Sunday March 7, 2021 Rajab 23, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5199 QR 2

Fajr: 4:36 am Dhuhr: 11:45 am fine Asr: 3:07 pm Maghrib: 5:40 pm High : 26°C LOW : 18 °C Isha: 7:10 pm

Nation 16 Business 8 Sports 11 Mariam Al Misnad appointed Lower provisions going forward Federer arrives in Doha, to face early DI Executive Director to boost CB’s earnings: QNBFS test in Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Amir graces Qatar Total Open final Father Amir, Sheikha Moza attend Longines Global Champions Tour final

Amir congratulates president of Ghana QNA Doha

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratula- tions to President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo on the anniver- sary of his country’s Inde- His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final of the pendence Day. 19th Qatar Total Open 2021 for women’s tennis at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday. HH the Amir watched the final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Spain’s Garbine Muguruza. Petra Kvitova won the match 6-2, 6-1. Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Presi- dent HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the Czech player with the championship cup and the Spanish player with the runners-up cup. A number of sheikhs, ministers and tennis fans attended the Qatar condemns final match amid precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).(QNA) QNA pions Tour showjumping De Luca in the second place. Doha competition organised by Al The Canadian rider Eric Afghan blasts Shaqab, a member of QF, on Lamaze finished third. His Highness the Father Amir Saturday. Qatar Olympic Com- Qatar has condemned the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Sheikha Moza crowned mittee (QOC) President HE two explosions that took Thani and HH Sheikha Moza the winners of the top places, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad place in the southern and bint Nasser, Chairperson of where the Belgian rider Niels Al Thani, a number of sen- eastern Afghanistan, killing Qatar Foundation for Educa- Bruynseels on the horse ior officials, and equestrian several people including the tion, Science and Community Delux van T & L won the fans, attended the final day head of the National Directo- Development (QF), attended Grand Prix, which was held competitions amid precau- rate of Security (NDS) pros- the conclusion of the three- at the height of 1.60 m with tionary measures to limit ecutors’ office in Helmand. day first round competitions a jump-off round, followed the spread of the coronavi- In a statement on Saturday, of the Longines Global Cham- by the Italian rider Lorenzo rus (COVID-19). page 12 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm posi- tion of rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reasons. The statement offered Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the Local agri product yards government and people of Afghanistan. (QNA) see record sales in Feb Qatar condemns Sheikh Joaan crowns Kvitova as 2,191 tonnes of fresh local vegetables sold in February Somalia attacks QNA The quantity of fodder marketed through Qatar has condemned the two 2021 Qatar Total Open champion Doha the yards amounted to 22,818 bags of barley, attacks that targeted a res- 1,800 packages of rhodes fodder, 2,374 bags of taurant in the Somali capital, Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned Petra Kvitova The local agricultural product yards have seen concentrated fodder, and 15,894 bags of barley Mogadishu, and a prison in the of the Czech Republic as the champion of the 19th Qatar Total Open 2021 for women’s tennis fol- record sales in February. fodder. city of Bosaso, in the north of the lowing her victory over Spain’s Garbine Muguruza at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash A total of 2,191 tonnes of fresh local vegeta- One of the most important features of country, which left dozens dead Complex on Saturday. Kvitova defeated Muguruza 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and six minutes to seal the bles, 624 tonnes of fruits, 867 kilograms of local sales and supply during the month was the and wounded. In a statement on victory. This is the second title for the 30-year-old Czech player in the Qatar Total Open after her dates, 694 kilograms of local honey and 1,169 emergence of many Qatari vegetables, in- Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign victory in 2018, when she also defeated Muguruza 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the final game. Kvitova has kilograms of Qatari mushrooms were sold in cluding tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, pep- Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm won her 28th career title including two Wimbledon trophies. In 2020, Kvitova lost the Qatar Total the yards last month. pers, leaves, cabbage, zucchini and others, position of rejecting violence and Open final match to the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in two clean sets 6-3, 6-3.(QNA) page 11 A total of 1,286 heads of sheep and goats all of which were popular with consumers, terrorism, regardless of the mo- were sold in the local product yards. Similarly, indicating an increase in production during tives and reasons. (QNA) 913 birds and 1,076 egg trays were marketed. this season.

734 face action for flouting 460 more test positive COVID-19 protocols for COVID-19: MoPH QNA Qatar on Saturday reported Doha 460 new coronavirus (COV- ID-19) cases -- 417 from THE designated authorities on community and 43 from Saturday referred 734 people to travellers returning from the Public Prosecution for violating abroad, the Ministry of Public the preventive and precautionary Health (MoPH) said in its measures enforced by the country to daily report. contain the spread of the coronavirus Also, 293 people recov- (COVID-19). ered from the virus in the the virus, taking the death QFFD, QRCS build medical While 705 people were referred past 24 hours, bringing the toll in the country to 262. The to the Public Prosecution for not total number of recoveries in MoPH said all the new cases wearing masks in places where they Qatar to 155,700. have been introduced to isola- capacity in northern Syria are mandatory, 14 were found violat- Cabinet decision, Decree Law No 17 Sadly, 52-year-old woman, tion and are receiving neces- With funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society ing the rule of maximum four people of 1990 on infectious diseases, and who received the necessary sary healthcare according to (QRCS) is implementing a project to build the capacity of health workers in northern in a vehicle including the driver, ex- the precautionary measures in force medical care, succumbed to their health status. (TNN) Syria, under the QUEST Health 2020 initiative. Recently, examinations were held at cept when they are members of one in the country to contain the spread the Academy of Health Sciences in northern Syria, upon the completion of a training family. Eight others found to be not of COVID-19. programme to build the capacity of local medical professionals, to be qualified to adhering to the safe distance norm. The designated authorities provide specialized health care services for the internally displaced persons and host Action was also taken against seven called on the public to adhere to the communities. The project involves several components to support the health sector people for not installing Ehteraz app precautionary measures in place to in the region with qualified medical professionals, who will educate new students in on their mobile phones. ensure their safety and the safety of Democrats agree to move ahead three medical specialties: nursing, emergency, and physiotherapy. page 16 The measures are in line with the others. on COVID-19 relief bill (PG 7) 02 Sunday, March 7, 2021

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Quick read Deputy Amir congratulates Africa women group applauds Qatar for president of Ghana

The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President of Ghana helping all in COVID-19 vaccination drive Nana Akufo-Addo on the anniversary of his country’s Independ- ence Day. (QNA) ‘Qatar’s proactive PM congratulates president of Ghana approach to secur- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin ing vaccine agree- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo on the anniversary of his ments has proven country’s Independence Day. (QNA) highly effective’ CATHERINE W GICHUKI DOHA

The Africa Women Diplo- Education ministry matic Group has praised Qa- tar’s government for making COVID-19 vaccine accessi- organises workshop ble to all regardless of their nationality or status in the society, and for offering hu- on importance of manitarian support to other countries during the pan- demic. international exams A majority of the mem- bers of the Africa Women QNA Diplomatic Group have al- Doha The workshop also dealt ready received their first dose with how to communicate of the vaccine. The Ministry of Education with parents to inform In a statement through Africa Women Diplomatic Group members in a group photo and Higher Education (MoE- them about the nature of their new President Etta HE), represented by the De- international tests and Toure, wife of Ambassador of countries and international continued humanitarian as- firstcountries to purchase ments with Qatar; to act as partment of Private Schools Guinea to Qatar, the women organisations is a testament sistance to many of our coun- these vaccines. The Pfizer- point of contact and encour- Affairs, in cooperation with their importance said, “The Africa Women to the empathy and altruism tries at this time,” she said. BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine age friendship between mem- Al-Arqam Academy for Girls, Diplomatic Group wishes to of the State of Qatar.” According to her, when was granted emergency use bers and local Qatari people, organised a workshop on in- convey its appreciation to the Toure said that Qataris the first case of COVID-19 authorisation in December enabling a better understand- ternational exams, through particular. government of Qatar for its and expatriates who have was confirmed in Qatar last 2020 and in February 2021, ing of the host country and video conferencing. She stressed the impor- continued efforts, especially come from many parts of year, the government of im- the government issued emer- represented countries; and to This comes within the tance of international tests for the equal protection of the world to live in Qatar are mediately sprang into action. gency use authorisation for promote international fellow- framework of the recent that reflect the effective- citizens and all residents in blessed and lucky because the She reiterated how the Moderna’s COVID-19 vac- ship, friendship and good- preparations for the Private ness of the curricula applied a robust health system. We government of Qatar’s con- government undertook ag- cine, the second vaccine,” will by developing among its Education Affairs Sector of in basic skills, methods of are also fully cognisant of the tinued efforts to combat the gressive testing, health edu- Toure said. members an appreciation the Ministry of Education teaching and application, government of Qatar’s gen- COVID-19 pandemic, which cation campaigns and other The Africa Women Diplo- and understanding of life and and Higher Education for stressing that their results erosity in humanitarian as- is something phenomenal. measures to counter and matic Group is composed of culture of different national the participation of private constitute a benchmark to sistance to Africa and other “Qatar’s proactive ap- contain the outbreak of COV- the wives of the African am- groups. schools in the Programme evaluate the educational parts of the world in times of proach to securing vaccine ID-19. bassadors and heads of mis- Before Etta Toure, the for International Student As- systems of the participating need. agreements has proven highly “As soon as the multi- sions that are accredited to spouse of the South African sessment (PISA) test 2021. countries. “The continued contribu- effective. The Africa Women national pharmaceutical Qatar. ambassador to Qatar Anika At the beginning of the The workshop also dealt tions to international efforts Diplomatic Group applauds industry began to develop The group was created to Moosa was the president of workshop, consultant at with efforts of all parties to to address the COVID-19 pan- the government of Qatar not COVID-19 vaccines, the gov- support the efforts of Afri- the group. She is currently the Department of Private the educational process and demic by providing humani- only for the fight against COV- ernment of Qatar ensured can ambassadors and heads the head of Spouses of Head Schools Affairs and a mem- how to communicate with tarian assistance to needy ID-19 in Qatar, but also for its that Qatar was among the of missions in their engage- of Mission (SOHOM). ber of the International Ex- parents, being essential part- aminations Committee Il- ners in the educational pro- ham Al Qayed praised the cess, informing them about efforts of private schools in the nature of international the educational field and tests and their importance, the honourable results they and their role in cooperation Education ministry set to participate in ‘Doha, achieved in the field of edu- with the Academy to moti- cation in general and in in- vate children to participate ternational examinations in seriously in these tests. Capital of Culture in Islamic World’ activities

QNA with Islamic World Educa- and its position in encourag- ments and human values of Doha tional, Scientific and Cul- ing cultural activities. the culture and ancient his- tural Organization (ISESCO) She added that Qatar’s tory of Qatar. The Ministry of Education and Qatar National Commis- acceptance to host the ac- The ministry has also and Higher Education (MoE- sion for Education, Culture tivities in light of the excep- prepared a full programme HE) has announced its par- and Science, as well as a tional circumstances due to to celebrate the occasion in ticipation in the activities of number of strategic partners the coronavirus (COVID-19) coordination with the stra- Doha, the Capital of Culture in Qatar. pandemic is a noble position tegic partners in the coun- in the Islamic World, which Speaking on the role of towards it to strengthen cul- try throughout the year with will start on Monday, as a Qatar in promoting and en- tural relations and contrib- many activities and events strategic partner. couraging Arab culture, Head ute to conveying its message that reflect the long history The activities will run of the Public Relations De- Arab and Islamic culture, to the world. of Doha and its legacy, and throughout the year 2021 partment at the Ministry of stressing that choosing Qatar The activities to be or- the cultural components and under the supervision of Education and Higher Educa- as the capital of culture comes ganised by the ministry aim many Islamic features that the Ministry of Culture and tion Aisha Abdullah Kafoud in recognition of its great role to highlight the cultural Qatar has that reflect its Is- Sports and in cooperation said Qatar seeks to promote in promoting Arab culture, diversity, historical monu- lamic character. Ooredoo, UK firm partner to ensure children, young people’s online safety New partnership with SafeToNet brings time, before harm is caused, SafeToNet offers a multi- to do whatever we can to en- and are given advice and award-winning service sure safety and security. UK safeguarding solution to Qatar guidance via the technology. “This new partnership fits Ooredoo customers can designed to safeguard perfectly with both our cor- download the SafeToNet app children and young people porate social responsibility Tribune News Network people while online and keep and either have their sub- while online and keep strategy and our commitment Doha them safe from online threats scription fees added to their them safe from online to complete digitalisation. Of such as cyber-bullying, online existing Ooredoo bill via in- threats such as cyber-bul- course, we want to encour- Ooredoo has announced a abuse and aggression, via an carrier billing or have the fees lying, online abuse and age our younger citizens to new partnership with award- educational approach to safe- deducted from their main aggression, via an educa- experience everything the winning UK cyber-safety ser- guarding supported by digital credit balance if prepaid. internet has to offer, but we vice SafeToNet to promote wellbeing content. As part of the partnership, tional approach to safe- want them to stay safe while and ensure online safety for Using artificial intelli- Ooredoo and SafeToNet will guarding supported by dig- they do so. Teaming up with children and young people. gence, SafeToNet provides work together to educate chil- ital wellbeing content. SafeToNet enables us to ful- The partnership brings real-time advice and guidance dren and young people on the fil both aims in tandem, and customers in Qatar a new to ensure children are steered importance of cyber-safety as such, entirely supportive of we look forward to a lengthy digital safeguarding technical away from harm, while pro- with the aim of teaching them our children and young peo- partnership for the benefit of solution to keep children and tecting their right to privacy how to become safer digital ple becoming true digital citi- our younger customers and young people safer online. and independence. Children citizens. zens. However, we recognise their families.” The British company Saf- using SafeToNet use a pio- Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, that online communities and Customers can find more eToNet offers a multi-award- neering keyboard that relies director PR at Ooredoo, said: resources can pose risks, es- information on SafeToNet winning service designed to on artificial intelligence to “At Ooredoo, we’re pioneers pecially to younger users, and and download the app, at saf- safeguard children and young detect and filter risks in real of the digital revolution and, we shoulder a responsibility etonet.com. Nation Sunday, March 7, 2021 03 QDB, M7 launch Qatar’s first fashion and design business incubator ‘Scale7’ Tribune News Network Msheireb Downtown Doha. “We are elated to announce the fashion and design busi- community. QDB will also nars, leading industry speak- celeration’ phase, which was Doha M7 serves as a creative eco- the launch of Scale7, the first ness incubator, Scale7, is the work on connecting Scale7 ers will share their secrets held in Milan. This repre- system that supports Qatar’s business incubator for crea- culmination of a joint effort innovators with potential in- of success and inspire the sented the cohort’s first inter- Qatar Development Bank aspiring design, fashion and tives in Qatar, which will be with QDB to support Qatari vestors, clients and partners talented entrepreneurs to national experience, which (QDB) and M7, a creative tech entrepreneurs through the first and most important entrepreneurship and emerg- in Qatar. take their brands forward. offered them a platform to start-up hub operating un- business incubation, train- platform to enhance the role ing SMEs. The initiative aligns Through Scale7, entre- In addition, various joint interact with elite designers, der Qatar Museums (QM), ing and connections to in- of enthused entrepreneurs with M7’s role to advance Qa- preneurs will be able to par- events and fashion shows manufacturers and interna- have announced the launch of dustry leaders. In addition, and aspiring Qatari design- tar’s spirit of innovation and ticipate in a 10-week training will enable entrepreneurs to tional project managers. LFP Scale7, a business incubator the creative hub aims to ers in creating and producing creativity, contribute to the programme on how to launch showcase their talent to the was the springboard from for innovative entrepreneurs stimulate creativity among all Qatari brands in the field of diversification of the econo- and grow projects with the influential audiences within which Scale7 was conceived. in Qatar. segments of the wider com- fashion, design and related my, and promote the nation participation of prominent the sector. Scale7 is considered the Scale 7 aims to develop munity through exhibitions, technology. The incubator will on the world stage.” mentors and successful in- The resounding success fourth incubator QDB has co- and nurture a creative and performances, films, educa- provide the creative entrepre- QDB will deliver training, dustry leaders, with the aim of the Lean Fashion Program founded, and is the latest ini- artistic ecosystem to incubate tional programmes and pub- neurs with all the tools, know- mentoring and organising of providing them with a (LFP), launched by Qatar tiative in the bank’s efforts of and support Qatari entre- lic discussions. M7 also opens how and expertise necessary seminars and workshops on comprehensive understand- Business Incubation Center expanding its incubation & preneurs, small and medium channels of communication to help them develop their the technical aspects of busi- ing of how to operate a suc- (QBIC), motivated countless acceleration footprint. This enterprises (SMEs) and pio- and fosters collaborative op- ideas from initial concepts to ness management, providing cessful business in the fash- local entrepreneurs and de- launch follows the tremen- neering emerging industries portunities between design- final products that can com- support tailored to suit the ion industry, and enabling signers to venture into the dous success Qatar Business in the fields of fashion, design ers in Qatar and the rest of pete in local, regional and ever-changing needs of entre- them to transform their ide- fashion and design industry. Incubation Center has en- and technology. the world. global markets.” preneurs, in addition to of- as into Qatari fashion brands Through the programme, joyed, as well as the recent Scale7 is located in M7 Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Ahmad Musa Al Namla, fering networking opportu- with global aspirations. several entrepreneurs quali- impact of Qatar SportsTech premises in the heart of Khalifa, CEO, QDB, said, CEO, QM, said, “The launch of nities with the local business Through a series of semi- fied to participate in the ‘ac- & Qatar FinTech Hub. Aspetar thanks medical staff for their efforts in safe reopening of sport activities in Qatar Tribune News Network success of reviving a sporting Doha life should be proud of it. “I would like to thank As- Aspetar, Orthopedic and petar employees and officials Sports Medicine Hospital in for their professionalism and Qatar honoured its medical passion. The commitment staff involved in the safe re- shown, and sacrifices made sumption of sports competi- through our partners have tions during the COVID-19 really made a significant 19 pandemics, at a virtual change. It’s a day to acknowl- DPS-MIS junior girls win ceremony held on Tuesday edge their efforts. with the participation of Qa- “Aspetar is a landmark tar Football Association and in sports medicine. Togeth- Qatar Preparatory School Qatar Stars League (QSL). er, we’ve published the first The ceremony was at- medical research that shows Debate League-II for girls tended by Secretary General how much work and efforts of Qatar Football Association have been made, and how it The Junior girls of DPS-Modern and Vaidehi Rogiye shared the (QFA) Mansoor Al Ansari, can contribute towards en- Indian School (MIS) won the 3rd position, Drishti Tibrewal CEO of Qatar Stars League hancing knowledge for eve- first place in the Qatar Prepara- stood at 6th place, Manjushree (QSL) Hani Taleb Ballan, ryone in the world about the tory School Debate League-II Magesh and Antara Alurkar at and CEO of Aspetar Dr Ab- performance of players and by winning eight out of nine de- 7th place, Gargee Kanade and dul Aziz Jaham Al Kuwari, as addressing injuries during bates. Geetika Yalamanchili at 12th well as a number of Aspetar sports activity. I’m happy In the team category, place, while Asin Ashraf earned officials and medical practi- today and I would like to say the team comprising Gargee 18th position. tioners who contributed to that we’re leaving a lasting Kanade, Manjushree Magesh The tournament was con- the success of the event. port to Aspetar. tion with our partnerships. and by conducting regular legacy.” and Anah Merchant bagged the ducted via online platform ‘Dis- Dr Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari It has been really chal- Basically, when we were com- COVID-19 tests for all Qatar In May 2020, Aspetar is- first position, the team of Drish- cord’ with the participation of said in his opening speech, lenging time for sports in pleting of the previous season Stars League players and staff sued a set of guidelines for ti Tibrewal, Antara Alurkar 101 debaters and 34 teams from after welcoming the attend- general and for football spe- that was a test for us. It was to reduce the risk of infec- returning to sport, which and Geetika Yalamanchili won 19 institutions. It consisted of ees: “We are proud of the cially, but we have proven an initiation to us for resum- tion spread and to reduce the was considered a glimmer of the 2nd place, while the team three debate rounds -- two pre- services provided by As- that if all stand together will ing our sporting activity, fol- health problems associated hope for many professional composed of Asin Ashraf, Vai- pared and one impromptu mo- petar to Qatari football and prosper.” lowing that we were be able with the sport pandemic and athletes and sports enthu- dehi Rogiye and Amishi Negi tion. all Sports in general. we are Mansoor Al Ansari, Sec- to take over and host all zones in the community as a whole. siasts after all sporting ac- finished at the 6th place. The participants from the DPS- here standing together today retary general of QFA, ex- both regions of Asia cham- Commenting on the oc- tivities in the world had been In the individual category, MIS were accompanied by their to celebrate our contribution press: “I would like to thank pions league and having 32 casion, Hani Taleb Bal- suspended for more than two Amishi Negi, Anah Merchant coach Jaya Majumder. (tnn) to fight against COVID 19 Aspetar for this special day. teams and come to Qatar and lan, CEO of the Qatar Stars months. The Aspetar Proto- pandemic. We really express It’s really required that we hosted Clubs FIFA world cup League, said, “The pandemic col included updated guide- our sincere appreciation to do showcase our apprecia- delivering it in safe and se- has saddened sports around lines and pathways for a safe you guys, you were in front- tion for everyone paid role in cure way. This achievement is the world, but what we have return to sport training and line to support our athletes delivering all amazing events all thanks to great unity and achieved together over the competition. and to ensure safe return to that we have done previ- collaboration between our last two years is enormous The protocol, in collabo- play thank you and we really ous 7 months. Football fam- stakeholders in particle As- and the key is that we have ration with its MoPH part- appreciated your efforts. I ily of Qatar it what makes petar management and every not just tried our best, but ners, has been applied since would like also to thank our us unique in the global plat- single person at Aspetar with- our decisions have been last June in most of the coun- partners HMC, health care form. We have very strong in Aspetar team.” right, and we have also taken try’s sporting activities, and and MoPH for their contribu- hybrid formula that only us Aspetar continues to pro- the right approach. We want these sporting guidelines are tion and continues support. in Qatar football/ sporting mote the safe play of profes- everyone to be proud of what considered to be a reference And, I would like to express family understand. sional football during the we’ve done compared to what for health professionals in special thanks to QSL and He added: “Having strong pandemic by means of clini- we’ve had to face. Everyone Qatar’s clubs and sporting QFA for their trust and sup- relationship and collabora- cal guidelines and pathways, who has contributed to the disciplines. DFC launches first digital raffle draw in partnership with QNTC

