The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), has launched Qatar's Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), and in the presence of representatives from the three parties. The launching ceremony also witnessed the participation of senior Qatari founders of industrial companies and manufacturers.
Through this strategic cooperation, MOCI and QDB aim at transforming the State of Qatar into an advanced economic and industrial hub by enhancing its international connections network.
HE Mr. Mohamed Hassan Al Malki, Assistant Undersecretary of Industry Affairs at MOCI, highlighted the importance of this platform for the leaders of industrial institutions in the State, major national companies, and owners of small and medium enterprise (SMEs). Al Malki added: "The industrial sector stands at the forefront of Qatar's priorities in terms of development, as it represents the main pillar of diversifying the national economy. Moreover, the industrial sector comprises a key element for achieving self-sufficiency in the State, and shaping younger generations’ future, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. This platform is a collaborative space to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industrial sector, as well as to exchange visions, ideas, and experiences about the industrial and technological capabilities of our country."
Commenting in the same context, Mr. Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, Acting CEO of QDB, said: "We have taken the first step towards officially positioning our country as an advanced manufacturing hub, as Qatar made its debut appearance in the latest edition of WEF’s Global Network of Advanced Manufacturing Hubs Report. This is sufficient proof of the support QDB and its strategic partners provide to this vital sector. The launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Qatar further cements our position as a regional leader in this area and makes us proud to have exchanged our industrial experiences with other hubs around the world."
He added: "We look forward to having further discussions on how we can best shape our economic future over the next few weeks as we contribute to diversifying Qatar’s economy and bringing the country closer to achieving its national vision."
Among Qatar AMHUB's tasks is to hone the manufacturing system in the State, by enhancing its efficiency and accelerating its growth. Thus, Qatar AMHUB would transform into a niche, comprising a collaborative space and a community where the manufacturing industry leaders come together to discuss the most important challenges and the latest international industrial developments, particularly the aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (digital revolution). The Hub also invests in QDB’s network of relationships and partnerships with other manufacturing platforms around the world.
Mr. Francisco Betti, Head of the Platform for Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing Value Chains at WEF, said: “We are extremely pleased to deepen our collaboration with QDB and MOCI as well as the Qatari industry sector, as we welcome Qatar into the Global Network of Advanced Manufacturing Hubs. Through this collaboration, we will leverage our global community to build new pipelines for learning and inspiration, amplify the work already being driven to accelerate the manufacturing ecosystems in the region, and work together to shape a future for global manufacturing and value chains that is inclusive and sustainable.”
Following the launch and activation of the Hub, a closed roundtable session, as well as an SME gathering, will be held.
Qatar's AMHUB is one of 13 platforms launched by WEF worldwide and aims at enhancing the future of the international industrial sector through knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences while empowering manufacturers to tackle challenges such as labor issues, government policies, and pressing environmental and climate challenges.
AMHUB includes members of the public and private sectors, businessmen, and SME founders, in addition to a number of elite academic institutions that study the opportunities and challenges facing the industrial sector.
Source: Government of Qatar