which will continue to drive GDP expansion next year, outpacing global growth forecasts,” he said.The report highlights that the GCC inflation is expected to be around 2.5%, mirroring the average rate expected across advanced economies of 2.4% next year and higher than pre-pandemic levels.Food, housing and services will continue to drive upward inflationary pressures, it added."Despite the relatively benign inflation outlook, most GCC central banks will reflect moves dictated by the Federal Reserve, consistent with the currency pegs to the US dollar. This alignment could result in an extended period of higher interest rates, coming down towards the end of 2024," it said.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday snapped eight consecutive days of bearish spell to gain 13 points, even as capitalisation was on the decline..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**More than 63% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.14% to 9,740.11 points, ahead of the US Federal Reserve’ decision on rates.The transport, real estate and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated marginally to 8.81%.The domestic funds were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation however was down QR0.4bn or 0.07% to QR568.11bn with microcap segments losing the most.The Gulf retail investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels in the main market, which however regained from an intraday low of 9,680 points, even as it touched an intraday high of 9,786 points.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, which saw as many as 6,425 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn trade across two deals.The Gulf institutions’ lower net selling pressure had its say on the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the main barometer in the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.14% and the All Islamic Index by 0.67%, while the All Share Index was down 0.03% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index shot up 1.25%, realty (0.99%) and industrials (0.7%), while telecom declined 0.88%, banks and financial services (0.46%), insurance (0.27%) and consumer goods and services (0.19%).Major gainers in the main market included Beema, Milaha, Qamco, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Doha bank, Qatar National Cement, Industries Qatar, Ezdan and Barwa.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Commercial Bank, QNB, Ooredoo and Medicare Group were among the shakers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR21.56mn compared to QR16.54mn on December 12.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.25mn against net sellers of QR1.24mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net selling decreased significantly to QR28.94mn compared to QR47.59mn on Tuesday.The local individual investors’ net profit booking shrank considerably to QR0.7mn against of QR14.65mn on December 12.However, the foreign funds were net sellers to the extent of QR0.46mn compared with net buyers of QR37.38mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR3.76mn against QR4.49mn on Tuesday.The Arab individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR4.52mn compared to QR5.06mn on December 12.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were down 1% to 125.74mn shares, value by 8% to QR418.99mn and deals by 3% to 15,560.The venture market saw 4% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.44mn equities and 7% in value to QR0.39mn but on 35% jump in transactions to 70.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday continued to be in a bearish phase for the eighth consecutive session, mainly on the Gulf institutions’ increased net profit booking pressure..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**The insurance, real estate, banking and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 10 points or 0.1% to 9,726.75 points.The local retail investors were increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 8.93%.More than 56% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.29bn or 0.23% to QR568.51bn with microcap segments losing the most.The Gulf individuals turned bearish in the main market, which however regained from an intraday low of 9,655 points.The foreign retail investors’ lower net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw as many as 5,025 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn trade across one deal.However, the foreign funds were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining vis-à-vis declines in the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was down 0.1% and the All Share Index by 0.25%, while the All Islamic Index was up 0.06% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The insurance sector index plummeted 1.62%, realty (1.08%), banks and financial services (0.48%), transport (0.45%) and consumer goods and services (0.18%); while telecom and industrials gained 0.73% and 0.53% respectively.Major shakers in the main market include Qatar Insurance, QLM, Untied Development Company, Dlala, Mekdam Holding, Widam, Estithmar Holding, Barwa and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar National Cement, Al Khaleej Takaful, Industries Qatar, Ooredoo and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased drastically to QR47.59mn compared to QR15.45mn on December 11.The local individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR14.65mn against net buyers of QR1.77mn the previous day.The Gulf individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR1.24mn compared with net buyers of QR0.02mn on Monday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR4.49mn against QR5.53mn on December 11.However, the foreign funds were net buyers to the tune of QR37.38mn compared with net sellers of QR3.72mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR16.54mn against QR11.26mn on Monday.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded significantly to QR5.06mn compared to QR0.58mn on December 11.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market grew 21% to 127.61mn shares, value by 41% to QR456.52mn and deals by 24% to 16,120.The venture market saw doubled trade volumes to 0.46mn equities and value soared 40% to QR0.42mn and transactions by 68% to 52.