The draw finale will be held on April 9 when the win- digital raffle draw in Qatar. This is another testament to our com- ners will be announced live on the mall’s large digital mitment to offering our customers screen near Cup of Joe and online on the same day unique and memorable experienc- es as well as exclusive giveaways. Tribune News Network stant; QR12,000 vouchers from “This pioneering initiative Doha Pottery Barn, QR12,000 voucher would not have been possible value from Pottery Barn Kids and without the support of QNTC and Doha Festival City (DFC), Qa- QR12,000 value voucher from we are grateful to Universal Mo- tar’s one and only choice for West Elm Doha Festival City re- tors - Lotus for sponsoring the shopping, dining and entertain- tailers will also offer exciting gifts grand prize, a truly amazing givea- ment, has announced the launch and more vouchers to be spent in way in recognition of our custom- of its one-of-a-kind Raffle Draws their Doha Festival City shops, ers’ loyalty. We hope this raffle offer campaign ‘Spend & Win’ in including The One, Vodafone, dia channels. Afterwards, custom- draw will bring joy and excitement partnership with the Qatar Na- Design Studios, Muji, Antione ers will receive a WhatsApp link to our customers’ shopping expe- tional Tourism Council (QNTC) Karam, Mothercare, Laura Ash- through which they will be able rience, and we would like to invite and sponsored by luxury automo- ley, Giftshed and ACE. The com- to finalise the registration process all residents in Qatar to partici- bile company, Universal Motors - plete list of participating retailers by sending their stamped receipts, pate and have the chance to win.” Lotus. along with the prizes is available with a possibility to cumulate re- Doha Festival City opening Bringing its first ever digital on Doha Festival City Website. ceipts from different stores. hours are Saturday to Wednesday raffle draw to Doha residents, For the first time in Qatar, the In case customers encounter from 10am to 10 pm, and Thurs- Festival City’s is continuing its ex- raffle draw will be held online and any difficulties during their regis- day and Friday from 10am to citing Homeware Festival, aimed 100 percent digital with no hu- tration process, the Doha Festival 11pm. at giving back to the community man interaction required. City customer service team will In line with the preventative with an amazing line-up of offers The unique digital raffle sys- be available to help on +974 4035 measures set out by the authori- and giveaways. tem is managed by QNTC, official 4444. ties, Doha Festival City has intro- Set to continue until April 8, partner of Doha Festival City Raf- Participating customers will duced stringent health and safety the Raffle Draw will offer all cus- fle Draw. need to keep their receipts to pre- measures throughout the mall for tomers shopping from the mall’s The draw finale will be held on receipts directly at each store sion about keeping the purchased sent them during the collection of its staff and visitors. This includes myriad of retailers, the chance April 9 when the winners will be upon purchase. Once stamped, items. the prize along with their proof of a thorough mall disinfection treat- to win one of 21 prizes of differ- announced live on the mall’s large the purchased items cannot be To complete the registration identity, should they are named ment on a weekly basis, robust ent value, including the Grand digital screen near Cup of Joe and exchanged or refunded. How- and enter the Raffle Draw, shop- among the winners. cleaning and sanitisation opera- Prize, a Lotus Evora 400 4x4, online on the same day. ever, those hesitating about an pers will have to scan a QR code Robert Hall, Doha Festival tions during mall trading hours, worth QR439,000; a QR30,000 Doha Festival City’s customers exchange or a refund, will be able available throughout Doha Fes- City general manager, said: “ in 127 hand sanitising stations in- voucher from the renown Swiss who wish to participate in the raf- to keep their receipt and stamp tical City as well as on the Doha partnership with QNTC, we are stalled in the areas that have com- watchmaker Frederique Con- fle draw will need to stamp their it once they have made a deci- Festival City and QNTC social me- thrilled to launch Doha’s first ever monly touched surfaces. 04 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Nation

Cost rationalisation helps to achieve The La Cigale Hotel appoints Jean-Luc competitive advantage, says expert Vasseur as its new Tribune News Network Doha executive pastry chef The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Tribune News Network Luc will create desserts Qatar Chapter conducted a webinar on Doha for all La Cigale Hotel res- ‘Covid-19: A Framework for Cost Ration- taurants, especially for La alisation’ by Narendra K Aneja. The La Cigale Hotel man- Cigale Traiteur – from the Aneja, former Global Board mem- aged by Accor has an- Ludivine Cheese Cake made ber of the IIA Inc., is the chief executive nounced the appointment of with Nutella, Moist Cake of Aneja Associates. The firm conducts Jean-Luc Vasseur as execu- made with Praline and Pis- governance studies, risk assessments, tive pastry chef. tachio - as well as for doz- and management and operational au- Chef Jean-Luc brings a ens of banquets and special dits of more than 100 companies in Sundaresan Rajeswar Narendra K Aneja prosperity of experience to events along with his signa- India and other countries. ing and Capital expenditure should be the role after years of work- ture creations with a mod- He holds an MBA from The Whar- tise from professional practise. The first “Look for economies in buying by monitored and managed to curb costs, ing in some of the finest ho- ern twist. ton School (1979), is a Tata Scholar recommendation was to consolidate finding opportunities to curb leakages he added. tels around the world. Commenting on his new and was ranked on the Director’s List activities and innovate. This means, and improve procurement practices “Aneja’s presentation’s final takea- He will be responsible role, Jean-Luc said, “It’s an at Wharton (1978). reviewing existing business models to for goods and services. Spend analysis, ways were: (1) Look for cost rationalisa- for creating the hotel’s en- honour to join one of the “Almost every country in the world explore opportunities for consolidation Vendor analysis and Contract Process tions and institutionalise them; (2) Au- tire pastry collection. well-known luxury hotels in has been hit hard by Covid-19, with its and innovation across functions, loca- analysis are broad areas to bring further tomate or digitise maximum processes Originally from Olioulles Doha and to be part of La Ci- impact is unprecedented. Most Compa- tions and materials. Many tips were improvements,” Aneja said. and operations; and (3) Banish waste France, Chef Jean-Luc has gale Hotel team. My goal is nies have responded by temporary or given as takeaways to implement. The other areas are making logistics and inefficiencies, however small. The an impressive range of culi- to help provide uniquely de- permanent workforce reductions and “Digitise processes for efficiencies leaner by reducing wasteful activities most powerful statement was about nary skills. He has expertise lectable dessert experiences making cuts in discretionary spend- and automate controls for robustness and increasing the supply chain and lo- making cost rationalisation a pathway in French pastry, artistic and even more lasting mem- ing. But there are many ways for cost is the next aspect of the cost rationali- gistics efficiencies. One important area to a company’s competitive advantage,” sugar, chocolate art, prom- ories for the hotel guests.” rationalisation besides job cuts, and sation framework,” he said. The recom- is to build tighter controls in areas that said Sundaresan Rajeswar, Board ising to infuse the dessert La Cigale Managed by management expects internal auditors mendations were digital sales channels, result in cost advantages. member. Fahad Al Marri, senior vice- menu with unique flavours, Accor is an iconic hotel with to play a role to build strategic, low-cost RPA software, supplier onboarding, “Defer avoidable expenditure,” An- president of the IIA Qatar, addressed international and a cultural nine dining and entertain- capability,” Aneja said. customer support and chatbots, HR eja said and strongly recommended the gathering, Muralikrisha intro- dressing. ment outlets with outdoor The framework for cost rationalisa- assistance, use of drones for inventory postponing non-essential/ non-core ex- duced the speaker, and Girish Jain and Chef Jean-Luc has been seating area, famous for the tion was elaborated based on his exper- verification, etc. penditure as much as possible. Operat- Murtaza hosted the meeting. in the industry more than 20 variety of menus and dessert years and comes to La Cigale fragment. La Cigale Traiteur Hotel after nearly six years is a gourmet food store for as executive pastry chef at those with a taste for the fin- Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pu er things in life from home- Dong, Shanghai China. made chocolates, Arabic Indian envoy inaugurates ICC Students Forum In his new role, Jean- sweet, pastries to ice cream.

Tribune News Network dents strengthen their creativity ICBF, delivered speeches. Doha and explore the possibilities in Kamala Thakur, ICC MC becoming proficient in all fields, head of activities and educa- Indian Ambassador to Qatar including science and technol- tion, opened the programme. HE Dr Deepak Mittal inau- ogy. Krishna Kumar, ICC general gurated the ICC Students Fo- The inaugural event was at- secretary, welcomed the gather- rum (ISFQ). A product of the tended online by nearly 150 par- ing and Sudhir Gupta proposed out-of-the-box thinking of the ticipants, including officials of the vote of thanks. management committee of the the Indian Embassy and Indian Indian community leaders Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), schools, community leaders, and participants of the inau- the ISFQ aims to provide In- parents and students represent- gural meeting appreciated the dian students in Qatar with a ing various Indian schools. concept of the forum which platform to hone their talents, ICC President P N Babu will provide the students with skills and knowledge. Rajan presided over the meet- a platform to express their tal- The ambassador said in his ing. Hassan Chougle, president group of institutions, Manikan- ny Varghese, senior educationist ents, creativity and innovative Chef Jean-Luc Vasseur speech that ISFQ will help stu- of DPS-Modern Indian school dan, former ICC president, Son- and Ziad Usman, president of approaches to deal with issues. The Diplomatic Club enhances its hospitality services Aisha Al-Marzouqi: Continuous style sitting in a private tent with It is adhering to all preventive development and modernisation of family or friends. Urban Camps pro- services with brand new offers vide a fire pit to keep warm and a set of amenities so that the adventure of measures against COVID-19 Tribune news network camping in the desert can be experi- doha enced without leaving the city. Leaving the hustle behind setting The Diplomatic Club has an- up a camp, setting fire, preparing for nounced that it is implementing an barbecues, and finally dining. The approach to enhance the hospitality camp offers a selection of fresh meats services it provides to its guests, as and a rich and distinctive menu to part of its contribution to the major make the camp experience unforget- renaissance that the sector is wit- table. Guests can unwind and enjoy nessing locally. the panoramic views while grilling Aisha Al-Marzouqi, General their charcoal meal, or leave it to the Manager of the Diplomatic Club, said service staff to handle it. the club is committed to implement- According to Ali Sagheer, Direc- ing the best precautionary measures tor of the Diplomatic Club’s Food and to prevent COVID-19 from occurring. Ali Sagheer, director of Food & Beverage Department, with journalists during Beverage Department, the club offers Strict sterilisation operations are in an interview session on Saturday. this rich experience to all segments of place to ensure the health of guests society, whether citizens, residents, and employees and a commitment to heart of Doha, its stunning views of its guests with a collection of unique or foreigners, as we target all indi- social distancing between individu- the Gulf waters, the Pearl Qatar, Ka- services, one of which is the recent viduals, particularly families, as they als of not less than two metres. Daily tara, and West Bay. launch of the exclusive Kashta beach, can hold their own events, especially temperature checks are carried out A haven of rest, relaxation and which has met with since the idea of the camp maintains by all employees and high standards enjoyment of delicious dishes accom- great demand for a mix of privacy for clients while ap- of health and safety measures are fol- panied by remarkable services. Its its cover-up and plying the precautionary measures lowed for visitors. excellent restaurants offer a variety style. announced by the concerned au- Al-Marzouqi explained that the of options, including Al Sayyad Res- Al-Marzouqi thorities in order for all tents in the Diplomatic Club is among the first taurant’s award-winning seafood and has revealed that diplomatic club to maintain these hospitality establishments to exist Lebanese dishes, Nassayem Qatar the Diplomatic measures. in Doha. For more than two dec- Restaurant with the most appetizing Club has also He pointed out that the experi- ades, the club has been providing top traditional Qatari dishes presented opened a barbe- ence has already achieved great and standards and outstanding service in a contemporary style, the Mem- cue camp service distinguished success and partici- levels that compete with prestigious bers Lounge and Al-Borj Restaurants where guests pation, especially since the international brands. The Diplomatic serving mouth-watering snacks. The can en- prices offered by the Club is also considered to be one of banquet halls, the meeting rooms joy club are competitive the earliest icons of Qatari and Arab and the various wonderful outdoor tradi- prices and are appro- hospitality. spaces are open to those who wish to tion- priate for all segments Al-Marzouqi stressed that the organise events with a distinguished a l of society, in addition strategy is based on a desire to keep service. Guests can call the Beauty to the services provid- up with all new developments in the Center or the Men’s Salon to get pam- ed by that experience, field of hospitality by presenting new pered and book a spa massage to feel they provide a distinc- packages and offering to continue to rejuvenated. There are sensational tive barbecue experience advance and modernise the services water sports activities based on the directly in front of the sea of the Diplomatic Club. Pointing sheltered waters of the beach. and with an emphasis on out that The Diplomatic Club is ac- Al-Marzouqi has announced that Ali Sagheer, Director Food & the element of privacy de- claimed by a unique location in the the Diplomatic Club has provided Beverage Department sired by the public. World Sunday, March 7, 2021 05

