QATAR ASSESSMENT OF MEPI WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE

UNCLAS DOHA 000853

SIPDIS
FOR NEA/PI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO ECON QA

SUBJECT: QATAR ASSESSMENT OF MEPI WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE

REF: STATE 115408
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KEY POINTS
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-- Qatari women are increasingly establishing and operating their
own businesses, raising their share of private business in the
country to an estimated 13.4 per cent.

-- The GOQ does not provide any assistance or support that is
tailored specifically for women, so the programming options
described in reftel could be promoted to a significant constituency.


-- Established last year, the Qatari Businesswomen's Forum would be
a logical venue to approach the idea of implementing the Small
Business Initiative for Women. In post's view, "How to Start a
Business" would be the most advantageous program.

End Key Points.


1. Qatari women own and operate 346 firms with a total capital of
USD 6 billion, according to a recent study by the Qatar Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. The study shows that women represent 13.4
per cent of business owners in the country. Recent conversations
with several local businesswomen indicated that women are playing an
increasingly important role in Qatar's business sector. For example:


-- Aisha Al Mutaz, a Qatari woman who owns a candy and flower shop,
told Emboffs that Qatari women are increasingly engaged in business
and expanding their activities to new areas. Al Mutaz said women in
Qatar who used to confine their investments to beauty centers and
cosmetics have recently expanded to real estate, the food industry,
education, and other sectors.

-- Natra Al-Abdulla, a Qatari businesswoman with investments in real
estate, said there is no governmental support that specifically
targets women. However, she added that Sheikha Mozah, consort of
the Amir, strongly encourages and supports the growth of women's
business ownership and spares no efforts in solving their problems
and facilitating their work. An example of the Sheikha's efforts is
the launching of the Qatar Businesswomen's Award, which aims to
identify and pay tribute to Qatari women who make significant
achievements. Another member of the ruling family, Sheikha Al Anoud
bint Khalifa Al Thani, who chairs the Qatari Businesswomen's Forum,
also provides support to the members of the Forum.


2. The Qatari Businesswomen's Forum was established in December 2007
to provide assistance and advice to its members and other women who
are in the process of establishing new businesses. Post believes
that the Forum, the only such association in the country, would be
the appropriate body to implement the Small Business Initiative and
"How to Start a Business" would be the most advantageous program for
the current constituency.

LEBARON