.jpg)
Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), in collaboration with QNB Financial Services and HSBC, yesterday opened a 2-day roadshow in London to enhance investor relations between international investment institutions and Qatari listed companies. The forum was attended by H.E. Yousef bin Ali Al-Khater, Qatar Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The forum was designed to complement the companies’ ongoing investor relations activities through providing an opportunity for the senior management of listed companies to meet key decision makers from a number of the world’s largest international fund managers.
H.E the Ambassador stressed that the forum contributes to strengthening economic and investment relations between Qatar and the UK, given the fact that Qatar is an important partner for the United Kingdom.
“This forum certainly reflects the strong economic ties between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar by virtue of the partnership agreement signed between Qatar and the UK during the official visit of H.H the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the UK in October. This agreement strengthened and opened up the prospect of further economic cooperation between the two countries,” H.E the Ambassador commented in a press interview.
Mr. Rashid bin Ali Al-Mansoori, CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange, delivered an introductory speech, in which he stated that these meetings, which aim at shedding light on the achievements of Qatar''''s economy and listed companies, are part of QSE ongoing efforts to occupy a leading role in the international capital markets.
"Over the past few years, Qatar Stock Exchange has achieved significant growth. Whilst young (only 18 years) it is now a well-established national institution that include profitable listed companies and offers various investment opportunities for local and international investors wishing to benefit from the success story of Qatar''''s economy and the. We look forward to working with corporates and investors alike in advancing this role for the benefit of all Qatar’s stakeholders," Al-Mansoori stated.
“Last year’s inclusion in the MSCI and S&P emerging market indices saw a net inflow of [US$1.25 billion) and a near trebling in average daily turnover,” Al-Mansoori added.
Mr. Al-Mansoori also highlighted the macro and strategic story of Qatar and why there is a strong investment thesis in Qatar, adding that despite the recent marked decline in oil prices as the government continues to invest heavily in the non-hydrocarbon sector.
He added that in addition to ongoing work on the infrastructure side, Qatar has taken concrete steps to improve access to foreign investors pursuant to the Emiri Decree in 2015, rising the foreign ownership limit in Qatari stocks.
Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Emadi, Listing Director of Qatar Stock Exchange, sated that day 1 of the forum was very successful and witnessed active participation, adding that the representatives of the international portfolio managers have shown great interest in investing in Qatari corporates listed on Qatar Stock Exchange and discussed various aspects related to operational activities and future prospects, financial indicators for these companies, during dozens of solitary meetings that all of them brought together with representatives of the Qatari joint stock companies to participate the meeting.
"This forum is an expression of our ongoing commitment to enhance transparency, disclosure and investor relations. Based on that, QSE recently launched an exchange-driven IR awards programme to recognise excellence but also inspire progress by our listed companies," Al-Emadi added.