Nigerian teen BRIDGING HOLY RELATIONS News convicted of in brief blasphemy Missiles hit released, goes northern Syria oil into hiding refineries, 4 dead Beirut: At least four people dpa were killed and several Lagos others wounded late Friday when a barrage of missiles A teenager sentenced to im- hit oil refineries in northern prisonment for blasphemy in Syria, a war monitor said. Nigeria has been released but The Britain-based Syrian gone into hiding, fearing for Observatory for Human his life. Rights said three missiles Omar Farouq, a 13-year- were launched from Russian old boy from the Nigerian state warships anchored off the of Kano, was sentenced to 10 Syrian coastline, striking years in prison for blasphemy a market and oil refiner- by a sharia court. ies near the Al-Hamaran A secular court has now area, in the countryside quashed the conviction, his of Jarabulus, in north-east lawyer Kola Alapinni told dpa, Aleppo. It added that sev- as Omar had no legal repre- eral missiles were also fired sentation and should have by Syrian government forces been tried in a juvenile court that targeted oil refineries rather than an adult one. in Tarheen in the eastern Alapinni added that the countryside of Aleppo, trial contravened Nigeria’s sparking huge fires in the status as a party to the United area. (dpa) Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Omar was released on Huge fire breaks January 25 but fears persecu- out at Afghan-Iran tion by extremist groups, and border town he and his family were hur- riedly moved out of Kano for Pope Francis (right) is greeted by children upon his arrival at Baghdad’s Saint Joseph Cathedral on the second day of the first papal visit to Iraq on Saturday. (AFP) Kabul: A major fire has their safety, his lawyer said. broken out at a fuel reserve “There was no option than in Afghanistan’s western to immediately evacuate him Farah province, officials said and his family because they on Saturday. were all at risk,” he said. Farah governor Taj Mo- The first threats were Pope Francis calls for end to hammad Jahid told dpa that made on January 21 after the the incident occurred at the Kano High Court ordered his Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi cus- release from prison, when toms office near the border a group of people who disa- with Iran. Four containers greed with the verdict went to violence on historic trip to Iraq caught fire but no one was Omar’s house. hurt, Jahid said. Due to the A mob had earlier attacked lack of fire engines on the his mother following his arrest, Afghan side of the border, forcing her to flee to another Pope said he hopes Christian citizens in Iraq to live in safety and security and enjoy all constitutional rights Kabul requested assistance town. The family is now living from Iran, he added. (dpa) in temporary accommodation dpa of religion,” he said. Sistani, on the second day of tance of the unity of the Iraqi in a secret location. Badaghd “We believers cannot be his historic visit. people. Omar’s case drew inter- silent when terrorism abuses The meeting at al-Sistani’s A statement issued by al- Boy dies after national attention after Piotr Pope Francis on Saturday religion; indeed, we are called Let us not allow the light of home in the holy city of Najaf Sistani’s office said the meet- being swallowed Cywinski, the head of the held an interfaith meeting unambiguously to dispel all heaven to be overshadowed delivers a message of peaceful ing tackled the challenges fac- by crocodile in Auschwitz-Birkenau State in the ancient city of Ur and misunderstandings. coexistence, as Iraq’s Chris- ing humanity and the role of Indonesia Museum in Poland, called on urged Iraq’s Muslims, Chris- Let us not allow the light by the clouds of hatred! tian minority has dwindled in faith in overcoming them. the president of Nigeria to tians and other believers to of heaven to be overshadowed Pope Francis the country in recent years, Al-Sistani spoke about “in- Jakarta: An eight-year-old pardon him. work together for peace and by the clouds of hatred!” he displaced by war. justice, poverty, lack of social boy was killed by a crocodile It remains unclear what unity and denounce hatred. added. During the 45-minute justice, religious and intel- as he swam in a river in Omar did to earn the punish- “From this place, where “It is up to us, today’s hu- “Today, let us pray for talk, the pope stressed the im- lectual persecution, as well Indonesia’s East Kaliman- ment, but Cywinski suggested faith was born, from the land manity, especially those of those who have endured these portance of cooperation and as wars, violence, economic tan province, an official said that should the statement the of our father Abraham, let us us, believers of all religions, sufferings, for those who are friendship between religious blockades and forced displace- on Friday. boy made absolutely require affirm that God is merciful and to turn instruments of hatred still dispersed and abducted, communities for the good of ment suffered by several peo- The boy and his little punishment, 120 adult vol- that the greatest blasphemy is into instruments of peace.” that they may soon return Iraq, the region and the whole ples in our region, particularly brother were swimming in unteers could serve time in a to profane his name by hating He denounced terrorism in home,” he said. human family, according to the Palestinian people in the the river while their father Nigerian prison, one month our brothers and sisters,” the Iraq for causing suffering of He pointed to the suffer- a statement by the Vatican occupied lands,” according to was watching near their each. Cywinski offered himself 84-year-old pontiff said in a religious minorities in the ing of Iraq’s Yazidi commu- press office. the statement. house in Kutai Timur district as a volunteer. speech. country. nity, “which has mourned the The pope thanked al- The cleric pointed to the on Wednesday when he was “I cannot remain indiffer- Ur is mentioned in the Bi- “When terrorism invad- deaths of many men and wit- Sistani for speaking up - to- role religious leaders can attacked and swallowed ent to this disgraceful sentence ble as the home of the prophet ed the north of this beloved nessed thousands of women, gether with the Shiite commu- play to end these tragedies, it by a crocodile, said Oktavi- for humanity,” Cywinski wrote. Abraham, the father of the country, it wantonly destroyed girls and children kidnapped, nity - in defence of those who added. anto, an official at the local Kano is one of the states three monolithic faiths of Ju- part of its magnificent reli- sold as slaves, subjected to are most vulnerable and per- He stressed that he hopes search and rescue agency. in northern Nigeria where daism, Christianity and Islam. gious heritage, including the physical violence and forced secuted amid the violence and for Christian citizens in Iraq to His father jumped to help sharia - Islamic law based on “Hostility, extremism and churches, monasteries and conversions.” Earlier, the pope hardships of recent years, and live in safety and security and him but the reptile escaped, the teachings of the Koran - is violence are not born of a reli- places of worship of various met influential Shiite Muslim for affirming the sacredness enjoy all their constitutional Oktavianto said. (dpa) in force. gious heart: they are betrayals communities,” he said. cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al- of human life and the impor- rights.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Ghani vows to only transfer power through election dpa liament. future during his three-day However, he said his ad- Khan wins vote of confidence Kabul “We are ready to discuss visit to the capital Kabul this ministration understood the the holding of a free, transpar- week. unprecedented opportunity Afghan President Ashraf ent, and countrywide election The top US diplomat has for peace in the country which dpa Ghani on Saturday said that he under the management of the now left for Doha, Qatar, has suffered 42 years of war. Islamabad would only transfer power to a international community,” he where the Afghan government Ghani called on the Tali- new administration through added. “We can also talk about and Taliban leaders delegation ban to put a stop to violence Pakistani Prime Minister elections. a date and reach a conclusion.” have been holding peace talks and enable the peace talks to Imran Khan won a vote of con- “The transfer of power Ghani’s comments come days since September. succeed. fidence in parliament on Sat- through the election is a non- after reports emerged that the The Afghan president em- Taliban leaders have said urday, the speaker announced negotiable principle for us,” US Special Envoy for Afghani- phasized that the constitution that if Ghani resigns and al- after the vote, backed by 178 Ghani said during an address stan’s reconciliation Zalmay would determine the country’s lows a new government come lawmakers in the 342-member at the opening ceremony of the Khalilzad suggested a new for- future, rather than other peo- to power, they would agree to National Assembly. new legislative session of Par- mat for the country’s political ple’s plans. a ceasefire. All 160 members of the opposition had boycotted the vote. PTI has 157 MPs in the lower house. Khan was backed Yemen army says 120 rebels by 176 members when elected prime minister in 2018. Shopkeepers listen to Pakistan’s premier Imran Khan addressing the killed in fight for oil-rich province “I thank my allied parties, nation on television, in Islamabad recently. (AFP) who have always stood behind dpa 120 deaths in the Houthis’ ranks,” me during every test,” Khan ernment no longer has a ma- army Chief General Qamar Sana’a the source told dpa on condition said in his address to the par- jority in the parliamentary Javed Bajwa and the head of of anonymity. liamentarians. chamber that elects the prime the country’s spy agency on Yemen’s pro-government forc- Pro-Houthi television al-Ma- He said lawmakers from minister. Thursday, which many believe es have killed at least 120 rebels sirah meanwhile reported air- his party were perturbed after Khan, who is midway was linked to the confidence over the past 24 hours in fierce strikes by a Saudi-led coalition in what had happened in the re- through his five-year term, vote. fightingin the country’s energy- Marib, without mentioning casu- cent Senate elections but had came to power in national Khan is now the second rich province of Marib, a military alties. emerged as a strong team for elections since tainted by al- Pakistani prime minister source said on Saturday. Yemen has been roiled by a Saturday’s vote. legations that the country’s who has volunteered to face Yemen’s Iran-linked Houthi devastating power struggle be- Khan volunteered to face powerful military supported a confidence vote after for- rebels have since last month in- tween the government and the the confidence vote after his him. mer premier Nawaz Sharif in tensified their attacks to capture Houthis since late 2014. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Pakistan’s generals have 1993. The special session of Marib from forces loyal to a Sau- The Saudi-led coalition has (PTI) party’s candidate was ruled the country for decades the parliament was attended di-backed government. been fighting the rebels in Yemen defeated in a Senate election and are accused of manoeu- by provincial chief ministers, Violent clashes erupted on since 2015. by a former prime minister vring to hand-pick civilian governors and other senior Saturday between both sides Last month, the United States earlier this week. governments to block the way government officials. on several fronts in Marib in re- called on the Houthis to end their The opposition candidate of democratic leaders. Pakistan Democratic sponse to new rebel attacks on offensive on Marib. secured 169 votes compared Though Khan denies ben- Movement (PDM), a multi- the government forces’ outposts, US President Joe Biden has to 164 for the candidate from efiting from military support, party opposition alliance, has the pro-government military declared an end to US support for Khan’s party, who is the in- he turned to the army after announced that a new round source added. the military campaign in Yemen cumbent finance minister. losing the key senate election. of anti-government rallies will “The army forces foiled those led by Saudi Arabia, a regional The defeat means the gov- Khan held a meeting with start from March 26. attacks resulting in more than rival of Iran. 06 Sunday, March 7, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

The COVID Relief Bill: Imperfect, Kamala Harris Emerging But Essential As A Magnet For The flood of federal dollars will cause inflation to spike and discourage idled people from working Progressive Pressure n the eyes of its critics, Presi- ployment benefits that have dent Biden’s $1.9-trillion kept millions of jobless Ameri- ICOVID-19 relief bill is too big cans afloat, while also enabling The US Vice-President is caught in the middle as Democrats tussle over minimum wage and too wasteful. They say that them to pay their bills. They’re the flood of federal dollars will due to run out in mid-March, so Noah Bierman cause inflation to spike, discour- lawmakers don’t have the luxury tca/dpa age idled people from working of time. This bill would do that. and bail out overly generous The proposal’s new round he Rev. William Barber II, one of the nation’s public employee pension sys- of stimulus checks will help leading civil rights activists, defines the brewing tems in states run by Democrats. more people pay down the debts fight over raising the national minimum wage Some of the critiques are they’ve run up during the pan- as Kamala Harris’ first fork-in-the-road mo- knee-jerk responses with little demic, while encouraging others ment since she became vice president. grounding in reality. Several of to support the local businesses T“She’s going to make history one way or an- the state governments facing the that have struggled under COV- other,” he said, for either standing alongside Rosa biggest budget crunches are led ID-related restrictions. Its aid to Parks, Ella Baker and Fannie Lou Hamer or letting by Republicans. state and local governments will down millions of poor people who depended on her And federal employment help restore thousands of jobs campaign promise to guarantee 15 dollars an hour data don’t indicate that work- and hours cut over the last year. for workers. ers are malingering on the dole; Much of the bill is devoted to Harris’ defenders note that the minimum wage instead, the country is still suf- accelerating the recovery from hike, though unlikely to be included in the Biden ad- fering from extensive job losses, the pandemic, for example by ministration’s final 1.9 trillion dollar Covid-19 relief particularly in service industries, improving vaccine distribution plan, is a fight that is only in its first round. And they with new claims for unemploy- and funding the new equipment point out that Harris was hardly the only person de- ment remaining far higher than and staff schools need to reo- ciding what path the administration would take as they were pre-pandemic. pen safely. Other portions aim it seeks to push a relief bill through the Senate that Nevertheless, it’s reasonable to make health insurance more is loaded with liberal priorities, including money for to wonder whether we still need affordable to everyone not cov- schools and direct checks for many Americans. such a big dose of fiscal medi- ered by an employer’s plan and Still, Harris’ profile and constitutional role have cine at this stage in the country’s help the low-income families made her a somewhat unlikely focal point in the battle with COVID-19. Infection hit hardest by the disease and Biden administration’s first big tussle with progres- rates have plummeted from the the recession. sives — a largely tactical debate that will have echoes last surge’s peak, the pace of Yes, Washington has already throughout President Joe Biden’s four-year term, as the Senate and regards its traditions with reverence. “This moment for a 15 dollar wage is a defining vaccinations is increasing and borrowed a staggering amount his administration struggles to tackle a host of pri- He has ruled it out, and Harris, whose office declined moment for economic justice, for racial justice and more businesses and classrooms of money to try to navigate us orities with a scant majority in Congress. to comment, has deferred to the president. for the Democratic Party, and there’s an incredible are reopening. Economists say through the pandemic. And yes, The anger from the party’s liberal base at what “It’s an illusion,” said Bob Shrum, whose long opportunity for Vice President Harris to recognize that once the pandemic is finally there is a risk that the new bill they see as caving shows how difficult it will be for career advising leading Democrats includes a stint that moment,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who behind us, there will be an ex- will pump more money into the Harris to avoid entanglement in the most divisive advising the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Mas- was national co-chair of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ cam- plosion of pent-up demand for economy than it can use produc- intraparty scraps, given that she is the potential tie- sachusetts. “You’re not going to raise the minimum paign for the Democratic presidential nomination travel, entertainment and many tively, spurring a temporary in- breaking vote in a 50-50 Senate and someone many wage by stomping your tweets, and she’s not going to in 2020. Harris, when she ran in the presidential other services many Americans crease in inflation. Democrats see as the front-runner for the 2024 do something the president doesn’t want her to do.” primary, spoke at rallies with low-wage workers and have denied themselves over the But there’s a greater risk presidential nomination. Biden and other Democrats worry that a con- supported the 15 dollar minimum wage when she last year. that the recession’s effects will “Harris is in a really unique position,” Lily Gard- tentious fight that squeezes fellow Democrats became part of Biden’s ticket. But while there’s light shin- linger for years, especially for ner, a spokesperson for the Sunrise Movement, a could risk losing votes on the relief bill, a signa- “Let’s, one, bust the myth and make it clear fami- ing at the end of the tunnel, we low- and moderate-income youth-based political group pushing action on cli- ture priority, and create longer-term damage to lies are relying on these salaries, and they must be don’t know how long it will take Americans, if we take no action mate and economic policy. “The reality is that she Biden’s promise to restore rules and a cooperative paid 15 dollars an hour,” Harris said as she joined to reach it. now. Let’s make one more push and the whole Biden administration are going to be atmosphere. With no votes to spare, they worry striking McDonald’s workers in Des Moines in 2019. That’s why it’s so important to get out of the pandemic and faced with these really tough decisions, and I hope about alienating moderate Democrats who will She reiterated the promise at other venues, in- to renew the extended unem- get back to work. that they begin to chart a very different course.” hold leverage on future bills. cluding to Barber, who co-chairs the Poor People’s The case for turning Harris into the subject of And they believe they can broker a compromise Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. letter-writing campaigns, Twitter hashtags, lives- on a lower increase to the minimum wage, which “We have it on tape,” he said. “Her and Biden tream protests and Sunday sermons requires some has been 7.25 dollars since 2009. (Many states set a and the entire Democratic Party, their platform says legislative creativity and moxie. higher rate than the federal minimum.) they want to eradicate poverty. Her and Biden ran The theory goes that Harris, who under the Con- Byron Dorgan, a former Democratic senator on 15 — never said ’15 unless the parliamentarian stitution presides over the Senate, should use that from North Dakota who served two decades with advises not to.’” power to override a ruling that the wage increase Biden, said breaking Senate rules would be seen as In Harris’ presidential run, she disappointed could not be included in the relief package. The “arrogant behavior” by the American people. liberals when she backtracked on her support for chamber parliamentarian said last week it wasn’t al- “I really don’t see Kamala Harris as playing a role “Medicare for All,” a Sanders plan to provide univer- lowed under the reconciliation process being used to that is somehow outside of the White House or out- sal public health care. That has led to skepticism on pass the bill in the Senate. side the judgment of the Democratic caucus in the the left, but also a pragmatic hope that she will see If it is voted on as separate bill, the wage hike Senate,” he said. the political benefit to winning progressives back in would require 60 votes to pass, instead of 51, under Those pushing Harris to override the parliamen- what some see as a four-year audition for the top job. Senate rules — meaning it would need support from tarian say they have already compromised enough They want her to use her clout — even if Biden at least 10 Republicans, an unlikely possibility in its and believe this is the best chance to approve the is the ultimate decider — to sway him on this and current form. wage increase, which has already passed the House other issues. “Will she go rogue on the administra- To make the override plan work, activists would and is a core element of the progressive agenda that tion?” said Joseph Geevarghese, the executive direc- also need to win over moderate Democratic Sens. has majority support in polls. tor of Our Revolution, a group founded by Sanders. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sin- They also see it as a leading indicator for how “I don’t think she will, obviously, but we’re signaling ema of Arizona. Proponents of the wage hike believe hard Democrats intend to fight for other priorities, that we expect her to step up and lead, and hopefully the senators, if pushed to the wall, would acquiesce, including a voting rights package that passed the that will embolden her. “Let’s be real. The progres- despite their public opposition to a 15 dollar national House on Wednesday. There is growing pressure to sive base is energetic,” he added. “I think her role minimum wage as part of the relief bill. eliminate the Senate filibuster, which would make will determine whether or not progressives would But Harris is unlikely to take that kind of action Harris the tiebreaker on a host of issues and elimi- consider her as a potential presidential candidate. without buy-in from Biden, who spent 36 years in nate the need to compromise with Republicans. That’s what it comes down to.”

