Latest news with #AshrafSiddiquiDoha
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
ICCI president praises Qatar's progress, highlights bilateral investment avenues
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Nasir Mansoor Qureshi has expressed deep admiration for the country's rapid development, cultural preservation, and business-friendly environment. 'I had a different perception before arriving,' Qureshi shared. 'The development, architecture, and commitment to preserving culture are truly impressive. It's a clean, peaceful country with structured governance and welcoming people.' Qureshi was in Doha to attend the two-day Pakistan International Property Exhibition held on July 25 and 26, 2025, at Holiday Inn Doha. Sponsored by ICCI, the event showcased Pakistan's real estate potential to investors and the wider Pakistani community in Qatar. During his visit, Qureshi met with Dr. Mohamed bin Jawhar Al Mohamed, board member of Qatar Chamber, and other key business leaders. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, promoting joint ventures, and encouraging collaboration between the private sectors of both nations. The two sides acknowledged the growing trade relationship, with the bilateral trade volume reaching QR12.7 billion in 2024. Dr. Al Mohamed emphasised Qatar's welcoming investment climate, modern infrastructure, and supportive legislation—factors that make it an ideal market for Pakistani urged entrepreneurs from Pakistan to explore opportunities and strengthen their presence in Qatar's dynamic economy. While Qureshi's visit to Doha was brief, he acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani community in Qatar and expressed the need to expand their footprint. He suggested that Pakistani entrepreneurs form consortiums rather than pursuing individual ventures, allowing for better investment strength and collaborative success. 'There's vast potential in sectors like food, clothing, and education,' he noted. 'Pakistani brands can make their mark here if we approach it strategically and collectively.' Qureshi also touched on challenges back home, particularly the high cost of doing business and inefficiencies in stressed the importance of regulatory reforms and consistent policy implementation to restore investor confidence in Pakistan. Addressing recent speculation about Pakistani textile firms relocating to Bangladesh, Qureshi clarified that the shift was not widespread, but rather a response to operational hurdles in Pakistan. He called for greater government support to retain and grow key industries.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Swiss entrepreneur invites institutions, individuals from Qatar to Davos event
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Anis Khan, a Swiss national and CEO of Zurich-based Intrapass GmbH, and organiser of the Global SME Summit has called upon Qatari institutions, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders to participate in the event, taking place from September 3–5, 2025, at the Davos Congress Centre, Switzerland. He made the statement while talking exclusively to Qatar Tribune. Originally from Bangladesh, Khan has lived in Switzerland for more than 50 years. A seasoned expert with a distinguished background in aviation security, he founded GSBH with an aim to create a global platform exclusively for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Motivated by the lack of international attention given to SMEs despite their massive contribution, approximately 70% to global economic growth, Khan decided to act. His aim is to give SMEs the visibility, tools, and networks they need to thrive on the global stage. Currently visiting Qatar, Khan intends to meet concerned institutions and entrepreneurs to invite them to the Global SME Summit in Davos. He said that it will be the first of its kind conference dedicated entirely to SMEs in a forum traditionally reserved for large corporations and policymakers. He said that the summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, addressing themes such as access to finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. Khan's personal journey—from arriving in Switzerland with just $200 to leading a successful international business—is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Now, through GSBH, he is building a platform for others to achieve similar success, regardless of background. The initiative has already received strong support internationally, including from institutions in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Italy, and Thailand. Now it is seeking to attract the entrepreneurs from Qatar. Khan has praised Qatar's SME development efforts, especially those led by Qatar Development Bank and Qatar Financial Centre, among others which continue to support youth and technical professionals. 'We urge academic institutions, chambers of commerce, development agencies, and aspiring entrepreneurs—especially youth—to engage with this global movement. Your participation can help shape a future where SMEs are recognized not just as contributors, but as drivers of global economic growth,' Khan stressed. 'Let us come together in Davos to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs,' he concluded
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
New Zealand official urges global AI framework to protect human rights
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand Dr. Stephen Laurence Rainbow has underscored the significance of the discussions that took place at the recently held two-day International Conference on AI and Human Rights in Doha. Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the conference, he noted that the forum offered a nuanced examination of AI's promise and the challenges it poses to human rights and social stability, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, particularly for countries like New Zealand, which may be geographically distant but are eager to forge meaningful partnerships to address pressing global challenges. Dr. Rainbow noted that while AI is already influencing various facets of life worldwide, there remains a gap in developing robust frameworks to balance its opportunities and risks. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive global framework to address the human rights implications of AI. 'This conference is significant because it brings people together to discuss one of the greatest challenges of our time — artificial intelligence and technological disruption,' he said. Dr. Rainbow praised the conference organisers, particularly Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), for their excellent preparation and dedication to ensuring the event's success, calling it an essential contribution to the global conversation on human rights in the era of AI. He also noted that the recent visit of the Qatar Human Rights Committee to New Zealand highlighted the potential for ongoing collaboration in safeguarding human rights and leveraging AI in a responsible manner. Reflecting on a panel discussion he participated in, Dr. Rainbow observed that it offered a balanced exploration of AI's positive impacts, such as in healthcare and education, alongside the serious risks to personal privacy and other fundamental rights. He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar's NHRC for their warm hospitality and for fostering meaningful dialogue that inspires future collaborations and thoughtful responses to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This event marked Dr. Rainbow's first visit to Qatar, and he took the opportunity to explore some of the city's cultural highlights, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif. He was particularly struck by the Souq's energetic atmosphere, bustling with food vendors and serving as a major wholesale market that beautifully reflects Qatar's rich traditions.