Apprehensions over the US rate cuts had its dampening effect on the Gulf shores, including the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Monday lost about 43 points in key index and more.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[112014]**than QR3bn in capitalisation.The banking and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.43% to 9,736.35 points.The Gulf institutions continued to be net profit takers but with marginally lesser intensity, in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 8.84%.More than 65% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.45bn or 0.6% to QR569.8bn with small cap segments losing the most.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, which touched an intraday high of 9,797 points.The domestic institutions’ lower net buying also had its say in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across four deals.The Arab individuals’ weakened net buying was visible in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.43%, the All Islamic Index by 0.33% and the All Share Index by 0.56% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The banks and financial services sector index shed 0.87%, industrials (0.44%), consumer goods and services (0.25%), telecom (0.13%) and insurance (0.05%); while transport and real estate gained 0.14% and 0.04% respectively.Major shakers in the main market include Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, QNB, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatari German Medical Devices, Dlala, Masraf Al Rayan, Baladna and Qatari Investors Group.Nevertheless, QLM, Lesha Bank, Widam Food, Mazaya Qatar, Nakilat, Qatar Oman Investment and Aamal Company were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The local individual investors’ net buying declined noticeably to QR1.77mn compared to QR3.01mn on December 10.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened marginally to QR11.26mn against QR12.08mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR0.58mn compared to QR2.61mn on Sunday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR5.53mn against QR6mn on December 10.However, the Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.02mn compared with net sellers QR0.08mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking weakened perceptibly to QR3.72mn against QR7.71mn on Sunday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling decreased marginally to QR15.45mn compared to QR15.92mn on December 10.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 27% to 105.81mn shares, value by 46% to QR323.86mn and deals by 59% to 13,024.The venture market saw a 30% plunge in trade volumes to 0.23mn equities, 36% in value to QR0.3mn and 28% in transactions to 31.

Cybersecurity has never been a barrier to development and artificial intelligence (AI) will offer huge opportunities, even as AI has its own problems, according to a top official of National Cyber Security Agency of Qatar."The cybersecurity or the cyber system was never a challenge or a barrier to development,” Abdulrahman Ali al-Malki, president, National Cyber Security Agency, Monday told Doha Forum 2023,l which concluded Monday.Addressing a panel 'Securing Data in an AI Driven Era', he said when it comes to the AI, it is natural and inevitable, just as it was in the case of development of internet and cloud technologies."We should follow this natural development and to help parties that use AI and work on things that will help them or protect them while using the AI," he said.Highlighting that AI has its own problems, al-Malki said it has certain ethical issues and there was also the risk of misinformation or false information.Stressing that the AI is evolving very quickly, he said "we can agree on framework and the regulations and legislations for those who use AI to get the best results and finding, while protecting their data.""In the future, it is our duty to protect the cyberspace, even when people are using the technology and the AI," he added.Al-Malki highlighted the role of Qatar’s national committee for AI. The committee was established within the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2021.Qatar's AI Strategy is structured around six thematic pillars which together will guide the country to transform itself for an AI+X Future. The moniker “AI+X” refers to the emerging consensus that AI technology will permeate into all secular aspects of human endeavors: health, entertainment, business activity, education and research.Muznah Siddiqui, Global Governance Research and Planning Associate, United Nations University Center for Policy Research, said data forms the bedrock of AI and one of the key challenges will be to develop a parallel process that governs AI."We need to develop systems of governance that are agile," she said, adding it is important for the regulators to govern AI on the basis of human rights.The main challenge, according to her, was how to ensure that governance of AI is truly multi stakeholder and how exactly it will help these partnerships between not only member state but also the private sector, civil society organisations and the technical community.Nudhara Yusuf, executive coordinator of the Global Governance Innovation Network, Stimson Center, said the critical issue with AI is that it is dual technology with massive positive uses.