Pandemic Having No Long-Term Effect On Climate Change: Studies

COVID-induced restrictions have temporarily led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s unlikely to have long-term impact

Christina Horsten They said that even major re- Researchers led by Corinne the agreement was adopted and DPA ductions in emissions have only a Le Quere of Britain’s University through 2019, and by a further 9 small and likely undetectable ef- of East Anglia said emissions fell per cent in 2020 due to pandemic- he global restrictions imposed fect on climate change if they per- by 2.6 gigatons to 34 gigatons in related restrictions. so far by the pandemic are un- sist for only a short time. 2020 compared to 2019, the larg- The situation was similar for Tlikely to have a long-term im- Reducing global warming and est drop so far, in a study pub- countries with high to medium av- pact on climate change, according ultimately stabilizing global aver- lished in Nature Climate Change, erage incomes, although emissions to two recent studies. age temperatures would require another scientific journal. only fell by 5 percent in 2020. Restrictions have temporar- continuously reducing net emis- They also analysed emissions In low-average-income coun- ily led to a significant reduction sions to zero year after year, the trends in different countries since tries, emissions rose 4.5 percent in greenhouse gas emissions, said scientists noted. the 2015 Paris climate agreement between 2015 and 2019, and fell 9 scientists led by John Fyfe of the The researchers said that the and compared them to trends per cent in 2020. In order to meet Canadian Centre for Climate Mod- ways governments boost their from the previous five years. the goals of the Paris agreement, elling and Analysis in Victoria, in economies in response to the cri- Almost all countries pledged global annual reductions would be a study published in Science Ad- sis unleashed by the pandemic to limit global warming to well needed of at least 1 to 2 gigatons vances, a journal. would decisively influence climate below 2 degrees Celsius in the per year by the end of the decade However, the researchers used change, as they would have either agreement. and beyond, the scientists said. several models to calculate that the a negative or positive long-term The study found emissions in Both studies noted that the tem- long-term impact of the reduction effect on emissions. the countries with high average porary reduction in emissions due on climate change would likely be Meanwhile, British scientists ing there had been a 7 percent compared to 2019 due to the incomes have fallen by an aver- to pandemic regulations was un- small, if not undetectable. published a separate study say- fall in carbon emissions in 2020 pandemic. age of 0.8 per cent per year since likely to have a long-term impact.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Sunday, March 7, 2021 07

News White House promises Biden will Britain plans in brief hold press conference this month to cut aid WHO abandons plan to publish first dpa saying it would happen this working on setting a final date to war-torn results of pandemic Washington month. for that,” Psaki said. origin probe The promise came after The subject of when The White House has been a reporter questioned White Biden’s first solo, lengthy Q & countries GENEVA: The World Health under growing pressure from House Press Secretary Jen A session would take place has dpa Organization (WHO) has US media to explain why Pres- Psaki about the delay, noting become a minor obsession in London abandoned plans to publish ident Joe Biden has yet to hold Biden’s predecessors stretch- Washington media circles in the first results of its his first formal press confer- ing back decades had already recent days. Britain plans to cut aid to investigation into the origin ence, even though he’s nearly held a press conference by this The White House has some of the world’s most con- of the coronavirus in China. halfway into his first 100 days point in their term. tried to bat away the clamour flict-ridden countries by up Instead of a preliminary re- in office. “We look forward to hold- by saying Biden frequently to two thirds, according to a port, the full report will now On Friday, Biden’s 45th ing a full press conference in takes reporters questions on leaked document. be presented in the week day as president, the adminis- the coming weeks, before the the sidelines of White House Aid to Syria would be cut beginning on March 14, tration finally outlined a plan, end of the month, and we’re events. US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday. (afp) by 67%, aid to Libya by 63%, WHO team leader Peter Ben Somalia by 60% and South Embarek said in Geneva on Sudan by 59% , according to Friday. Embarek travelled to the Foreign Office report ob- China with around a dozen tained by the openDemocracy health experts in January in website. order to investigate where Labour said the reported the coronavirus originated. Democrats agree to move cuts would “cause devasta- The WHO did not provide tion” to some of the world’s reasons for changing the most vulnerable people. plan. The trip only came Preet Kaur Gill, shadow about after months of ne- ahead on COVID-19 relief bill secretary for international gotiations with the Chinese development, said: “This is a authorities, who want to devastating reminder of the prevent being pilloried as dpa bill before current unemploy- real world impact the Govern- the culprit of the pandemic. Washington ment benefits expire March 14 ment’s politically motivated The results presented at for more than 10 million Amer- decision to abandon its mani- a first press conference at Senate Democrats got a re- icans. They are using a process festo commitment on aid will the end of the trip in China minder of the political realities called reconciliation, which have on the world’s most vul- were vague. Embarek only of their narrow majority on limits what can be included in nerable people.” confirmed that the virus Friday when the COVID-19 re- the bill, but sets only a 51-vote “Cuts in support to coun- had spread from bats to lief bill they had unveiled a day threshold for passage, rather tries in the midst of multiple humans via an intermediate earlier had to be scaled back than the usual 60 needed in the humanitarian crises would host, as previously as- and progress temporarily halted Senate. cause devastation; leading sumed. (dpa) - not because of Republican op- Passage is possible if the 48 to some of the world’s most position, but from Democratic Democrats and two independ- vulnerable people to starve, infighting. ents who caucus with them all stretched healthcare systems Schools in Russia The chaos reflected the chal- vote for it, with a tie-breaking to collapse and access to clean want to restrict lenges Senate Democrats face in assist from Harris. water stripped away. online content shaping legislation that meets Republicans say the bill is “Make no mistake, people for students the demands of both progres- too expensive and doesn’t focus will die. sives and centrists in their party, enough on vaccinations and “Callous cuts like this sig- Moscow: Students in Rus- particularly in a Senate divided getting people back to work or nal a retreat from the world sia will be able to access 50-50, where every vote is criti- school. They are expected to of- stage and will make us all less only certain pre-approved cal. fer a slew of their own amend- safe. This is not Global Brit- content while using their In order to appease moder- ments over the next few days to ain.” A Government spokes- school’s Wi-Fi in the future. ate Senator Joe Manchin, Sen- try to reduce the cost before the person said further decisions “This way we can shield ate Democrats had to slash the Senate votes on the final pack- on individual aid programmes children from negative weekly federal unemployment Senator John Cornyn (right) with Senator Joe Manchin in Washington on Friday. (afp) age. were still to be made. information that unfortu- supplement in their bill from But barring any other sur- “The seismic impact of the nately is used for dishon- $400 to $300. Democrats on Friday morn- - scrambling for a resolution. prises, Democrats could get the pandemic on the UK economy est purposes, let’s say,” But in a nod to progressives, ing announced several tweaks to Manchin expressed con- By Friday night, Manchin legislation to Biden’s desk as has forced us to take tough but said Education Minister the weekly benefit will last un- their bill, including the reduc- and Democratic leaders agreed early as next week. The House necessary decisions, includ- Sergey Kravtsov on state til September 6, slightly longer tion in the unemployment sup- cern that $400 payments to a compromise to end the ben- will also have to approve the ing temporarily reducing the television on Saturday. than under the House version, plement to $300 a week. They - part of the House-passed efits September 6 and limit the Senate changes. overall amount we spend on However, he did not specify according to deal reached on also said they would extend the bill and the original tax break to households with Senate Democrats had al- aid,” the spokesperson said. what online content would Friday night. In addition, the benefits until the end of Septem- Senate bill - would provide incomes of less than $150,000. ready made substantial policy “We remain a world- be censored. Russian of- agreement provides tax relief ber and make up to $10,200 in some laid-off workers with “The president has made it changes to the House-passed leading aid donor and we will ficials have recently asked to workers who received unem- compensation tax-free for eve- more money than they clear we will have enough vac- version of the bill, dropping spend more than #10 billion social networks such as ployment insurance benefits by ryone. earned at their jobs, cines for every American by the the mandated $15-an-hour this year to fight poverty, tack- TikTok and Facebook not to making the first $10,200 non- Biden supported the chang- end of May and I am confident minimum wage provision and le climate change and improve spread information about taxable for households with in- es, White House press secretary thereby discouraging them the economic recovery will fol- reducing the number of Ameri- global health.” dates for unauthorized comes under $150,000 a year, a Jen Psaki said in a tweet Friday. from going back to work low,” Manchin said on Friday in cans who will get $1,400 stimu- The economic damage protests supporting Krem- Democratic aide said. But Manchin balked, particular- a statement. lus checks by more than 16 mil- done by the pandemic has lin critic Alexei Navalny, for The changes, and the nine- ly at the tax break, Democratic amendment would not waive “We have reached a com- lion. led the Government to shelve example. Students at many hour delay in advancing the sources said. taxes on the unemployment promise that enables the econ- But Democrats said some its manifesto commitment to schools had even been told legislation on Friday, came af- Democrats were seen ar- benefits. omy to rebound quickly while of the last-minute changes will spend 0.7 percent of national by teachers not to go to ter Manchin expressed concern guing on the Senate floor with Because no Republicans also protecting those receiving help Americans, particularly the income on overseas aid, cut- the demonstrations. Many that $400 payments - part of the Manchin about whether he support the measure and Dem- unemployment benefits from tax break. Many laid-off workers ting that to 0.5 percent. youths and young adults House-passed bill and the origi- would back the new compro- ocrats need at least 50 votes being hit with an unexpected did not realize that unemploy- The documents obtained had taken part in such pro- nal Senate bill - would provide mise, or instead support a GOP to enable Vice President Ka- tax bill next year.” An amend- ment benefits are taxable or live by open Democracy suggest tests against the jailing of some laid-off workers with more amendment sponsored by Sen- mala Harris to break the tie, the ment making the change was in states that didn’t automatical- the total bilateral humanitar- Navalny more than a month money than they earned at their ator Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to threatened defection by Man- expected to offered later on ly withhold federal taxes. They ian aid programme will be cut ago. (dpa) jobs, thereby discouraging them lower the weekly supplemental chin sent Democratic leaders - Friday. were facing big tax liabilities on from 1.5 billion to 900 million from going back to work. to $300 and end it in July. That unaware of Manchin’s concerns Democrats hope to pass the their 2020 return. pounds, the Times reported. Meghan Markle’s friends go public with support ahead of Oprah interview dpa These anonymous sources report- later deleted. Los Angeles edly wanted the public to see their side “Suits” costar Patrick Adams also of the story before watching the much chimed in with a long Twitter thread Who wouldn’t want a friend like publicized interview. that took a swipe at the royal family. Meghan Markle? At least that’s the vibe A spokeswoman for the Sussexes “It’s OBSCENE that the Royal being conveyed by her close friends, called it a “calculated smear campaign.” Family, who’s (sic) newest member is who over the last 24 hours have gone Silver Tree, an executive producer currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, public with personal testimonies to the on USA’s “Suits” and Netflix’s “You,” is promoting and amplifying accusa- former actress’ bona fides. described the duchess as her “nearest tions of ‘bullying’ against a woman who In the run-up to this weekend’s and dearest” in a string of tweets that herself was basically forced to flea (sic) sit-down interview with Oprah Win- at first included a picture of Markle the UK in order protect her family and frey, Prince Harry and Markle have and Harry’s son Archie. That photo was her own mental health,” Adams wrote. been caught up in a public row over the reasons behind their dramatic 2020 exit from the British royal family. On one side, the palace took up an Protesters stand by a blockade across a road during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon investigation into allegations of work- on Saturday. (AFP) place bullying by Markle. On the other, in teasers released from the interview, the duchess claims the royal family per- Protesters block main roads in petuated falsehoods about the couple. Overnight, several friends of the bi- racial royal, who some believe has been Yangon, other cities across Myanmar unfairly maligned by the British media, dpa on this main road in self de- increasingly violent crackdown shared personal accounts attesting to Yangon fence,” Ko Ko Win, a protester by security forces. Christine the duchess’ good character. in South Okkalapa, Yangon, Schraner Burgener, the UN spe- Lindsay Roth, a Northwestern Hundreds of thousands of told dpa. cial envoy for Myanmar, said alumna (as is Markle) who was a pro- protesters blocked major roads “We are blocking this six- her agency counted 38 dead ducer for the late Larry King, shared a across Myanmar on Saturday, lane road with bricks, big sand on Wednesday, making it the post on Thursday on Instagram stating including in the commercial bags and strong barricades. Be- bloodiest day since the coup. she has been friends with the 39-year- hub of Yangon, as demonstra- fore they attack us, we need to Nonetheless, protesters old duchess for 22 years and spoke of tions continue against last run to a safe place,” said Myat called for the rallies to continue her kindness. month’s coup. Khine, from the North Ok- and demonstrations were held “Meg’s M.O has always been kind- Protesters built road blocks kalapa township, where at least throughout the country on Sat- ness; goodwill runs in her bones,” Roth with sandbags but the police 18 young people were killed in urday, local media reported. wrote. “I have seen firsthand how she and armed security forces protests earlier this week. “We can’t lose the momen- treats her friends and their families, broke up the morning dem- On February 1, Myanmar’s tum of the revolution,” leading and her colleagues.” The narratives onstrations using tear gas and military staged a coup and jailed protester Ei Thinzar Maung counters a report in Britain’s the Times rubber bullets. de facto leader Aung San Suu wrote on Facebook. “Those who newspaper that the duchess left female “To be safe while protesting, Kyi. Demonstrations have been dare to fight will have a victory. aides shaken and crying after alleged we built large, heavy barricades ongoing since then, facing an We deserve victory.” bullying. Investors push firms to come clean on climate page 10

