The global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) has appointed a new team to oversee its latest project in Qatar.

Izabela Kruk takes on the role of country director, while Simon Gaillard will be the Group’s editorial manager for The Report: Qatar 2017.

Kruk moves into her new post from Nigeria, where she contributed to the Group’s most recent report on the country’s economy. She also brings with her a wealth of experience from conducting research in 12 countries in various regions such as Latin America, Asia, Africa and GCC. Kruk also was actively involved in opening new Oxford Business Group offices in Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Djibouti.

Jana Treeck, OBG’s managing director for the Middle East, said Kruk and Gaillard were taking up their new roles at a pivotal time in Qatar’s development. 

“Our recent GCC CEO survey indicated that business sentiment across the region remains broadly positive, despite the current challenging economic climate,” she said. “Qatar, in particular, has continued to perform well across the economic sectors. The country’s ambitious project pipeline and major events, led by the FIFA World Cup in 2022, will support national efforts to maintain the shift away from a reliance on oil and gas.”

Gaillard said: “While Qatar will undoubtedly face challenges in its efforts to achieve the goals laid out in its National Vision 2030, the initiative also offers tremendous opportunities for investors in emerging sectors of the economy.

“I’m delighted to be joining Oxford Business Group’s team here as the country’s diversification efforts gain pace and analysing the next phase of its growth story for our readers.”

Kruk added that prudent planning and foresight had given Qatar an edge over some other oil-dependent countries in what remained tough times for producers.

“Qatar’s $220 billion infrastructure programme will act as a major driver of long-term growth and help cushion the country against volatile commodity prices,” she said. “With solid macroeconomic fundamentals in place and efforts to enhance the business climate taking shape, Qatar’s outlook appears to be bright.”

The Report: Qatar 2017 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking, energy and other sectoral developments. It will also contain interviews with leading representatives. The publication will be available in print and online. – TradeArabia News Service