The India, Middle East and Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will help reduce transaction costs by as much as 30% and set the stage for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), according to a top official of Observer Research Foundation."The IMEC is very important for India and also from the perspective of its integration with the GCC," Dr Nilanjan Ghosh, director, Observer Research Foundation, told Doha Forum Sunday.The proposed IMEC not only creates opportunity but also reduces transaction cost of doing business, he said."We create a much better regulatory framework or unified regulatory framework because in most cases, what happens is that the trading costs are enhanced somehow by differential regulatory frameworks by around 29% to 30%," he said, quoting the World Trade Organisation.The G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023 saw the announcement of IMEC. The European Union, France, Germany, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US pledged to work together to upgrade and harmonise trade infrastructure between India, the GCC and Europe.The indicative estimates suggest that the IMEC could cut the time to send goods from India to Europe by 40% and slash transit costs by 30%.Terming that IMEC as an extension of the UAE-India comprehensive economic partnership agreement signed in 2022, Ghosh highlighted about the complementarities between the economies of India and the GCC in terms of trade.The IMEC represents an important shift in US and EU efforts to promote trade in the Middle East. Unlike past trade initiatives, it encompasses a broader coalition of regional and non-regional participants.He said the proposed IMEC creates product and factor markets, which enhance the scope of investments from the Middle East whether it’s in renewable energy, grain, hydrogen, solar, wind or creating food parks in India.Highlighting the complementarity between India and the GCC, Ghosh said it’s not merely an India-GCC kind of framework because IMEC looks at European market, finally backed up by the US."This creates an entire factor market framework here to cater to the broader product market framework in Europe," he said, adding this is going to be crucial when it comes to the India-GCC relationship."We are fully endorsing the Road and Belt Initiative from China and the last initiative from India to the Gulf and then forward to Europe," Dr Abdulaziz Sager, chairman, Gulf Research Center, said, adding that the GCC considers it important in terms of logistics hubs region wise.Lisa McGeough, co-head, Global Banking Coverage, HSBC, recently said Qatar is ideally placed to take advantage of the IMEC.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) will soon enter into free trade agreement (FTA) with China and the region is in advanced stage of negotiations with South Korea; while it seeks to upgrade agreement with Singapore and is in talks with India as part of deepening and integrating with the Asian economies.Highlighting that the trade amounted to $516bn between the GCC and Asia in 2021, the GCC secretary general Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi said given the high value, there is a need to maintain and strengthen this level."We are now engaged in a very deep (talks) and hopefully very soon, we will conclude our FTA with China," he told a panel discussion ‘Asia and the GCC: A Deepening Partnership’ at the Doha Forum 2023, moderated by Dr Dania Thafer, senior fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs.China and the GCC had held almost a dozen rounds of negotiations during 2005-22 regarding a bilateral FTA. China was seen as the GCC's top trading partner and the leading destination for petrochemical product exports within the grouping."We are also extremely close (to FTA) with South Korea," he said.The ongoing talks over the establishment of a FTA with the GCC reflect a desire among South Korean policymakers. South Korea and the GCC had explored the possibility in 2007, with formal negotiations in 2009, but after three rounds of negotiations that year, there wasn't much progress. The talks were finally revived in 2022 and have since moved rapidly, with three rounds of talks in 2022, and the latest in February 2023.Acknowledging that the GCC is in talks with Singapore with which it already has a FTA; he said the GCC would like to "upgrade" it.The GCC secretary general stressed that strengthening the relationship with Asia does not mean the Gulf countries are moving away from their traditional and historical strategic partners such as the US and Europe.The effort by the GCC to get more engaged and integrated with Asia comes in view of the Gulf countries opening up many new areas and entering into new partnerships, he added.Professor Shuji Hosaka, board member of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) and director of JIME Center, a unit of IEEJ, said it is important to eliminate the barriers between Japan and the Gulf region for which one of the most key factors is FTA."Negotiations between Japan and the GCC will restart next year and the Japanese government and the business circles hope that negotiation will reach a conclusion soon," he said.Finding that the conventional trade relationship is no longer workable, he said in order to maintain the influence in the region, Japan has strengthened its relationship with the Gulf by forming economic ties and Tokyo has achieved this through establishing multilayered strategic partnership with the countries in the region.Dr Abdulaziz Sager, chairman, Gulf Research Center, said 67% of the GCC exports go to Asia, primarily Japan, China, South Korea and India and other Asean countries as it termed the Asian region as the major trading partner.However, "we have not turned to the East rather we are looking at the East", he said, adding investment has been improving a lot between both sides (GCC and Asia) and energy trade relation is improving again in clean energy, hydrogen and other alternatives.Professor Wu Bingbing, Director, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Peking University, said as much as 40% of China's oil needs is met by the GCC. "China has a very strong relationship with the GCC countries and is getting stronger," he added.