Sunday, march 7, 2021

31,496.30 10,004.19 50405.32 1,698.50 +572.16 pts -40.26 pts -440.76 pts Gold -0.13 % ‘Investors from Qatar to get full Dow QE sensex support in Bangladesh’ page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 25.29 Brent 69.36 +3.93 % WTI 66.09 +3.54 % Silver -0.68 % Qatari banks Lower provisions going post strong profits despite forward to boost CB’s COVID-19 impact, earnings, says QNBFS says Moody’s Tribune News Network growth year-over-year. Inter- Doha est income was supported by net interest margins that re- QNBFS maintains outperform rating on Commercial Bank, raises price target to QR5.143 The combined results of the mained unchanged at 2.1 per eight listed Qatari banks re- cent in 2020 compared with Satyendra Pathak tinued its positive trajectory, mained strong despite the 2019. Doha delivering on its 5-year strat- impact of COVID-19 on op- Stable net interest mar- egy. The bank’s cost to income erating conditions and rise in gins reflected a decline in asset Booking of lower provi- (C/I) ratio significantly im- provisions, according to rating yields in the current lower in- sions going forward will boost proved, falling from 2016’s 48 agency Moody’s. terest rate environment, to 4.3 Commercial Bank’s (CB) percent to 27.2 percent. We Aggregate profitabilitypercent from 5.4 percent, that earnings compound annual model in C/I ratio of 25.2 per- weakened marginally in 2020. was fully offset by a decline growth rate to 23.7 percent cent in 2021e, 24.2 percent in The aggregate return on as- in cost of funds to 2.4 percent in the five-year period from 2022 and 2023, in-line with sets was 1.2 percent, compared from 3.6 percent. 2020 to 2025e, QNB Finan- management’s guidance,” the with 1.4 percent in 2019. The Moody’s said Qatari banks cial Services (QNBFS) has report said. banks’ combined net profit improved their operating ef- said in its latest report. Management is guiding declined 12 percent year-over- ficiency in 2020 through cost “We forecast 2020-25 loan growth of 5-6 percent for year to QR20.4 billion. control measures such as re- earnings CAGR of 23.7 per- 2021 as diversification of loan Five of the eight banks re- cent against our previous book remains on track, the re- ported lower net profit.T he CAGR estimate of 11.8 per- port said. decline in bottom-line profit- Going strong! cent for 2019-2024 period. “During 2020, net loans ability mainly reflected higher The double-digit growth and expanded by 9.9 percent pandemic-related provision- ● Qatari banks’ acceleration is partially attrib- to QR96.7 billion ahead of ing, which was partly offset income-generating ability utable to a base effect as 2020 guidance of 4-6 percent. On by cost savings and higher net remains strong despite earnings were depressed. On a the other hand, deposits re- interest income. higher provisioning charges positive note, after heavy pro- mained flat at QR76 billion. “We expect bottom-line related to the pandemic visions and impairments dur- Moreover, in-line with man- profitability of Qatari banks ing 2016-2020, we are of the agement’s strategy, the per- to remain at the same level ● Qatari banks improve view that Commercial Bank centage of govt. loans to total in 2021 in the context of slow their operating efficiency will book lower provisions go- loans increased from 2016’s economic activity, though it in 2020 through cost ing forward and CoR will nor- 10 percent to 17 percent in will remain relatively strong control measures malise, resulting in a surge in 2020, while real estate loans compared with regional and 2021 and 2022 earnings,” QN- The Commercial Bank Plaza in Doha. dropped from 28 percent to global peers,” said Moody’s In- BFS said in the report. 21 percent during the same vestors Service Vice President ducing staff and travel expens- “We forecast provisions “Commercial Bank re- cent in 2020. It declined by sions for credit losses in 2020 period. We adopt a conserva- and Senior Credit OfficerN it- es, which eased the pressure and impairments to drop mains resilient given current 7.3 percent and 8.3 percent increased 40.7 to QR836.4 tive approach and estimate ish Bhojnagarwala. on their bottom-line profit. by a CAGR of 13.3 percent market conditions. The bank’s in 2018 and 2019 respec- million while CoR increased loan growth of 4.3 percent in Moody’s expect Qatar’s real Operating expenses fell 6 (2020-25e) against the rise RoE is expected to increase tively to QR4.3 billion, while from 67bps in 2019 to 88bps 2021. We pencil in a 2020-25e GDP to grow by 1.7 per cent in percent to QR11.1 billion from of 12.4 percent during 2015- from 6 percent in 2020 to 10 the NPL ratio decreased to in 2020. However, manage- CAGR of 5.9 percent against 2021 after contracting by 3.5 QR11.7 billion a year earlier, 20 period. The level at which percent in 2021. After 2021, 4.3 percent against 4.9 per- ment has improved CoR from 4.8 percent in the 2015-20 per cent in 2020 because of while the cost to income ratio Commercial Bank is trading we model RoE to increase to cent in 2019 and 5.01 percent 2017’s 195bps. Guidance for period,” the report said. the coronavirus pandemic and fell to 25 percent from 28 per- currently is unjustified given the 12-13 percent range. Man- in 2016. Coverage of Stage 3 2021 CoR is 70 to 80bps. We Commercial Bank has decline in oil prices. cent. All eight banks reported management’s strong track agement is targeting 13-15 loans improved, increasing model in a CoR of 75bps for a robust financial position, According to the rating a lower cost to income ratio. record. The stock is trading at percent during the 2022-26 from 61 percent in 2019 to 66 2021 and 65bps in 2022, which with total assets of QR153.6 agency, Qatari banks’ income- “We expect this trend to con- a PEG of 0.4x based on an EPS period,” it said. percent in 2020. Going for- is in-line with management’s billion as at 31 December generating ability remains tinue as the full impact of cost- CAGR (2020-25e) of 23.7 per- The bank’s asset quality ward, we expect asset quality guidance. We estimate CoR to 2020 and a capital adequacy strong despite higher provi- control measures in 2020 will cent, which is attractive. We improved as the majority of to improve driven by prudent decline to 50bps by 2025, al- ratio of 17.8 percent. The sioning charges related to the become evident by the end of increase our price target from non-performing loans (NPLs) underwriting and recoveries,” though management is target- bank enjoys strong credit rat- pandemic. This reflects the Qa- 2021,” said Bhojnagarwala. QR5.006 to QR5.143 and keep are legacy, it said. the report said. ing 40bps during the 2022-26 ings of (A3) from Moody’s, tari government’s significant Moody’s data show that our outperform rating on the “NPLs continued to de- “Management continues to time- frame,” the report said. (A) from Fitch, and (BBB+) footprint in domestic banks as Qatari banks’ provisioning stock,” it said. crease, declining by 3.6 per- de-risk the loan book. Provi- “Operating efficiency con- from Standard & Poor’s. a shareholder, depositor and increased to QR10.4 billion customer, which to some ex- in 2020 from QR6 billion in tent insulates the banking sec- 2019, and consumed around tor from external events. 32 percent of pre-provision A QR75 billion stimulus and income compared with 20 per- support package to the private cent previously. US economy set to surge with $2 trillion stimulus sector, equivalent to around 12 Most of the increase in pro- percent of nominal GDP, and a visioning charges in 2020 was QR10 billion injection to boost because of a rise in expected Agencies Democrats rush to send out schools for reopening costs. $1,400 stimulus checks for While economic growth the country’s capital market credit losses in the stage 3 Washington a fresh round of aid. Senate approval brings millions of Americans, com- is primed for a strong 2021, helped limit the impact of the bucket of the banks’ corporate The legislation includes Biden’s first legislative initia- bined with supplemental job- it could also mean another coronavirus outbreak. book. However, loan quality With the US senate pass- direct payments of $1,400 tive closer to fruition. While less benefits and the accelera- partisan divide over the next The banks’ total income had remained relatively stable. ing an almost $2 trillion to most Americans, a $300 the GOP and some econo- tion in vaccinations, should item on President Joe Biden’s rose 4 percent to QR43.9 bil- According to Moody’s, stimulus bill and COVID-19 weekly boost to jobless bene- mists criticised the scope of help sustain growth through- legislative agenda: a multi- lion in 2020 from QR42.1 bil- Qatari banks preserved their vaccinations moving ahead, fits into September and an ex- the rescue package as the US out the year, said Amherst trillion-dollar plan focusing lion in 2019. The increase was capital buffers in 2020, which the US economic outlook is pansion of the child tax credit vaccination pace picked up, Pierpont Securities Chief on infrastructure. driven by a 9 percent rise in were stable compared with much sunnier than it looked for one year. It also puts new Democrats said they needed Economist Stephen Stanley. Easing activity restrictions net interest income that offset 2019, supported by lower in early January. funding into COVID-19 vac- decisive action to prevent a Government stimulus and rising vaccinations will al- an 11 percent decrease in non- dividend payout ratios (the The Senate passed a cine distribution and testing, sluggish recovery and future will give a shot of adrenaline low consumer spending to re- interest income. Operating in- dividend payout ratio for 2020 $1.9 trillion coronavirus re- rental assistance for strug- economic pain. for a short period of time, gain its long-held status as the come grew at all eight banks. was 40 percent compared with lief package on Saturday as gling households and K-12 An additional round of Stanley said. key economic engine this year. Growth in total income was 45 percent for 2019 and still supported by 7 percent credit strong earnings. IBPC Qatar webinar aims to boost Qatar-India pharma trade bassy of India, the webinar Mylabs Covid Test Kits and Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Free Zone was jointly hosted by IBPC Equipment CEO Rahul Patil, Qatar Joint Secretary Manoj Wellcare Group Qatar MD KP Authority officials take part in the webinar Megchiani and Pharmexcil Ashraf, Care n Cure Group Regulatory Director Lakshmi Qatar Chairman EP Abdura- Tribune News Network ers in Qatar. Prasanna. himan and Kerala Pharma- Doha Indian Ambassador to Qa- The high-profile webinar cists Forum Qatar General tar HE Deepak Mittal, who achieved its goals with par- Secretary Jetty George. Indian Business and Profes- delivered the opening remark ticipation and presentations IBPC is registered as a sionals Council Qatar (IBPC on the occasion, set the tone by Ministry of Public Health professional body with Qatar Qatar), an apex body oper- for the webinar. Qatar Drugs Pricing Head Dr Financial Center (QFC) with ating under the aegis of the Earlier, IBPC Qatar Presi- Ahmed Babiker, Qatar Free a mission to promote business Embassy of India, recently dent Azim Abbas inaugurated Zone Authority Business De- and trade between India and hosted a webinar jointly with the webinar and welcomed velopment Manager Hamad Qatar. It also promotes in- the Pharmaceutical Export the panel of speakers and Al Muhannadi, Pharmex- vestment in either country on Council of India (Pharmexcil) audience. cil Director General Udaya a bilateral basis. IBPC’s vision to promote bilateral trade be- Initiated by Angeline Pre- Bhaskar, Apoorva of Bharat is to become a trusted partner tween pharmaceutical manu- malatha, Counsellor Political Biotech Manufacturers and for Indian companies to do Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE Deepak Mittal, IBPC Qatar President Azim Abbas and other dignitaries facturers in India and import- and Commerce at the Em- Exporters of Covid Vaccines, business in Qatar. take part in the webinar jointly organised by IBPC Qatar and Pharmaceutical Export Council of India . Economy & Business Sunday, March 7, 2021 09

QNB Economic commentary G-7 countries are set China sets 6% growth target, to gradually withdraw extraordinary fiscal to review 5-yr economic plan support The new direction comes after a he fallout of the out for leisure and entertain- Covid-19 pandemic ment activities rather than years-long trade Thas already produced staying at home. Likewise, war with the US the largest global wave of government expenditure will economic policy support ever naturally decrease, for exam- recorded. As governments ple, as service sector employ- DPA across different continents ees are able to return to work Beijing responded to the health crisis and stop claiming unem- with tight social distancing ployment benefits. While last China has set an ambitious measures and lockdowns, a year almost all G-7 countries economic growth target of sharp decline in economic presented double digit fis- more than 6 percent for 2021, activity was triggered in Q2 cal deficits as a percentage Premier Li Keqiang said at the 2020. In order to prevent a of GDP, only the US is set Friday opening of the annual sudden collapse of private to continue running such parliamentary session, during income or a more persistent deep deficits in 2021. This which a proposal to tighten impairment on the bal- in part reflects the concerns Beijing’s grip on Hong Kong ance sheet of corporates of sovereigns with elevated has also been put forward. and households, economic debt levels, exchange rate China’s long-term econom- authorities around the globe risks, and potential rating ic planning and a controversial were quick to use all tools at downgrades or other adverse overhaul of Hong Kong’s elec- their disposal to offer relief. market reactions if mega toral system that would reduce Major central banks cut deficits persist. the public’s role in government policy rates aggressively Second, despite the are at the top of the agenda or supported the financial distribution of Covid-19 for the legislature’s seven-day system with massive injec- vaccines, the economic meeting. tions of liquidity, preventing recovery and lower deficits The ceremonial parliament a disorderly dislocation of than last year, the fiscal is set to review a new five-year credit and equity markets. policy of G-7 countries is economic plan through which More importantly, fiscal ex- still set to continue being Beijing aims to achieve tech- pansion became paramount. far from “normal” this year. nological self-reliance, boost Fiscal policy tools are more Fiscal deficits in 2021 are domestic consumption and appropriate to provide the likely to still be a multiple of rely less on exports of lower relief that corporates and the pre-pandemic deficits as quality goods. A man uses his mobile phone to take a picture of a big screen showing China’s Premier Li Keqiang delivering a speech at the opening session households need, including G-7 countries introduce new The new direction comes of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday (STR/AFP) through programs such as measures to cushion against after a years-long trade war paid sick leave, extensions a larger shock from sudden with the United States, which China’s development,” Li said. percent. Besides the five-year criminalized dissent in the fi- in 2021, at a slightly faster pace of unemployment benefits, support withdrawal and to saw the US curb technology “The Chinese government plan, the parliament is also set nancial hub and led to dozens than last year. tax holidays, direct transfers provide additional relief for exports to China and has chal- is very eager to prevent shocks to review a strategy to overhaul of arrests. China’s military budget lenged the country’s status as to domestic companies by Hong Kong’s electoral system, Hong Kong is officially a rose 6.6 percent in 2020, at the world’s factory. global supply chains,” Joerg reducing the public’s role in semi-autonomous region of a slower rate than in previ- “We will give priority to do- Wuttke, president of the Euro- the government. China, which was guaranteed ous years, as the government mestic circulation and work to pean Chamber of Commerce in An election committee - certain political freedoms un- focused more resources on build a strong domestic market China, told state broadcaster formed by pro-Beijing politi- til 2047 as part of its hando- aiding the coronavirus-hit and turn China into a trader CGTN. cal and business elites - will in ver from Britain to China, in economy. Nevertheless, for- of quality,” Li said as he ad- “At the same time I hope the future nominate all candi- 1997. Critics say, however, that eign experts say China’s real dressed the roughly 2,900 del- it does not mean that China dates for Hong Kong’s Legisla- Beijing has been encroaching military expenses are up to 40 egates gathered at the cavern- turns its back to the world.” tive Council, said Wang Chen, on the city’s freedoms while percent higher than those re- ous Great Hall of the People. China last year broke with tra- vice chairman of the Standing breaking its previous commit- ported. The government will pro- dition and did not set an eco- Committee of the National ments. China is building milita- mote a “positive interplay be- nomic growth target due to People’s Congress, China’s Hong Kong voters in No- rized islands as part of a ter- tween domestic circulation and uncertainties brought by the parliament. vember 2019 installed a slate ritorial dispute with its neigh- international circulation,” Li coronavirus pandemic. The The change is to ensure of pro-democracy candidates bours in the South China Sea, said, as he promised a further economy grew 2.3 percent, the that only “patriots administer during district council elec- has occasional border stand- opening up of markets and a only major world economy to Hong Kong,” NPC spokes- tions as a rebuke of Beijing offs with India and has seen “steady growth of imports and have expanded in 2020. man Zhang Yesui said during following massive protests rising tensions with the US and exports.” At the heart of the Part of that growth was a press conference late Thurs- against an extradition bill to Taiwan. new plan is increased innova- aided by a 3.6 percent budget day. mainland China. By overhaul- Li said China will boost tion in key sectors such as tele- deficit target last year, allowing The move comes after last ing the electoral system, Bei- “military training and prepar- to families, and subsidized vulnerable groups. Examples communications, clean energy for investment in coronavirus- year during the parliamentary jing wants to make sure that edness across the board” but loans to small and medium include the planned USD and electric vehicles. The party hit economic sectors. For this session Beijing approved a new cannot happen again. that the country is pursuing an enterprises. 1.9 trillion stimulus package sees “science and technology year, Li announced a deficit- national security law for Hong Meanwhile, the defence “independent foreign policy of And there was no short- from the new US adminis- providing strategic support for to-GDP ratio of around 3.2 Kong, which has essentially budget is set to rise 6.8 percent peace.” age of fiscal policy action tration and the USD 70-100 to respond to the economic billion stimulus committed consequences of the pan- by Canada for the next three demic. According to the years. IMF, extraordinary fiscal Third, new fiscal ini- stimulus measures amount- tiatives are likely to be less ‘Investors from Qatar to get full support in Bangladesh’ ed to USD 14 trillion globally focused on immediate in 2020, or more than 15% emergency relief and more She said Bangladesh was a of global GDP. Half of these focused on what has been Bangladesh Forum market of over 160 million peo- measures consisted of addi- called “build back better.” ple where more than 50 per- tional spending or foregone The idea is that new G-7 Qatar-hosted cent of the generation are be- revenue with the other half allocations are going to be webinar grabs low 30 years of age. As per her including “below the line hybrid, focusing both on statement, Bangladesh is going measures” such as loans, supporting the economy and good views online to have some unicorns in the guarantees and equity injec- on enabling a greener, more near future. Regarding the re- tions. Importantly, more digital and inclusive trans- Tribune News Network turn on investment (ROI) she than 70% of the total fiscal formation of the economy. Doha noted it to be 10 times growth support was deployed by the This includes infrastruc- in 4 years for any tech invest- major advanced economies ture programs as well as Secretary to Bangladesh’s ment whether it is a Health- of the G-7 (Canada, France, enhanced training and job foreign ministry Mashfee Tech or Edu-Tech or Agri-Tech Germany, Italy, Japan, the search programs for the Binte Shams has pledged “full apart from FinTech. UK, and the US). unemployed or for workers support” to investors from QFC’s Henk Jan Hoogen- But what comes next for from industries that are go- Qatar seeking to invest in dorn echoed the same ap- fiscal policies in the G-7? ing to be phased out. Bangladesh. preciation to BFQ like others Three main factors underpin All in all, a “normaliza- He was addressing a webi- for initiating such an effective our assessment of G-7 fiscal tion” of fiscal policies within nar — “An Exploration of the webinar and promised the full policies moving forward. the G-7 is already taking Qatar-Bangladesh Startup and support of QFC to bring syn- First, fiscal deficits will place. But the process will FinTech Opportunities” — or- ergy in BFQ effort on the sub- moderate across all G-7 be rather slow and gradual, ganised by the Bangladesh Fo- ject matter in the future. He countries in 2021. Recover- as governments want to take rum Qatar on Sunday (Feb 28), Panellists addressing the webinar organised by the Bangladesh Forum Qatar on Sunday. also vowed to work with the ing economic activity will the opportunity to advance in cooperation with Embassy of new startups from Bangladesh naturally increase govern- new investment programs Bangladesh in Qatar, Qatar Fi- Shaikha Al Jabir, Founder ligence-based startups seeking of the Bangladesh Embassy in and Qatar that will bring mu- ment revenues, for example while avoiding “withdrawal nancial Centre, Qatar Develop- Doha Tech Angels, Telcom to set up shop in Qatar will get supporting all BFQ initiatives tual economic benefits for both by increasing the amount of issues” of a premature exit ment Bank and Qatar Fin-Tech Expert, Board Member, Tech 100 percent waiver on rental on bilateral investments. He re- Bangladesh BFQ and Qatar. Value Added Tax paid by the from extraordinary meas- Hub. investors; Munera Fahad Al and registration fees for the minded the participants of the Addressing a panel, Munera services sector as people go ures. The webinar, which has Dosari, Chief Strategy Offic- first year usual challenges that hinder Fahad Al Dosari, Chief Strategy subsequently been uploaded er, Ooredoo, Tech Investors, Gulf Exchange MD and the desired success, especially Officer, Ooredoo, Bangladeshi online — reached more than Strategist and WeQual EMEA CEO Jaafar Ali Al Sarraf the lack of effective follow up to employees can serve to a great 11,000 people as of March 2020 Awards winner; Sonia praised the bilateral relation ensure continuity and fruitful extent to address the demand 4, 2021, and generated over Bashir Kabir, Licensed Venture between Bangladesh and Qatar execution of great ideas. for talent required in Qatar. 1,600 unique engagements via Capitalist, Managing Partner/ along with the future prospects Mohammad Shafiqul Is- Dr Shaikha Al Jabir, Co- Facebook Live, BFQ said. More General Partner SBK Tech, on investment in Bangladeshi lam, Ooredoo’s Director Strat- Founder, Doha Tech Angels, than 3,600 people have so far Serial Investor, Ex MD Micro- fintech startups through Qatar egy and BFQ President has highlighted the success of viewed the webinar all over the soft South Asia; Mohammed Fin-Tech Hub, Qatar Financial thanked all guests for their Bangladeshi startup Shopup, world, it added. Al-Emadi, Head of Angel In- Center, Qatar Development presence. which has won $28 million The event was inaugurated vestment, Qatar Development Bank and Doha Tech Angels Robi Axiata’s Shihab investment and has become11 by Bangladesh’s Ambassa- Bank; Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, among others. Ahmed said Bangladesh has times bigger since its start. She dor to Qatar HE Mohammed Managing Director, Qatar Fi- QBIC’s Hamad Dashin Al highlighted the startup eco- expressed her interest to invest Jashim Uddin, QFC Author- nancial Centre (QFC); Shihab Qahthani said Qatar’s interest system in Bangladesh and ex- in new startup or fin-tech com- ity CEO Yousuf Mohamed Al Ahmad, Chief Commercial Of- to push forward the SME eco plained the IT infrastructure of panies from Bangladesh and Jaida, QBIC General Manager ficer (CCO), Robi Axiata Ltd. system and fin-tech sector as Bangladesh. called on startups to apply on- Hamad Dashin Al Qahtani and Bangladesh, and Mohammed the successful entrepreneurs SBK Tech’s Sonia Bashir line through DTA website for Mashfee Binte Shams. ShafiqulIslam, President, BFQ, and SME are the backbone of Kabir provided a roadmap to angel investments directly. BFQ President Moham- Director (Strategy), Ooredoo, the thriving diversified econo- attract tech based startups and Mohammed Al Emadi, med Shafiqul Islam and QFC Qatar. my. fin-tech companies to attract Head of Angel Investment, Managing Director Henk Jan Addressing the webinar, In his brief inaugural investors from Qatar and glob- QDB has promised to increase Hogendroon co-moderated Jaida said Bangladeshi fintech, speech ambassador Jashim al venture capitalist and Angel the support to the new startups a panel discussion among Dr blockchain and artificial intel- Uddin renewed commitment investors. from Bangladesh. 10 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Economy & Business Semiconductor Show us the plan: Investors push shortage spurs run on vintage firms to come clean on climate chipmaking tools Companies set to face most investor resolutions tied to climate change in years, in next month’s AGM season

