For a second consecutive year, Al Khalij Commercial Bank (Al khaliji) Q.S.C sponsored the annual knowledge sharing forum of the Doha Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The local chapter of the Institute has been very active in Qatar, with regular seminars by professionals on a wide range of topics.

The Doha Chapter has over 250 members holding positions in both local and international organizations in the country from all business sectors. The seminar was held on October 12th at the Four Seasons Hotel under the theme 'Strategic Decision Making, Project Financing and Green Building Concept.'

"Not only do we want to network with business leaders- but we at Al khaliji have made a firm commitment through our Corporate Social Responsibility program to put something back into the community that we operate in. We believe that CSR extends beyond charity and requires that a responsible company will take into account the impact on all stakeholders and on the environment when making decisions," said Robin McCall, Al khaliji Group Chief Executive Officer in his opening statement. 

Eng. Issa Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), spoke on the role played by QGBC to provide Qatar with a sustainable future. He explained that QGBC's vision is to provide leadership and collaboration for Qatar in guiding and adopting environmentally sustainable practices for green building design and development. 

The ICAI - Doha Chapter seminars are considered to be one of the most important meetings held in Qatar for the financial sector as it attracts professionals from across the country to witness presentations by leading experts in the field. Previous topics have included subjects such as corporate governance, leadership and global mergers & acquisitions.

"We are committed to the development and growth of Qatar's Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, in line with Qatar's 2030 Vision of diversifying the local economy," said Satish Kumaraswami, Group Head of Business Banking. He further added. "With a very fluid and ever-changing global financial environment, it is very important for authorities in related fields to stay on top of current challenges and know how to deal with the repercussions and potential fallout. We regularly encourage professionals from both the public and private sectors to participate in these debates."

Mr. Mian Ehsanulla, the Head of Public Sector and Liability Management at al khaliji, spoke at the event on 'Project Financing Trends and Capital Raising - A Practical Perspective.'

"At al khaliji, we are well positioned to discuss the topic from a practical standpoint," said Mr. Ehsanulla. "We already have a significant portfolio of projects that we have financed - including the largest power and desalination plant in Qatar - and we are delighted to have shared our hands-on experience with project financing and capital raising with the attending audience." 

Mr. Sunder Ramakrishna, Management Consultant spoke on Strategic Decision Making. "Any organization must have a credo in order to achieve success and must unfailingly adhere to it in all circumstances. Change is eternal and the organization must be willing to change everything about itself except these beliefs", he said. 

Mr. G Ramaswamy, President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Mr. Jaydeep Shah, Vice President ICAI, the guests of honour, addressed the gathering. They updated the Chapter members on the proposed reforms in the regulations governing the profession in India and abroad. They also spoke about the possibility of ICAI partnering with the Qatari Authorities in forming an Accounting body that will regulate the profession of accounting and auditing in Qatar. CA Ramaswamy also updated the members about the recently concluded Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) signed with the Accounting Bodies of England & Wales, Canada and Australia. 

Earlier Chapter Secretary Mr. Sheji Valiyakath welcomed the participants and Chapter Chairman Mr. Girish Jain introduced the guests of honour and the keynote speakers. In his address Mr. Jain said, "We are thankful to the management of Al khaliji Bank for partnering with our Chapter in the conduct of such knowledge sharing sessions every year as part of its Corporate Citizenship strategy. The topics delivered by the theme are very relevant to the members and the business community at large. We are pleased to see more than 300 members and guests at the event." Chapter Vice Chairman Mr. Venkat Ramamurthy proposed the vote of thanks.

Al khaliji's support for ICAI's annual meetings falls within the bank's general corporate citizenship strategy that aims to support education, enhance business knowledge, and build awareness in the local business community.