DOHA: Several local banks have approached the banking regulator, Qatar Central Bank (QCB), for permission to open branches in some European and fellow Arab countries. The countries for which permission has been sought include the United States, France, China, Turkey, Egypt, Libya and Sudan, Al Sharq reported yesterday. These banks have already begun negotiations with the banking regulatory authorities of these countries to get the necessary approvals. The banks want to increase investments in these countries and the authorities concerned in these countries have welcomed their initiative and assured of their help. The Arab countries that are particularly excited about the prospects of having the presence of Qatari banks in their midst are those that have witnessed the Arab Spring, the daily said quoting unnamed sources.
Al Sada visits unconventional well site in Texas
Fort Worth: As part of his official trip to the US, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum (QP), travelled to Dallas yesterday, where he and his official delegation visited an unconventional well site in Fort Worth, Texas. The visit was organised by XTO Energy Inc, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. Al Sada is in US on an official five-day trip. On Friday, he addressed the meeting of the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Houston, Texas. The Minister also held meetings with Ryan Lance, CEO of ConocoPhillips; Greg Garland, CEO of Phillips 66; and Peter Cella, CEO and President of Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem). The Peninsula