Agencies stretching my limits,” Iyer said. “A real capacity in- Agencies Minnesota-based Po- crease would take nine to 12 lar Semiconductor makes months, minimum.” In the past, shareholder votes chips for automakers and is Resellers of chipmaking on the environment were booked beyond capacity. But gear saying they cannot find rare and easily brushed aside. expanding production lines used equipment, leading Things could look different to help solve a chip short- some buyers to stalk old fac- in the annual meeting season age that is shutting down car tories in the United States, starting next month, when factories around the world Japan and Europe, waiting companies are set to face the is not feasible - in part due for them to close in hopes of most investor resolutions tied to the scarcity of older-style snapping up the gear inside. to climate change in years. chipmaking machinery. “Demand is hot for used Those votes are likely to Chip factories like Po- equipment, but we don’t win more support than in pre- lar use these tools to make have enough of them to cope vious years from large asset chips on 200-millimeter with demand,” said Bruce managers seeking clarity on silicon wafers, which were Kim, chief executive of South how executives plan to adapt state-of-the-art two decades Korea’s Surplus Global Inc, and prosper in a low-carbon ago. Now, advanced chips one of the largest dealers of world, according to inter- are made using much larger used chipmaking gear. views with more than a dozen wafers, but there is still a lot He said used equipment activist investors and fund of demand for simpler, older prices have gone up by as managers. chips. The demand has been much as 20% over the past In the United States, supercharged by a combina- six months, while the num- shareholders have filed 79 tion of the COVID-19-driven ber of refurbished tools in climate-related resolutions so boom in computer gear and its inventory fell to 1,000, far, compared with 72 for all unexpected strength in auto down from between 7,000 of last year and 67 in 2019, sales that resulted in short- to 8,000 a decade ago. according to data compiled by ages. General Motors Co this Ohio-based Rite Track, the Sustainable Investments week extended production in normal times, buys up Institute. The institute esti- cuts at three North American old chipmaking equipment, mated the count could reach plants and added a fourth to upgrades it and sells it to 90 this year. Many companies say they already provide plenty of information about climate issues. Yet some activists say they see signs more executives are the list of factories hit, and chip factories. But Chief Ex- Topics to be put to a vote in a deal making mood this year. Fiat Chrysler owner Stellan- ecutive Tim Hayden said the at annual general meetings tis warned the pain could lin- recent squeeze has spurred (AGMs) include calls for already provide plenty of in- study from sustainability con- more than 3 degrees Celsius ger far into the year. Short- the company to spend more emissions limits, pollution formation about climate is- sultancy South Pole showed by 2050. ages forced Ford Motor Co time sending technicians out reports and “climate audits” sues. Yet some activists say Heat is up just 10% of 120 firms it polled, That is well short of the to slash shifts for production to upgrade tools that are al- that show the financial impact they see signs more executives ● In the United States, from varied sectors, had done Paris accord goal of limiting of its F-150 pickup truck, a ready installed on factory of climate change on their are in a dealmaking mood this shareholders have filed 79 so. warming to “well below” 2C, longtime profit driver. floors in order to squeeze businesses. year. climate-related resolutions “There’s too much ambi- preferably 1.5C. Automakers use a range more chips out of them. A broad theme is to press Royal Dutch Shell said on so far, compared with 72 guity and lack of clarity on the At an industry level, there of chips in cars. Some, such “You just can’t go out corporations across sectors, Feb 11 it would become the exact journey and route that are large differences, the as those in infotainment sys- on the open market and from oil and transport to food first oil and gas major to offer for all of last year and 67 companies are going to take, study found: If every compa- tems, are made in the same buy a used 200-millimeter and drink, to detail how they such a vote, following similar in 2019. and how quickly we can actu- ny emitted at the same level cutting-edge chip facto- tool - they’re just not readily plan to reduce their carbon announcements from Span- ● Topics to be put to a vote ally expect movement,” said as the energy sector, for ex- ries that make smartphone available,” Hayden said. “So footprints in coming years, in ish airports operator Aena, Mirza Baig, head of invest- ample, the temperature rise chips. But other chips in people are getting a little bit line with government pledges UK consumer goods compa- at annual general meetings ment stewardship at Aviva would be 5.8C, with the ma- braking and engine systems more creative.” to cut emissions to net zero by ny Unilever and U.S. rating include calls for emissions Investors. terials sector - including met- are made using older, prov- Demand for old tools 2050. agency Moody’s. limits, pollution reports and Data analysis from Swiss als and mining - on course for en technologies that meet is so robust that buyers are “Net-zero targets for 2050 While most resolutions “climate audits bank J Safra Sarasin shows 5.5C and consumer staples automakers’ durability and looking at every kind of fac- without a credible plan in- are non-binding, they often the scale of the collective - including food and drink - reliability requirements. tory. Spin Memory in Fre- cluding short-term targets spur changes with even 30% challenge. 4.7C. But the machines to mont, California, is design- is greenwashing, and share- or more support as executives governance for Georgeson, Sarasin studied the emis- The calculations are make those older chips can ing a new kind of memory holders must hold them to look to satisfy as many inves- which advises corporations sions of the roughly 1,500 mostly based on companies’ take six to nine months to chip and maintains a small account,” said billionaire tors as possible. on shareholder views. firms in the MSCI World In- reported emissions levels in find, said Surya Iyer, vice “pilot production line,” British hedge fund manager “The demands for in- While more and more dex, a broad proxy for the 2019, the latest full year ana- president of operations and mostly to provide samples Chris Hohn, who is pushing creased disclosure and tar- companies are issuing net- world’s listed companies. It lyzed, and cover Scope 1 and quality at Polar. to potential customers, said companies worldwide to hold get-setting are much more zero targets for 2050, in line calculated that if companies 2 emissions - those caused di- “There’s no way I can Chief Executive Tom Spark- a recurring shareholder vote pointed than they were in with goals set out in the 2015 globally did not curb their rectly by a company, plus the expand capacity beyond just man. on their climate plans. 2020,” said Daniele Vitale, Paris climate accord, few have emissions rate, they would production of the electricity it Many companies say they the London-based head of published interim targets. A raise global temperatures by buys and uses. General Electric shares burn bright on recovery prospects Agencies and have gained about 150% An investor conference tion business particularly products as key drivers of the earnings and free cash flow since their May low. They scheduled for March 10 ap- hard, appeared to be “back on company’s recovery. can get to in the 2022-2025 While the gyrations of so- were down 0.1% on Friday at pears to have heightened in- track and likely to be quicker Jason Adams, portfo- time horizon.” called meme stocks have tak- $13.55. terest in the stock in recent than expected prior to the lio manager for the T. Rowe T. Rowe Price owned some en the spotlight, less trendy Driving the gains are in- days. Morgan Stanley raised pandemic,” Heymann said. Price global industrials fund, 7.8% of GE’s shares outstand- General Electric has been vestor expectations that the its price target on the com- Since taking the reins in cautioned that the company’s ing at the end of 2020 and outperforming the market on worst may be over for the con- pany this week by $4 to $17 2018, Chief Executive Larry turnaround will likely take was the biggest single owner bets a corporate turnaround glomerate. GE saw its stock per share. UBS also raised its Culp has been focusing on time. Even GE CEO Culp has of the stock according to the and broader economic recov- pummeled in recent years due target. lean-manufacturing practices referred to the company’s re- latest publicly available infor- ery will boost the manufactur- to a host of setbacks, among “The company has been aimed at eliminating waste vamp as a “game of inches.” mation. ing giant. them misplaced bets on fos- through a lot but it’s getting and continuous improve- “This is not a 2021 story,” Morgan Stanley said it GE shares are up around sil fuels-related businesses its sea legs,” said William ment. Heymann cited a boost Adams said. “This is really expects a multi-year path to 25% so far in 2021, compared and the widespread economic Blair analyst Nicholas Hey- was interrupted by the cor- from rising interest rates due about the transformation that above consensus free-cash with a less than 1% advance damage wrought by the pan- mann. onavirus-induced recession to GE’s pension plan deficit GE is undergoing under Larry flow of around $0.90 per for the benchmark S&P 500, demic. GE’s turnaround, which that hit the company’s avia- as well as plans for greener Culp’s leadership and where share in 2023.

fighting the odds Women fight for funding in man’s world of tech startups

Agencies banks for more than 10 years. I’ve is common for women founders it into a free mobile app, adding been the best at everything I have of startups, according to a recent artificial intelligence and partner- Lauren Foundos has excelled at ever gone into.” WWT survey. ing with financial institutions. just about everything she has put Startups can only get by so long Some 44 percent of female She created a Sou Sou proto- her mind to, from college sports relying on friends, family or sav- founders surveyed told of har- type and started bringing in rev- and Wall Street trading to her ings before eventually needing to assment such as sexual slurs or enue to show it could make money, Forte startup that takes workouts find investors willing to put money unwanted physical contact while but still found it tougher to get online. into young companies in exchange seeking funding. funding than male peers. Being a woman in the over- for a stake in the business. And while last year set a record “We always have to over-per- whelmingly male world of venture Money invested in startups in for venture capital funding, backing form and overcompensate,” Gilliam capital was still a barrier -- but, like their earliest days, perhaps when for women-led startups plunged said. “Where startups run by men many other female entrepreneurs, they are no more than ideas or pro- despite data that such companies would get believed, we’d have to she only worked harder to succeed. totypes, is called “seed” funding. actually deliver better return-on- prove it 10 times over.” “In some cases, before I even When it comes to getting back- investment, according to Kapin. Gilliam got insultingly low spoke, they were asking me if I ing for a startup it is about trust, “This isn’t about altruism or valuations for her startup, some so would step down as chief execu- and that seems to be lacking when A tiny proportion of venture capital money goes to female-led startups, says charity, this is about making a predatory that she walked away. tive,” Foundos said of encounters it comes to women entrepreneurs, Allyson Kapin, founder of Women Who Tech. (load) of money,” Kapin said of “We are still lean and mean with venture capitalists. “This was according to Foundos and others backing women-led startups. bootstrapping, but I think it is go- a whole new level.” interviewed by AFP. Foundos brought on a “right- been “no.” Prospects for funding get even ing to pay off in the end,” Gilliam Men would speak past her in “I don’t think women need to hand man,” a male partner with a A paltry few percent of venture more dismal for women of color. said. meetings, discussing whether she be given things,” Foundos said British accent, to provide a more capital money goes to female-led Black entrepreneur Fonta Gil- Investors competing for gems could emotionally handle the job of venture capital backing. “But I traditional face to potential inves- startups in the United States, ac- liam worked overseas with finan- in the frothy tech startup scrum are as if she wasn’t there, or wondering think they are not seeing the same tors and increase the odds of get- cording to Allyson Kapin, General cial institutions for the U.S. State missing out on a wealth of returns, out loud who would take care of the amount of deals.” ting funding. Partner at the W Fund and founder Department before creating social and stability, to be had by investing books. Forte has grown quickly as She has taken to asking venture of Women Who Tech (WWT). banking startup Invest Sou Sou. in neglected women founders, ac- “When that happens, I tell them the pandemic has gyms and fit- capitalists she meets if they have Being sexually propositioned Gilliam took the idea of village cording to Caroline Lewis, a man- I am right here,” Foundos said. “I ness centers scrambling to provide invested in women-led companies in return for funding, or even an savings circles she had seen thrive aging partner in Rogue Women’s am the finance guy;I worked at big online sessions for members. before, and the answer has always introduction to venture capitalists, in places such as Africa and built Fund, which does just that. Germany’s QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Ovtcharov, QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Japan’s Mima win WTT Doha Contender titles page 14

