Doha: A senior World Bank official has said Qatar has the foundations needed to emerge as a leading regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, citing its strong investment capacity, skilled workforce and strategic geographic position.
World Bank Group (WBG) Country Manager for Qatar, Holly Welborn Benner, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the country possesses many of the key ingredients required for a thriving start-up ecosystem, including access to capital, innovative entrepreneurs and strong connections to local, regional and international markets.
She said these advantages place Qatar in a strong position to accelerate the development of an integrated and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Benner's comments came alongside the launch of the Innovative Startup Ecosystem report, produced in cooperation with the Qatar-US Business Council. She said the initiative supports Qatar's efforts to strengthen its start-up sector, which she described as a key component of the country's National Vision 2030 strategy.
According to Benner, entrepreneurship and innovation will play an important role in advancing economic diversification, supporting sustainable growth and creating employment opportunities.
She noted that the report provides a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of Qatar's start-up landscape and offers a series of practical recommendations aimed at accelerating growth within the sector.
The World Bank Group's Doha office is also seeking to deepen cooperation with government institutions and private-sector partners to support innovation and entrepreneurship, she said, while helping to develop emerging industries that could drive economic growth in the years ahead.
Qatar has increasingly prioritized innovation, technology and private-sector development as part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues and build a more diversified knowledge-based economy.
