HEC Paris in Qatar takes lead at France-GCC business forum

Experts during the roundtable at Vision Golfe conference.

Doha, Qatar: HEC Paris in Qatar took centre stage at a France-GCC business development event held recently in Paris.

The leading business school joined a roundtable at Vision Golfe, an innovative platform dedicated to enhancing business collaboration between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Dr. Pablo Martin De Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar, moderated a roundtable discussion focused on ‘Doing Business in the Gulf Countries’.   The panel included Sherif Shawki, Regional Tax Leader, PWC; Mohamed Ben Laden, President, Conseil d’Affaires Franco-Saoudien; Khaled Abbas, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Gulf International Bank; Kamal Rhazali, Secretary General and General Counsel of the Accor Group’s Luxury and Lifestyle division, and Co-President of Qadran, the Franco-Qatari economic circle, represented by Nathalie Demol Belondrade, Director Legal of Katara Hospitality and founding board member of Qadran, and Jamal Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investor Council.

Participants shared views on the improvements GCC countries have made to their business environments, which have spurred rapid economic growth. They also highlighted the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Commenting on the event, Dean Martin de Holan said: “Establishing robust partnerships based on trust, leveraging innovation and prioritising sustainability are key factors for success in today’s dynamic business in the GCC. The significant accomplishments of HEC Paris in Qatar and the GCC over the past 13 years showcase the immense potential for French organisations when they embrace a culture of collaboration and mutual understanding in a very dynamic region that fosters cross-sector cooperation. HEC Paris is proud of its presence in Qatar and the Gulf with world-class programs.”  The Vision Golfe conference was organised by Business France, on June 13 and 14 at the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.