SUNday, March 7, 2021

Nasser Al Khelaifi praises great success of Qatar Total Open 2021

QNA Al Khelaifi considered that Doha the technical success of the current edition of the tourna- The President of the Qatar ment coincides with the or- Tennis, Squash and Badminton ganisational success in light of Federation Nasser Al Khelaifi the great efforts made by the praised the success of Qatar organizing committees despite Total Open year after year, con- the great challenges posed by sidering that as a natural result the COVID-19 pandemic, as well of the unlimited support from as providing all the factors that the wise leadership for sports contribute to the success of and athletes. the event in a manner befitting Al Khelaifi said, in a press the global position of Qatar in statement, that the competi- organising sporting events. tion, in the 19th edition of At the end of his state- which is currently being held ment, Al Khelaifi valued the at the Khalifa International efforts made by the medical Tennis and Squash Complex, staff in light of the great work is witnessing very high levels being done to preserve the of competition with some of safety of everyone in the face the most prominent players in of the pandemic. the world. He pointed to the com- He added that the tourna- mitment of the organizing ment’s competitions this year committee to take all precau- were strong and exciting since tionary measures to ensure their first rounds, and then safety, whether for players, the level increased further in technical staff or workers, the quarter-final and semi- as well as the fans and all final rounds. participants in the event.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Nasser Al Khelaifi, President, Qatar Tennis, Badminton & Squash Federation, and Matthieu Bouyer, MD, Director of Qatar Qatar Total, with Qatar Total Open 2021 winner Petra Kvitova and runners-up Garbine Muguruza at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Saturday. Total Open applauds organizational success of the event Kvitova claims Falcon QNA various sporting events. Doha He said this distinguished edition achieved great suc- trophy a second time The Director of Qatar Total cess despite it being held with Open Saad Al Mohannadi all the challenges due to the confirmed that the global coronavirus Tribune News Network But Muguruza was unable to build on either open- 19th edition of the pandemic. Doha ing. Consecutive double faults handed the break back tournament was He also immediately in the second set, and overall the former strong and distinc- pointed out that Twice Grand Slam champion, and now a twice win- World No.1’s performance was too riddled with mis- tive in light of the the Supreme ner in Doha, Czech Petra Kvitova needed a little over an takes as her unforced error tally mounted to 27. This fierce competition Organizing Com- hour to humble Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-1 was particularly evident on her backhand wing, usually between all the mittee was keen in the $565,530 Qatar Total Open 2021 final and hoist Muguruza’s stronger weapon, which repeatedly dipped players in different to implement the beautiful Falcon Trophy at the Khalifa International just long or wide. stages, which saw health and pre- Tennis & Squash Complex on Saturday. Conversely, Kvitova would go from strength to Petra Kvitova of Qatar Total Open 2021 ventive measures HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, strength after successfully navigating the danger zone. the Czech Repub- Director Sadd Al Mohannadi. to ensure the Qatar Olympic Committee, crowned Kvitova as the The two-time Wimbledon champion’s strategy in gusty lic emerge as the organization of a champion of the 19th edition of the Qatar Total Open. conditions was more effective, clubbing the ball through champion on Saturday. tournament that ensured the It was also the 28th career title for the fourth seeded the middle and handcuffing Muguruza with depth and Al Mohannadi said that safety of all participants in the Kvitova, who incidentally had beaten Muguruza for the pace rather than going for lines. Kvitova was also able the tournament witnessed event. title in 2018 final too. to up her focus when she needed to, saving six out of great organizational success Al Mohannadi thanked and A thrilled Kvitova, later said this victory was more seven break points. in light of the efforts made to saluted all those who contrib- pleasing and refreshing. “It is different, for sure. I mean, As the finishing line hoved into view, Kvitova produce it in a manner that uted to the success of this that year (2018) it was very tiring. I was very exhausted. stepped on the pedal with more spectacular tennis, befits Qatar’s global standing edition and brought it out in I was coming from St. Petersburg playing the Fed Cup, conjuring up a pair of breathtaking winners after seem- and reputation in organizing such a wonderful way. playing Doha, and I remember the semifinal and final Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic, with the Falcon Trophy ingly being out of the point as she reeled off the last six was just unbelievably tough. besides her, speaks to the media online at the Khalifa games of the match. Both players were seeking to snap “I played pretty long, beating Caroline in the third International Tennis & Squash Complex on Saturday. an uncharacteristic title drought. Kvitova had not won set and same, Garbine in the final. This one is a little bit a tournament since Stuttgart 2019, and had lost three different, I would say, but I’m still tired, of course,” she er and that we had another great final and great match of her last four finals - including in Doha last year to said while speaking to the media virtually.. again,” said Kvitova. Aryna Sabalenka. But Saturday’s result reaffirms Kvito- “But it feels different, because today the conditions Three years ago, the Czech had needed two hours va’s overall dominance in title matches, with her career were very, very tough compared to that year I didn’t and 16 minutes to down Muguruza in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 record in them now 28-10. find it that windy, so it was more smoother,I would thriller and claim her first Doha trophy. This time Muguruza, meanwhile, is enjoying one of the most say,” she added. around, Kvitova struck 11 winners to 18 unforced errors consistent stretches of her career. The two-time major Kvitova was also all full of respect for Muguruza. for a victory that clocked in at a more comfortable time champion has won at least two matches in 11 of her “Well, of course she’s a champion. She is a two-time of 66 minutes. The result also extends Kvitova’s domi- past 12 tournaments, dating back to the start of 2020. Grand Slam champion, World No. 1, former. And defi- nance in her rivalry with Muguruza to 5-1, including the This week marked her third final in that span, and sec- nitely she deserves the respect. She’s a big player and last five meetings. ond of this season already following February’s Yarra big champion, anyway. Muguruza’s opportunities were minimal, and Valley Classic. “We’ve met many times already. I think we know came at the start of each set. The Spaniard garnered The loss, though, means that Muguruza is still seek- each other pretty long from the tour, and it’s just very the first break points of the first set in the third game, ing her first trophy since Monterrey 2019, and the last natural. So I’m really glad how the relationship is and and captured the Kvitova serve for the only time to time she was victorious at 500/Premier level or higher QTO 2021 Open winner and runner-up with their trophies. that we, you know, are showing the respect to each oth- kick off the second set. was in winning Cincinnati 2017. (Inputs WTA) Federer arrives in Doha, to face early test in Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Federer will be making his first draw by fifth seed Roberto Bautista Thiem, Rublev feature in same half of the draw appearance in Doha since 2012. Agut, in-form Kazakhstani Alexan- The Swiss owns a 26-3 record at the der Bublik and Reilly Opelka. Tribune News Network I’m not at the finish line yet but it’s ATP 250, highlighted by title runs Defending champion Andrey Doha good, I feel I’m in a good place, I’ve in 2005, 2006 and 2011. If he can Rublev could meet a fellow Doha been practicing very well and I just overcome Chardy or Evans in his titlist in his first match. The Rus- Roger Federer will face an imme- feel really pumped up.” first match, he could face eighth sian will face 2013 winner Richard diate challenge at the Qatar Exxon- The 39-year-old after nearly seed Borna Coric in the quarter-fi- Gasquet or a qualifier in his tourna- Mobil Open in Doha, his first event nine years returns to participate in nals. Coric also has form on his side. ment opener. since the 2020 Australian Open. the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The The Croat has claimed three Rublev headlines the second The Swiss maestro arrived in last time he played here in 2021, straight-sets wins en route to the quarter of the draw with 2008 Doha on Saturday for the March he had to withdraw before facing ABN AMRO World Tennis Tour- runner-up and seventh seed Stan 8-13 event which will be held at the Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in nament semi-finals in Rotterdam Wawrinka. Khalifa International Tennis and the semis due to a back injury. this week. Fourth seed Denis Shapovalov Squash Complex. The 20-time Grand Slam cham- Top seed Dominic Thiem could and sixth seed David Goffin will The three-time champion in pion, who underwent two right also face a tough test in his first compete in the third quarter of the Doha has earlier in a video on his knee surgeries last year, will face Roger Federer and Dominc Thiem on their arrival at the Hamad International match of the tournament. The US draw. Shapovalov will face coun- twitter handle said, “Here we are, in-form Frenchman Jeremy Char- Airport in Doha on Saturday. Open champion will meet Austral- tryman Vasek Pospisil or a qualifier about to take off to fly to Doha.I t’s dy or recent Murray River Open ian Open semi-finalist Aslan Kar- in his opening match, while Gof- been a year since my last event. champion Daniel Evans in his re- Rublev to three sets in Rotterdam ans climbed to a career-high No. atsev or Qatar’s Mubarak Shan- fin will begin his third appearance “I can tell I’m very excited it’s turn match. on Friday, has already reached 26 in the FedEx ATP Rankings nan Zayid. The 2018 semi-finalist at the ATP 250 against Filip Kra- been a long and hard road. I know Chardy, who pushed Andrey two semi-finals this year and Ev- last month. is joined in the top quarter of the jinovic of Serbia. 12 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Sports

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR DOHA

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, along with Jan Tops, President, Longines Global Champions Tour, after honouring the Grand Prix of Doha podium finishers at the Olympic Committee, arrive at Al Shaqab on Saturday. Longines Arena of Al Shaqab on Saturday. Belgian Bruynseels steals LGCT Grand Prix of Doha show with Delux van T&L Vinay Nayudu Doha

On a day where the 17-ob- stacle course tested the very best, Belgian Niels Bruynseels combined with both aplomb and authority with his mount Delux van T&L, a bay gelding, to produce a sizzling run on the expansive and spectacular turf of the outdoor Longines Arena of Al Shaqab to claim the Longines Global Champi- ons Tour’s Grand Prix of Doha crown on the third and con- cluding day of the showjump- ing gala on Saturday. The delightful victory also fetched him a whopping €123.750 in grand prize. Bruynseels, who had missed out on the podium on Friday, made up on the big stage as he tackled the de- manding 1.60m CSI5* class with speed and precision after the competition moved into a challenging jump-off featuring seven of the world’s best horse Niels Bruynseels of Belgium astride Delux van T&L in action during the Grand Prix of Doha 1.60m event of Longines Global Champions Tour at and rider combinations and it the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab on Saturday. all came down to nerves under the floodlights in breezy con- into such a high-level compe- ditions. tition. She gave me everything Niels Bruynseels and De- she had. I’m really happy to be lux van T & L trailed Lorenzo standing on this podium now,” De Luca and Nuance Bleue De Luca said. by three-tenths of a second at Niels Bruynseels of Belgium takes a victory with his horse Delux van the midway checkpoint, but a Valkenswaard United win T&L at Al Shaqab on Saturday. speedy second half saw them Global Champions League stop the clock in 39.93 sec- talk for everyone to say it is a Merci van T & L; 40.35 secs; onds, 0.27 inside the Italian Earlier, Valkenswaard very special event. Peder made €56250.00 rider’s time. Canada’s Beijing United won the Global Cham- my life easier he jumped a fan- Global Champions League - 2008 Olympic champion Eric pions League in spectacular tastic clear round, I know my Individual classification against Lamaze, with Dieu Merci, took style with unbeatable per- horse is fast but you also need the clock Height: 1.55 m third in 40.35 seconds after formances by the team’s top some luck. I am really lucky to 1. Scott Brash (GBR going fastest in Round A. guns in the opener of the 2021 be in a strong team like this. ); Horse: Hello Jefferson; Time: Friday’s feature event win- championship race. We have 6 very strong riders 70.23 secs; Prize money: ner and one of the strong con- Heavyweights Peder Fre- and I am very lucky to ride €23750 tenders Scott Brash looked set dricson and Marcus Ehning with them.” 2. Peder Fredricson (SWE); to land the marquee event as took full advantage of the ex- Peder Fredricson said: Hansson WL; 70.47 secs; the Brit, riding Hello Vincent, traordinary horsepower of “It’s really amazing to be back €19000 was well ahead on the clock. Hansson WL and Stargold jumping at top level sport 3. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE); But the pair had the last two with flawless rounds to seal again. It is fantastic to ride King Edward; 70.66 secs; fences down to end up in sixth The Global Champions League podium finishing teams at Al Shaqab on Saturday. the coveted first win of the with Marcus and I am really €14250 place ahead of Germany’s season. Shangai Swans with looking forward to the rest of Global Champions League sec- Marcus Ehning (Stargold). very happy to emerge on top wanted to save his strength for level. The best riders and hors- Christian Ahlmann (Domina- the season!” ond round - Team against the Bart Bles of the Netherlands while competing against some today. So that turned out re- es in the world are competing tor 2000 Z) and Max Kuhner Results clock Height: 1.55 m was fourth on board Kriskras of the world’s best horses and ally well. I have to really thank here. So I’m very pleased to (Elektric Blue P) finished in Longines Global Champions 1. Valkenswaard United. Riders: DV with German Christian riders,” he added. my horse. I think he is one of have secured my place in the second place. They were both Tour Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* Peder Fredricson (Hansson WL) Kukuk and Mumbai in fifth. Bruynseels’ strategy of sav- the best horses in the world. final so early in the season,” able to jump a clear round Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.2 - with and Marucs Ehning (Stargold). “Sometimes you just have ing his gelding Delux van T & He made a difference for me,” he said. and clocked off in a combined jump-off. Height: 1.60m Total time: 143.62 secs to be lucky,” Bruynseels said L only for the Grand Prix paid the 37-year-old said. Lorenzo De Luca paid time of 145.22 seconds. The 1. Niels Bruynseels (BEL); 2. Shangai Swans. Riders: post victory. “I’m really happy him rich dividends. “That was With this Grand Prix vic- credit to his 10-year-old Nu- Berlin Eagles with Christian Horse: Delux van T & L; Time: Christian Ahlmann (Dominator with my performance in Doha, a conscious choice. My horse tory, Bruynseels also has won ance Bleue for the runner-up Kukuk (Mumbai) and Philipp 39.93 secs; Prize money: 2000 Z) and Max Kuhner (Elek- it’s been an extremely good two felt so good last week that I a ticket for the LGCT Super finish, even though he admit- Weishaupt (Asathir) followed €123.750 tric Blue P). 145.22 secs weeks here. I wish to thank the decided to start him only in Grand Prix at the GC Prague ted that his horse was not in third place. 2. Lorenzo De Luca (ITA); Nu- 3. Berlin Eagles. Riders: Chris- competition’s organising com- the GP this weekend. I didn’t Playoffs in November. “Of ready for the big event. “She’s A delighted Marcus Ehn- ance Bleue VDM Z; 40.20 secs; tian Kukuk (Mumbai) and Philipp mittee for doing a great job think it was useful to make course I’m very happy. This is quite new at this level and it ing said “It’s always great to €75000 Weishaupt (Asathir). 150.06 during these special times. I’m him tired unnecessarily and a championship at a very high was my mistake to push her be here in Doha. I think I can 3. Eric Lamaze (CAN); Dieu secs. Sports Sunday, March 7, 2021 13 Nasser Al Ghazali excels on Quel Homme to top Longines Hathab Big Tour Leads overall tally after 11th and penultimate round Tribune News Network Doha