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday lost more than 69 points and its key index fell below 9,800 levels on the back of selling pressure, especially in the banking sector.The foreign institutions turned net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.7% to 9,778.87 points.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**.The Gulf retail investors were net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 8.45%.About 64% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.14bn or 0.72% to QR573.25bn with small cap segments losing the most.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which touched an intraday high of 9,879 points.The domestic institutions’ lower net buying also had its say in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.08mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.22mn trade across 27 deals.The Arab individuals’ weakened net buying was visible in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.7%, the All Islamic Index by 0.44% and the All Share Index by 0.73% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The banks and financial services sector index tanked 1.14%, followed by consumer goods and services (0.68%), industrials (0.36%), real estate (0.35%) and transport (0.18%); while insurance and telecom gained 0.39% and 0.04% respectively.Major shakers in the main market included QLM, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QNB, Mannai Corporation, Woqod, Qatari Investors Group and United Development Company.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Qatar Insurance, Gulf International Services, Salam International Investment, Qatari German Medical Devices and Estithmar Holding were among the gainers in the main market.In the junior bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions were net sellers to the tune of QR7.71mn compared with net buyers of QR7.21mn on December 7.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.08mn against net buyers of QR0.18mn last Thursday.The local individuals’ net buying declined significantly to QR3.01mn compared to QR10.78mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR12.08mn against QR18.36mn on December 7.The Arab individual investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR2.61mn compared to QR6.21mn last Thursday.However, the foreign individual investors’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR6mn against QR0.43mn the previous trading day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased drastically to QR15.92mn compared to QR43.17mn on December 7.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market plunged 22% to 83.23mn shares, value by 43% to QR221.38mn and deals by 37% to 8,214.The venture market saw a 43% surge in trade volumes to 0.33mn equities, 62% in value to QR0.47mn and 95% in transactions to 43.

A robust double-digit increase in sales of motorcycles, heavy equipment and private vehicles led Qatar's automobile sector maintain a positive course in new registrations and the used market also witnessed brisk activities this October against that in September 2023, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The country witnessed 8,589 new vehicles registered in October 2023, expanding 1.7% month-on-month but shrank 29.6% year-on-year in the review period.The number of driving licences saw a 1% month-on-month jump to 9,276 in October 2023 with those issued to non-Qatari males and females increasing by 2.3% and 1.1%; whereas those to Qatari females and males declining 15% and 12.9% respectively.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 509 units, which zoomed 70.2% on a monthly basis but shrank 20.3% year-on-year in October 2023. These constituted 6% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 196, which constituted 2% of the total registrations this October. Their registrations had seen a 27.3% surge month-on-month, even as it was down 4.4% on annualised basis in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 1,265, which reported 20.1% surge on a monthly basis but declined 35.4% year-on-year in October 2023. Such vehicles constituted 15% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 5,762; which however tanked 5.1% and 18.3% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in September 2023. Such vehicles constituted 67% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.As many as 40 trailers were registered in October 2023, which plummeted 25.9% and 39.4% on monthly and yearly basis respectively. These constituted less than 1% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 817 units, which was up 0.6% month-on-month but plunged 64.7% year-on-year this October. These constituted 10% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 143,288 units, which soared 16.5% on monthly basis but was down 0.1% on an annualised basis in the review period.The renewal of registration was reported in 82,830 units, which saw 17.4% and 10.3% surge month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. It constituted 58% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was seen in 34,369 vehicles in October 2023, which grew 6% on a monthly basis while it decreased 2.9% year-on-year. It constituted 24% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of lost/damaged vehicles stood at 7,363 units, which more than doubled month-on-month but shrank 18% on a yearly basis in October 2023. They constituted 5% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 5,487; which shot up 42.3% on a monthly basis but tanked 13.7% year-on-year in October 2023. They constituted 4% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 2,139; declining 19.5% and 42.7% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. They constituted 1% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,095 units, which nevertheless zoomed 26.6% and 31.6% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023. It constituted 1% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 112 vehicles, which plummeted 36.4% and 25.8% month-on-month and year-on-year respectively in October 2023.

