Qatar banks partner for SMEs

The Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar National Bank (QNB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) stating the banks will work together on a loan assurance programme for small to medium-size enterprises (SMEs), writes The Peninsula.

The programme, entitled Al Dhameen, is the result of research and market studies conducted by QDB to assess the current obstacles and challenges faced by the SME sector.

The agreement represents the activation of QBD's strategy for supporting SMEs. The institutions say the initiative is the first of its kind in the country.

South Korea has plans to set up an innovation centre in the Gujarat state, seeking involvement in the SME sector, states SME Times.

The state owned Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation and Small and Medium Business Corporation of South Korea are the two agencies that will work out the agreements for the promotion of SMEs between Gajarat and South Korea.

This is a follow up to the MOU between the two corporations signed in 2007. The proposed innovation centre will work to promote business in areas like electronics, automobiles and clean technology.

PLDT-SME Nation recently hosted technology, entertainment and design (TEDx) an event for merging ideas and entrepreneurship at the STI Academic Centre, reports The Philippines Star.

“PLDT-SME Nation is committed to helping SMEs be successful, we are also working to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among a new generation of entrepreneurs,” says PLDT-SME Nation vice-president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde.

CEOs, scientists, creatives, innovators, and philanthropists such as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck, and Bono, have previously participated in TEDx.