The Qatar Chamber has signed a joint Letter of Intent with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to develop a dedicated center for entrepreneurship and innovation. The strategic agreement aims to bolster the local startup ecosystem and support the growth of socially impactful enterprises in the country.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 6th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum, held in Manama, Bahrain from February 10-11. The agreement was signed by Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansouri, Acting General Manager of the Qatar Chamber, and Hashim Suleiman Hussein, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office.
A Strategic Partnership For Innovation
The new center will be established within the Qatar Chamber, serving as a hub to foster innovative projects and provide support for emerging businesses. This collaboration with UNIDO leverages international expertise to create a robust platform for Qatari entrepreneurs.
The Qatari delegation, led by Al Mansouri, actively participated in the forum, which focused on key topics including social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. The initiative reflects the Chamber’s commitment to creating a dynamic environment where startups can thrive.
Driving Social Entrepreneurship
In his address at the forum, Al Mansouri emphasized the global shift towards new development models that balance economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the growing importance of the social economy as a framework for addressing societal challenges.
“The world is witnessing rapid economic, social, and environmental transformations that require us to reconsider traditional development models,” Al Mansouri stated. “The social economy emerges as an effective model that uses economic activity to serve the community and achieve a tangible social impact alongside financial returns.”
He further noted that the social economy provides a natural incubator for social entrepreneurship, enabling founders to develop innovative projects that tackle real-world issues while maintaining operational efficiency and economic viability.
Aligning With Qatar National Vision 2030
Al Mansouri affirmed that this initiative is a core component of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to enhance social cohesion by empowering individuals and promoting social entrepreneurship. The project aligns with the National Development Strategy 2024-2030, focusing on comprehensive social protection, women’s empowerment, and investment in national talent.
“Qatar’s experience in supporting entrepreneurship, especially with a social dimension, stems from a firm conviction that the private sector is an essential partner in sustainable development,” he added. “Empowering social entrepreneurs contributes directly to achieving human, social, and economic development goals.”
The Qatar Chamber is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsible entrepreneurship, supporting SMEs with a social impact, and encouraging partnerships between the private sector and community organizations to turn innovative ideas into successful, scalable ventures.
About Qatar Chamber
The Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry is one of the oldest chambers in the GCC countries. Since its establishment in 1963, it has been serving the interests of the private sector in Qatar. It plays a vital role in representing, supporting, and protecting the business community in the country, while also acting as a key liaison between commercial enterprises and government bodies.
Source: Marsal Qatar