Weak world oil prices and Chinese growth concerns had their dampening effect on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its key index plummet 194 points and capitalisation.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[112014]**erode QR10bn this week. The Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.93% this week, which saw Doha's non-energy private sector see improved business conditions towards the end of 2023, according to the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing mangers’ index.The industrials and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market this week which saw Ooredoo, Zain and TASC create largest tower company in the Middle East and North Africa with valuation of $2.2bn.As much as 73% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Qatar’s banking sector being strategised to launch new products to support growth in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for corporates, special finance for small and medium enterprises and create savings and investment products for expatriates.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw Al-Faleh Educational Holding approach the Qatar Financial Markets Authority to transfer its listing to the main market.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw plans afoot in the Qatar's insurance industry to expand the offerings like life and health and launch climate insurance as well as tailored services for priority sectors as logistics and manufacturing.The Gulf individuals continued to be bearish but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.09mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.19mn trade across 32 deals.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.02mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.17mn change hands across 10 transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute about 68% of the total trade volume.Market capitalisation was seen eroding QR10.1bn or 1.72% to QR577399bn on the back of mid and microcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade volumes and turnover were on the decline both in the main bourse and venture market this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 1.93%, the All Share Index by 1.57% and the All Islamic Index by 2.41% this week which saw robust increase in the container movement and cargo handling in Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports this November on an annualised basis, reflecting the vibrancy in the private sector.The industrials sector index tanked 2.94%, telecom (2.7%), banks and financial services (1.36%), insurance (1.26%), real estate (0.65%), consumer goods and services (0.32%) and transport (0.03%) this week which saw Qatar Plastic and Wooden Products Company, a subsidiary of Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company, commence the plastic bags and wooden pallets project in the Ras Laffan Industrial City.Major losers in the main market included Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatari German Medical Devices, Ezdan, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, Lesha Bank, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Qatari Investors Group, Mazaya Qatar, Vodafone Qatar and Ooredoo. In the venture market, both Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mahhar Holding saw their shares depreciate in value this week which saw Qatar's producers' price index rise in October 2023 but at a reduced pace against the previous month.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Zad Holding, Doha Insurance and Untied Development Company were among the gainers in the main market this week which saw Qatar's hospitality sector register improved rooms' yield in October 2023 year-on-year on higher occupancy.The Gulf institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR143.02mn compared to QR56.09mn the week ended November 30.The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR4.29mn the previous week.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined significantly to QR30.34mn compared to QR77.46mn a week ago.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened drastically to QR63.21mn against QR9.79mn the week ended November 30.The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR40.01mn compared with net sellers of QR28.07mn the previous week.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR9.91mn against QR5.3mn a week ago.The Arab funds turned net buyers to tune of QR0.06mn compared with net sellers of QR0.1mn the week ended November 30.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR0.11mn against QR12.57mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 14% decline in trade volumes to 599.14mn shares and 24% in value to QR1.81bn but on 35% expansion in deals to 66,693 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plunged 84% to 1.41mn equities, value by 82% to QR1.6mn and transactions by 70% to 141.

Plans are afoot in the Qatar's insurance industry to expand the product offerings such as life and health and launch climate insurance as well as tailored insurance services for priority sectors as logistics and manufacturing.These, among other suggestions, were made in the Qatar Central Bank's (QCB) recently launched third financial sector strategy, which called for strong regulatory measures to position insurance and provide effective management of financial and economic risks as Qatar's economy expands and diversifies.The QCB is set to implement reforms to “digital leapfrog” in the insurance sector by developing Insurtech in the country so as to enhance the universe of insurtech players. The strategy suggested "laying out the fundamentals to become the recognised Insurtech hub in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) through necessary reforms and incentivising ventures."Insurtech includes the use of technology innovations to bring in savings and efficiency to the insurance industry model. According to a survey conducted by the Qatar Financial Centre, around 82% of insurance executives in Qatar considered Insurtech to be a significant driver of change in the industry.The financial sector strategy sought to identify select growth areas through expansion of product offerings to cover the full range of insurable risks, which included measures to develop local insurance market through annuities, disability insurance, wage protection, and mortgage protection. It also sought to expand insurance offerings to underserved segments for increased inclusivity.The strategy sought to increase sophistication of insurers’ capital/asset management practices to limit premiums "leakage" and ensure capital flow into Qatar's economy.The strategy "will be achieved through eight initiatives and 41 action items, including 26 priority ones", the central bank said.The QCB highlighted the need to develop a roadmap to boost consumer demand for insurance products by incorporating educational training, incentives and awareness campaigns, emphasising the QCB's "strong stance on the significance of the insurance sector.Highlighting the need for enhancing the share of share of climate risk or green insurance related gross written premiums; the strategy aimed at offering comprehensive and inclusive insurance solutions, while also providing guidelines for the insurance sector to measure their carbon footprint.In order to fortify the retention ratio of premiums, the financial sector strategy sought to review and optimise the operating model and regulatory framework for insurers to improve business operations and efficiency.The strategy aimed at creating “the optimal environment to increase retention by insurers and position Qatar as a preferred destination for the international re-insurance market.”Stressing on the need for increasing the proportion of institutions leveraging central database, the strategy suggested safe data and information management systems and established data reporting processes and standards for transparency and efficiency.

