Qatar Islamic Bank ( QIB ), the largest Islamic bank in Qatar, is launching a new programme aimed specifically at providing special services to the country’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and offering them exclusive financial benefits, guidance and advice.
The programme, to be known as Aamaly, aims at supporting SMEs, who are recognised as one of the main contributors in innovation and job-creation within Qatar, and their key role in creating a sustainable economy for the country’s future generations, as laid out in Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
QIB has created a special department for Aamaly, with highly experienced executives to run the scheme.
Benefits for SMEs will include the provision of dedicated relationship managers, a wide branch network including special SME-centric banking centres, 24-hour banking including a dedicated call centre line, payroll services, cash and cheque collection, overnight vaulting and time deposits, together with flexible financing options tailored to the needs of SMEs.
For the first time in Qatar, QIB is introducing specific sectors’ related packages to meet the different needs of SMEs starting with the key sectors of construction, trading and services.
For each sector QIB is offering tailored package and discounts on the most relevant products such as: letters of guarantee in the construction sector; export letters of credit in the trading sector; and discounted rates for equipment & machinery financing, as well as preferential rates for payroll services in the services sectors.
In addition there are more features that SME clients will enjoy such as free debit and credit cards, complimentary cheque books and discounted fees on transfers as well as many other offers.
Bert de Ruiter (pictured), General Manager — Wholesale Banking Group, explained that for some time QIB has been at the forefront in its support of the local economy by financing SMEs who are becoming the engine of the economy.
“A significant part of QIB ‘s strategy is to provide Islamic financing solutions for all our customers and now we are proud to introduce a unique programme dedicated to serving the different sectors by offering them tailored made packages to meet their different needs,” he said.
“Now, with the services and products QIB will be providing under Aamaly, small and medium sized enterprises and their entrepreneurs can be sure that they will get unprecedented attention, so they can concentrate on their businesses, rather than worry about their financial requirements. At QIB we are committed to providing SMEs within Qatar easy, convenient and reliable business banking,” Bert de Ruiter added.
In December, QIB received two awards at the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2012 for its engagement with Qatar Development Bank’s ‘Al Dhameen’ programme, which supports and encourages SMEs in their start up and early development phases. Recognising its potential, QIB was the first Islamic bank to sign up for the programme in 2011.
Peninsula
