Qatar Development Bank (QDB) hosted 10 Qatari companies at a leading global food industry exhibition in Paris recently.

Through its export arm Tasdeer, the firms received high profile visits from public and private decision makers and met with business delegations and trade officials from key export markets around the globe including Kenya and Tanzania at the SIAL, said a statement.

More than 6,000 leading food and agriculture companies from around the world took part in the event, welcoming 150,000 visitors from more than 100 countries.

Of the 10 companies hosted at Qatar’s Pavilion, seven came from Qatar’s food industry, two from the plastics industry and one from the hospitality sector, it said.

Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of QDB, said: "Qatar’s participation in SIAL was impressive and the opportunities were promising. Countless discussions and meetings were held between Qatari companies and businesses from around the world.

"It is clear from our participation at this event that Qatari companies are competitive, garnering great interest from regional and international markets. We will continue to provide Qatari exporters with all the financial and advisory services support they need to reach new markets and drive continued growth in Qatar’s private sector.”

Hassan Khalifa Al Mansoori, executive director of Tasdeer, said: "SIAL provided a powerful platform and invaluable opportunity for Qatari companies to connect with potential buyers and suppliers in key markets around the world.

“It allowed Qatari companies to receive positive exposure in the global market, identify possible opportunities and establish new business partnerships."

"QDB has contributed, through Tasdeer, to strengthening Qatari exports and opening trade opportunities in strategic markets. We are happy with the many discussions held between Qatari companies and business delegations at the conference and we hope these meetings will lead to deals and new business for Qatar’s private sector,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service