The 17th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemical Association (GPCA) forum concluded yesterday with the active participation of key decision makers and industry experts, and the next session will be held in Muscat, Oman.This year's forum titled 'Mobilising Chemistry for Impactful Transformation' witnessed the ministers and subject experts discuss challenges and issues faced by the industry and also deliberated on low carbon and circular solutions.Inviting members and delegates to the 18th session in Muscat, Salim bin Nasser bin Said al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman, said "we will definitely take the actions and the learnings from this forum and the previous ones and will try to address as much as we can at the next forum,"The Doha forum, which saw keynote address from HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Qatar; Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia; and al-Aufi; acknowledged that chemicals are needed for a sustainable development.The Saudi Arabian oil minister categorically said the petrochemicals segment is a crucial element in the global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and emerged as a driving force in fostering positive changes in the fight against climate change.Earlier addressing the opening session, al-Kaabi outlined three point agenda which includes greater investment in energy efficiency and low carbon innovation and co-ordinated policies and incentives, for equitable, secure and sustainable energy transition, which not only protects earth but also propels economic growth.Various panellists at the meeting of petrochemicals and chemicals grouping were of the view that fossil fuels cannot be wished away, even as the recently concluded COP28 in the neighbouring UAE saw negotiations on “orderly and just" phase out of fossil fuels."As the chemical industry continues to be faced with new challenges and opportunities, our aim has been to facilitate the partnerships and collaboration needed to mobilise the industry around alignment and concrete action on issues such as sustainability, trade, circular economy, plastics waste management and so much more," according to Dr Abdulwahab al-Sadoun, secretary-general, GPCA.Dedicated sessions allowed the audience to engage in immersive discussions, learn about the latest trends in procurement, innovative sourcing strategies focused on localisation and sustainability, the impact of procurement on enhancing the agility and resilience of supply chains.The youth forum, now in its second edition, saw awareness creation on the chemical industry and a holistic networking experience for the more than 400 attendees by bridging the gap between leaders and young professionals.Solutions Xchange, an interactive knowledge-sharing platform that happened parallel with the forum, saw the sponsors and exhibitors come together to address industry challenges and discover practical solutions, Xchange insights, and unlock new possibilities that will shape the chemical industry’s future.

Reflecting the volatile geopolitical situation and concerns on Chinese economy, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday fell 73 points as the Gulf institutions were seen.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[110238]**increasingly into net profit booking.The banks, transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.73% to 9,872.1 points.The foreign institutions turned bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 7.57%.About 76% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.59bn or 0.79% to QR577.28bn with midcap segments losing the most.The Arab individuals continued to be net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which however touched an intraday high of 9,962 points.The local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across 10 deals.The domestic funds were seen bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index lost 0.73%, the All Islamic Index by 0.65% and the All Share Index by 0.72% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The banks and financial services sector index shrank 0.94%, transport (0.79%), telecom (0.78%), industrials (0.67%) and real estate (0.15%); while insurance gained 0.29%. The index of consumer goods and services was rather flat.Major shakers in the main market include Medicare Group, Inma Holding, Masraf Al Rayan, Qamco, Dlala, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Aamal Company, Barwa, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing and Mannai Corporation were among the gainers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Faleh Educational Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR35.85mn compared to QR27.41mn on December 5.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.13mn against net buyers of QR15.68mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR22.12mn compared to QR14.71mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR18.86mn against net sellers of QR1.14mn on December 5.The foreign retail investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR6.53mn compared to QR2.59mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.34mn against net sellers of QR0.02mn on Tuesday.The Arab individuals’ net profit booking weakened considerably to QR0.88mn compared to QR4.47mn on December 5.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.06mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were down 3% to 109.33mn shares, whereas value shot up 6% to QR360.52mn and deals by 5% to 13,827.The venture market saw a 9% contraction in trade volumes to 0.29mn equities and 18% in value to QR0.28mn but on 71% surge in transactions to 36.

Qatar’s banking sector will see the advent of new products to support growth in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for corporates, special finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and savings and investment products for expatriates.Moreover, Islamic and ESG (environment, social and governance) products are also on the pipeline. These figured among the important suggestions made by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in the recently released third financial sector strategy as part of efforts to unlock the full economic potential of the country.The strategy, through which the central bank aims to enhance the financial sector's contribution to QR84bn in gross domestic product, highlighted the select growth areas within the banking pillar such as tailored financing, specialised advisory services and digital banking and payment solutions.The banking pillar suggested launching of new products to support growth ambitions in priority sectors, expansion of trade and export finance for wholesale and corporate segments, developing special financing programmes to support SME growth, offering savings and investment products for the expats to encourage them to invest in Qatar (mortgages and investment products) and providing a range of Islamic and ESG product offerings.The initiative should be to increase financial service solutions to fill gaps and broaden market offerings, including digital and virtual asset service solutions, and net zero transaction offerings, the strategy said.It suggested initiatives to implement targeted market infrastructure guidelines to foster the growth of the fintech industry and facilitate the digital transformation of the banking sector.For improving the financial stability and operational effectiveness, the QCB suggested initiatives to develop measures to enhance the banking system's resilience and establish cybersecurity and business continuity frameworks that adapt to changes in banks' business models, market trends and external risks.On specialised advisory services, the strategy highlighted the need to create sophisticated capabilities to increase non-interest revenues; support local players to grow beyond Qatar and expand abroad; implement mentoring and coaching programmes for SMEs on financing, digital, and green transition; and develop wealth management services for premium retail customers.On digital banking and payment solutions, the strategy is to develop a payment hub with real-time transaction monitoring, fraud detection and to achieve increased efficiency; and expand advanced payment solutions such as digital wallets, virtual cards, and personal financial management tools.The strategy "will be achieved through eight initiatives and 68 action items including 29 priority action items", the central bank said.Highlighting that aspiration and set of outcomes were defined for each strategic step to ensure and measure success, it said the need of the hour is sophisticated and resilient banking sector excelling in diverse financial services and products, providing specialised advisory and structured funding built on regulatory and digital excellence.

The demand for virgin and circular polyethylene is expected to be strong and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is well-positioned to provide feedstocks and has access to wider geographies, according to a top official of Chevron Phillips Chemicals."We expect demand to be strong for virgin polyethylene and circular polyethylene, so there is clearly a push and will be for native materials and then for circular materials. This region is well positioned because it plays an important role in providing feedstocks," Bruce Chinn, president and chief executive officer of Chevron Phillips Chemical told CEOs fireside chat at the 17th annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemical Association (GPCA) forum.The GCC is also well-positioned because it has access to markets, whether it be Europe or Asia, he said, adding it has a long history of partnerships here in the region, he said at the session themed Chemical industry’s role in becoming the ultimate ‘hidden climate champion’.Highlighting that the Gulf region will play a key role in access to capital, he said its partners have demonstrated the willingness to ‘seek growth, recognise growth and invest in growth’.“It's clear the region recognises the challenges of transformation and the role that chemistry will play in that,” Chinn said."There is a potential and growing opportunities for circular economy and we are also focused on low carbon footprint," he said, highlighting that it has set a target of 15% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2030.The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.Chemicals are part of the fabric of the societies, with as much as 96% of everything that is produced needing chemicals. That means, when chemical products become more sustainable, there is a huge multiplier effect, according to GPCA.Peter Vanacker, chief executive officer of LyondellBasell said the global demand for circular products is slated to be 15mn tonnes and supply of 10mn tonnes by 2030, so there is the supply shortage."We need to engage with entire value chain," he said, adding waste management infrastructure is going to be key way to evolve the circular economy.In this regard, he said in Belgium, 60% of the basic waste is being recycled. There are good cases not just in Belgium, but in other European countries where these schemes work fine, according to him.Chinn said collaboration is the key as he highlighted the joint effort of Chevron Phillips Chemical, Technip Energies and LyondellBasell on the design, construction and operation of a demonstration unit for Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology, designed to cut the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the olefins production.Vanacker said plastics are needed for a sustainable future and circular solutions are not going to be replaced in foreseeable future.In mature economies, as much as 50% of the growth is going to be in circular solutions, he added.Dr. Bernd Elser, who leads Accenture's global Chemicals and Natural Resources practices and was the moderator for the fireside chat, said various reports suggest that as much as $200bn worth demand has been estimated for sustainability-related chemicals by 2027.