Rider Nasser Al Ghazali showjumped himself into con- tention for the annual Lon- gines Hathab Qatar Equestri- an Big Tour championship as he claimed the Big Tour title in the 11th and the penultimate round held alongside the Lon- gines Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab on Saturday. Al Ghazali combined su- perbly with his bay gelding Quel Homme for two clear and precise round to emerge Ali Al Rumaihi, Director of Longines Hathab and Secretary-General, on top in the Table A, Spe- Qatar Equestrian Federation honours Nasser Al Ghazali. cial two phases, Art. 274.2.5 | 130/145cm class. month. 35.46secs; 0; 37.54secs; 0; Al Ghazali took 33.74secs Ali Al Rumaihi, Director of Longines Hathab and Secretary-General, Qatar Equestrian Federation, with the Big Tour poidum finishers at Al Results QR6,750; 4. Faleh Suwead Al and 35.68secs respectively Shaqab on Saturday. Big Tour | Table A, Special Ajami; Demilion; 0; 34.31secs; for the two rounds and won two phases, Art. 274.2.5 | 0; 37.66secs 0; QR4,500 the top prize of QR11,250 be- who finished fourth in Hathab mance, Al Ghazali, said, “I’m flawless One round against the twelve-leg annual Qatar 130/145cm | Prize-Money Open Class | Table A, One sides a whopping 30 points Round 11, is overall fourth very happy with the win to- clock on 57.13secs which beat Equestrian Tour series for QR45,000 round against the clock, FEI from the 11th round for a to- with 173 points. day. I was intensely focused the competition. dressage and showjumping 1. Nasser Al Ghazali; Horse: Art. 238.2.1 | 115/125cm | tal of 196 points. Finishing as the runner-up and didn’t want to commit any Nasser Al Ghazali was a and has become extremely Quel Homme; Faults: 0; Time: Prize-Money QR25,000 He is followed by Saeed in the 11th round on Saturday mistakes. I was able to per- shade slower on What A Pleas- popular since its launch in 33.74secs; Faults: 0; Time: 1. Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi; Nasser Al Qadi with 182 was Faris Saad Al Qahtani form without much pressure ure clocking 57.72secs and had 2017. The best seven results 35.68secs; Total Faults: 0; Cobold; 0; 57.13secs; QR6,250 points, and his brother Hamad astride Happy Feet, while and that helped me do a clear to settle for the second place. and overall points are taken Prize: QR11,250 2. Nasser Al Ghazali; What Nasser Al Qadi, who recently Kamil Sabitov on Carmen round.” Ali Mohammed Al Qadi on into account in deciding the 2. Faris Saad Al Qahtani; A Pleasure; 0; 57.72secs; won HH The Amir Sword, on claimed the third spot on the Earlier, the Open Class his mount Faily finished third winners in various categories. Happy Feet; 0; 32.20secs; 0; QR5,000; 3. Ali Mohammed 177 points. podium. was bagged by Ghanim Nasser (58.65secs). The exciting 12th and final 36.65secs; 0; QR9,000 Al Qadi; Faily; 0; 58.65secs; Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, Speaking of his perfor- Al Qadi, who rode Cobold to a Longines Hathab is a round will take place later this 3. Kamil Sabitov; Carmen; 0; QR3,750.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Arsenal’s Xhaka Al Duhail prevail over Al Kharaitiyat mistake proves QNA costly as Burnley Doha Al Duhail defeated Al pick up point Kharaitiyat 2-0 in Week 18 of the 2020-21 season QNB Stars League at the Al Duhail Sta- DPA don’t score the big chances we dium on Saturday. London had, you give a goal to the op- Substitute Mohammed ponent,” Arteta said. Muntari (69th minute) and Arsenal delivered another “It (playing out) is some- Michael Olunga (85th minute) blow to their own hopes of thing that we work on and will scored the goals as Al Duhail playing European football keep doing. took their points tally to 37 next season as Granit Xhaka The first goal we score is with their 12th victory. gifted Burnley a bizarre equal- through Bernd and then we Al Kharaitiyat’s woes fur- iser in an eventful 1-1 draw at made a mistake that cost us ther compounded as they were Turf Moor on Saturday. a goal. It can happen when rooted to the bottom of the For 38 minutes it seemed you play short or long, this is table with six points following the only question was how football but when you miss the their 16th defeat. many Arsenal might score as chances we had today they are Al Duhail are almost out they poured forward following going to put you under pres- of contention for the title as Al Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s sure.” Sadd just need to beat Umm sixth-minute opener, with Inconsistent Arsenal have Salal on Sunday to be crowned Mikel Arteta’s side picking taken only eight points from the new QNB Stars League up where they left off in last their last seven games, leav- champions with an unassail- week’s 3-1 win at Leicester. ing them firmly in mid-table able lead, irrespective of other But it all changed seven as the fight for Europe rages results, with only four matches minutes before the break above them. remaining to be played after when Xhaka took a short pass It could and should have this round of action. from Bernd Leno while facing been a different story as Au- On the other hand, Al his own goal. bameyang spearheaded attack Kharaitiyat face a daunting Al Duhail players celebrate one of their two goals against Al Kharaitiyat on Saturday. A pass to Calum Chambers after attack in the first half. task if they are to avoid direct looked on but the Swiss mid- The Gabon forward need- relegation to the Second Divi- the ball to the Brazilian. home stadium and are fa- that we must be patient but Ali spoke to the media ahead fielder took a touch, looked up, ed only six minutes to make sion, as 11th-placed Al Khor Dudu played a role in the vourites to win, but everyone fight against them. of their 2020-21 season QNB then inexplicably kicked the it six goals from his last five have 14 points. second goal as well, with Ol- knows that Umm Salal are one “Our team is currently Stars League Week 18 match ball against Burnley forward starts, cutting in from the left Al Duhail mostly called the unga heading in a corner kick of the best defensive teams in in a difficult position and we against Al Arabi. Chris Wood and watched in to hit a low shot which Nick shots even as Al Kharaitiyat taken by him. the league. are in the lower positions on “Al Arabi have been doing horror as it flew into the net. Pope could not keep out at his played second fiddle to their Al Kharaitiyat’s best Their coach Aziz Ben Askar the points table. Everyone is well of late and there has been The New Zealand striker near post. rivals with a defensive game. chance to score came in the works well in defence and he struggling to achieve his goals. great development in their looked as surprised as any- Aubameyang - who has Al Duhail’s Paulo Edmil- 57th minute, but goalkeeper leads a team that fights and We all know that the last team at the individual and col- one as he wheeled away to scored more goals, eight, son Junior shot over the bar in Salah Zakaria parried a header plays as a group and they have matches of the league are dif- lective levels, so that makes celebrate, but Arsenal barely against Burnley than any other the opening minute. by Oumar Sako following a not conceded many goals in ficult and we will remain in the our task tough. recovered until a frantic finish Premier League side - looked Olunga’s left-foot volley free-kick by Nasser Ibrahim. the league. highest degree of focus until “The match will undoubt- during which they had a pen- in the mood as he twice went crashed against the crosspiece Al Duhail had beaten Al “We suffered against them the end in this match and we edly be difficult. Al Arabi in- alty overturned by VAR before close himself while also set- in the 21st minute and Medhi Kharaitiyat 4-1 in the first leg in the first leg match and we must do that. clude a good group of players Dani Ceballos saw a stoppage- ting up Bukayo Saka, guilty of Benatia’s shot was blocked by of 2020-21 season QNB Stars know it will be difficult be- “Right now, we’re going who have contributed towards time shot rebound off the post. a bad miss as he poked wide, goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy in League. cause they need points and step by step and we need to their recent good perfor- “Obviously it is a really missing the chance to mark his the 33rd minute. they are now in the relegation focus on ourselves. It is not mance. Were prepared for tough place to come but over- 50th Premier League appear- Shehab kept his citadel in- Coaches eye wins zone. So we expect them to difficult for any coach to play Al Arabi and we target three all I have to say that if you ance with a goal. tact with some good saves in in Week 18 close spaces in defence. against a team like Al Sadd points. the first half, but The Thun- Meanwhile, the coaches of “We want to win the league as the incentive is there to “The preparations we ders’ defensive wall caved in the QNB Stars League under- without defeat and if we win do well. The players want to are making are good and we twice in the latter session. lined the necessity of achiev- the three points in this match, prove to everyone that we have hope we will put up a strong Al Duhail took the field ing positive results in Week 18 we will be the champions, and prepared well. show. The difficulty lies in the after half-time, with Moham- matches. it is impossible for you to have “Things were not easy fact that Al Arabi have a last med Musa replacing Bassam Al Sadd coach Xavi Her- a stronger motivation than this. for us in the last match as we chance to catch up with the top Al Rawi in the deep defence. nandez spoke to the media Umm Salal coach Aziz played without three foreign four. We are looking to com- Later on, Karim Boudiaf ahead of their 2020-21 season Ben Askar spoke to the media players. As everyone knows, pensate for our drawn result came in for Ali Karimi in the QNB Stars League Week 18 ahead of their 2020-21 season we, at Umm Salal, do not have (0-0 against Al Wakrah) in the midfield and Mohammedmatch against Umm Salal. QNB Stars League Week 18 a large group of players like last round and seek to be back Muntari substituted Almoez “It is an important clash match against Al Sadd. Al Sadd and this is sometimes on the winning path. Ali in the attack. for us. We are expected to of- “Nobody needs to know normal, and this is the differ- “I am satisfied with the The substitutions proved ficially win the league title. the strength of Al Sadd. Eve- ence between the big teams teams performance and what productive for The Red In this match, we can be the ryone knows their team and and other teams. Al Sadd won we have presented in the pre- Knights as they found the champions and this is our we know that they are strong. everything this season. As I vious matches. Now is the time breakthrough when Muntari goal. We depend on ourselves We respect our identity and said from the beginning, eve- for results and we are seeking headed in a lofted cross from to achieve this and we are hap- respect our plans. We need to rything depends on us,” said three points against Al Arabi Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka reacts during the English the left by Eduardo Rodriguez py to be in this position. respect work and preparation Ben Askar. to ensure we stay in the top- Premier League match against Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley, (Dudu) after Boudiaf passed “We are playing at our for this match. This means Qatar SC coach Younes four bracket,” said Younes. England, on Saturday. (AFP) 14 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Sports

World Table Tennis Doha Contender Ovtcharov, Mima claim singles titles

Tribune News Network Doha

Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtch- arov and Japan’s Mima Ito clinched the men’s and women’s singles title respectively at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Con- tender tournament at the Losail Sports Arena on Saturday. World No. 12 Ovtcharov scored a comprehensive 11-7, 14-12, 12-10, 6-11, 11-6 win over seventh ranked Yun-Jun Lin of Chinese Taipei’s in the final. The absence of Chinese op- position, due to Covid-19 pre- cautions, presented an oppor- tunity for the best of the rest in the run-up to the Tokyo Olym- pic Games and Ovtcharov took full advantage of it. The 32-year-old Ger- man, known for his trade- mark backhand and iconic serve, had a tough draw but the fifth seed beat Sweden’s 2019 World Championship runner-up Mattias Falck 3-2 in the quarter-finals, where Ovtcharov was also warned Japan’s Mima Ito (right) beat compatriot Hina Hayata to win the women’s singles title. about potential breach of COVID-19 protocols. was an all-Japanese affair, Japan Table Tennis Champi- The Hub features two tiers The German was cautioned with Ito Mima securing the onships last year. of the new WTT event struc- for wiping his perspiration on title with a 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, Japanese women also won ture, with players competing the table and blowing into the 9-11, 11-9, 11-6 win over win the doubles title, with two-time in a WTT Contender event be- balls. In the semi-finals he had over Hina Hayata. Mima Ito Olympic medallist Ishikawa fore moving on to a WTT Star come back from two games has been riding on a rich vein Kasumi and Hirano Miu team- Contender event, which will be down to beat top seed Tomoka- of form since the table tennis ing up to beat Chinese Taipei’s held from Sunday. The quali- zu Harimoto of Japan 4-2. restarted amid the ongoing Cheng Hsien-Tzu and Chen Szu- fiers were played onS aturday. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Covid-19 pandemic last year. Yu 11-6, 11-8, 11-6 in the final. A total of 298 players are Lin had something to smile She won bronze medals The South Korean top taking part at the events, rep- about after he paired with at the Women’s World Cup seeded duo duo Daeseong resenting 66 countries. Cheng I-Ching to win mixed and International Table Ten- Cho and Sangsu Lee edged a The WTT Contender Series doubles. They beat France’s nis Federation (ITTF) Finals thrilling men’s doubles final has been designed to provide Emmanuel Lebesson and Yuan Qatar Olympic Committee secretary-general Jassim Rashid Al Buenain (right) and President of the Qatar last year. But it wasn’t an easy with a 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, the perfect setting for some of Jia Nan 11-7, 11-13, 11-6, 16-18, Table Tennis Association and ITTF Deputy President Khalil Al Mohannadi (left) pose with men’s singles win by Ito over Hayata, who 13-11 victory against Argen- the world’s leading stars to be 11-4 in a thrilling five-setter. winner of the World Table Tennis contender tournament Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov (second right) and had beaten her compatriot en tinia’s Horacio Cifuentes and challenged by the best up-and- The women’s singles final runner-up Yun-Jun Lin of Chinese Taipei’s at the Losail Sports Arena on Saturday. route to her victory at the All Gaston Alto. coming athletes in table tennis. Ashwin and Axar bowl India to innings win, seal series 3-1 India qualify for World Test England’s wicketkeeper Ben Foakes during the fourth Test against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera . (AFP) Championship final vs NZ Foakes ‘arguably’ ANI Ahmedabad

Criticised by former Eng- the best keeper lish cricketers for spinning a web over the England batsmen on a rank turner in the third Test of the series, Ravichan- in world: Root dran Ashwin and Axar Patel ANI visitors’ most successful bowler shut them with a top-class Ahmedabad on the tour. display on a regular Indian “And talking about the wicket in the fourth Test at the England might have lost spinners, I think Jack has been Narendra Modi Stadium on as the Test series but skip- brilliant. He has certainly got the hosts won by an innings per Joe Root feels the tour better and better as the tour and 25 runs. of India is a building block progressed and has been a The win saw India roar for the visitors which has useful and attacking option for into the final of the inaugural made them equipped to face us,” Root said. edition of the ICC World Test similar extreme conditions “We had eight to nine Championship (WTC) follow- in the future. weeks of bowling spin and a lot ing an emphatic 3-1 series win India defeated England by of it and I think that’s a posi- over England. an innings and 25 runs in the tive for us. Actually for guys will now face New Zealand fourth and finalT est to win in the reserves as well to get a in the WTC final slated to be the series 3-1 at the Narendra chance to come out here and played from June 18 to 22, Modi Stadium on Saturday. get the volume of work. In the with June 23 as the reserve After the defeat Root listed out long run, can pay huge divi- day at the iconic Lord’s Sta- Indian players (from left) Virat Kohli, Washinton Sundat, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Rishabh Pant pose with the trophy after winning the positives which England can dends for England,” he added. dium in London. test series against England at the end of their fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on Saturday. (AFP) take with them from the four- England twice crossed the India finishedas the num- match Test series. The English 200-run mark in the four-match ber one team with 72.2 per- was spot on with his low catch- also saw him become the joint skipper praised wicket-keeper Test series. First in the opening centage points in the WTC es. If Axar and Ashwin starred Scoreboard highest wicket-taker in a debut batsman Ben Foakes who has Test and second in the first in- points table, the factor that with the ball, it was a master- England 1st innings 205 (B. Stokes 55; A. Patel 4-68) B. Stokes c Kohli b Patel 2 Test series against England. displayed some sensational nings of the final game. Root determined the final plac- class display of slip catching India 1st innings (overnight 294-7, W. Sundar 60, A. O. Pope st Pant b Patel 15 Axar missed the firstT est glovework behind the stumps. feels England has to accept they ings rather than total points by Rahane. Patel 11) D. Lawrence b Ashwin 50 but took a five-wicket haul in Ahead of the series, for- weren’t good with the bat and won, following a change to It was a no-show from the W. Sundar not out 96 B. Foakes c Rahane b Patel 13 the second innings of the sec- A. Patel run out (Bairstow/Root) 43 D. Bess c Pant b Patel 2 mer England wicket-keeper only then the visitors will be able the points system owing to the English batsmen once again as I. Sharma lbw b Stokes 0 J. Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 2 ond Test. Matt Prior had said that play- to improve themselves. COVID-19 disruption. they looked completely clue- M. Siraj b Stokes 0 J. Anderson not out 1 The left-arm spinner then ing Test cricket in India can be “I think the guys have to The Black Caps were the less after walking into the mid- Extras: (b10, lb6, nb3) 19 Extras: (b4, lb8) 12 spun a web and bagged two Total: (All Out, 114.4 overs) 365 Total: (All Out, 54.5 overs) 135 mentally draining for wicket- embrace what has happened. first team to ensure a place dle in the post-lunch session Fall of wickets: 7-259 (Pant), 8-365 (Patel), 9-365 (I. Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Crawley), 2-10 (Bairstow), 3-20 five hauls in the thirdT est. keepers, but Foakes looked a There are areas where we can in the final with 70 percent- with the score on 6/0. Sharma), 10-365 (Siraj). (Sibley), 4-30 (Stokes), 5-65 (Pope), 6-65 (Root), With a five-for in the second class apart during the tour. get better. To say the ‘ball is age points. Australia finished Dan Lawrence (50) was Bowling: Anderson 25-14-44-3, Stokes 27.4-6-89-4 7-109 (Foakes), 8-111 (Bess), 9-134 (Leach), 10-135 innings of the fourth Test, Axar “I think Ben’s keeping in spinning and skidding on in third with 69.2 percentage the only player who had some (nb1), Leach 27-5-89-2 (nb1), Bess 17-1-71-0 (nb1), (Lawrence). equalled Dilip Doshi’s record Root 18-1-56-0. Bowling: Siraj 4-0-12-0, Patel 24-6-48-5, Ashwin this Test series has been excel- the extreme conditions, it’s points while England ended answer to the duo of Ashwin England 2nd innings 22.5-4-47-5, Sundar 4-0-16-0. of most wickets (27) in a debut lent. I think he is arguably the impossible to bat’ that’s the with 61.4 percentage points at and Axar as none of the other Z. Crawley c Rahane b Ashwin 5 Toss: England Test series for India. best keeper in the world. His wrong attitude. We should say the fourth position. batsmen seemed to have the D. Sibley c Pant b Patel 3 Result: India won by an innings and 25 runs While Doshi had taken glovework is wonderful, he is you know there are areas we While Ashwin picked his technical acumen to dig in, J. Bairstow c R. Sharma b Ashwin 0 Series: India won four-Test series 3-1. the 27 wickets in six matches, a fine player. Having said that, can get better at. Yes, there 30th five-wicket haul dur- barring skipper Joe Root (30). J. Root lbw b Ashwin 30 Axar achieved the feat in just Jos (Buttler) is a great expe- are world-class spinners but ing the course of the England But once Ashwin sent three games. rienced player he has done we can be better,” the Eng- innings on Saturday, Axar back Root, it was all about came in with a lot of respon- Washington Sundar (96 not Axar along with Ravichan- extremely well in the last year lish skipper said. “I am gonna picked his fourth as India delaying the humiliation for sibility on his shoulders, but out) were the top scorers while dran Ashwin spun a web as the for us. It’s great to have a com- make sure, that if I find myself stormed into the final of the the English batsmen. Ashwin he could manage just 2 before Rohit Sharma and Axar made hosts won the fourth and final petition in place it makes you in a similar situation down World Test Championship af- picking up Jonny Bairstow for Axar had his number. useful contributions of 49 and Test by an innings and 25 runs. a better team,” said Root while the line, we are equipped to ter sealing the series 3-1 on the a golden duck only added to Earlier, resuming the third 43 each. While Ashwin picked his replying to a query from ANI. deal with that. When we come third day of the Test. England’s misery. day on 294/7, India man- 30th five-wicket haul dur- Root also praised Jack home and play in our home He might not have im- All-rounder Ben Stokes, aged to pick a substantial Axar equals Dilip ing the course of the England Leach who spearheaded Eng- conditions we are completely pressed with his batting but who had scored a gritty half- 160-run lead as they scored Doshi’s record innings on Saturday, Axar land’s spin attack and was the different side,” he signed off. Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane century in the first innings, 365. Rishabh Pant (101) and Axar Patel’s five-wicket haul picked his fourth. Sunday, March 7, 2021 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or ASEAN Kaleidoscope call (974) 4000 2222

LITA KADARTIN HASSAN In this new era where women are be- Wife of the Ambas- ing celebrated and are given opportunities sador of Indonesia to more than ever before, we should not throw the State Qatar and Lita Kadartin these opportunities away in the quest to get a proud mother to Hassan ahead of one another. Let’s encourage other Muhammad Widad women to make them stronger and more Hassan, Izzata Fithra confident, especially in controlling their life. Hassan and Izzati Fithri One woman’s accomplishment is an accom- Hassan. On many ways to be a plishment for all women. And we should all celebrate that! What does International Women’s Day mean to you? LEN TAN To me the International Women’s Day PR and Marketing (IWD) is very special. It is the day where we Manager of one of should not only celebrate women’s achieve- Qatar’s most iconic ments in many different areas, but also, and hotels and a mom Len more importantly, the IWD is a reminder for to a five-year old boy. Tan us, women, to continue our efforts in creating She has been in the more equal rights and opportunities for all. hospitality industry for The pandemic makes the IWD even more 13 years. special to me. We all know that many women, woman in every corner of the world, are at the fore- What progress have you seen on front of the battle against Covid-19. Many of Celebrated annually on March 8 all over the world since 1911, the International Women’s Day (IWD) is an important day gender equality in your life and them are working as front liners including in work? the health sector. I think, we should dedicate that highlights women’s achievements and relentless efforts to raise awareness about women’s equality and to promote Over the years I have seen equal rights the IWD this year to them. accelerated gender parity. This year’s theme is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, and opportunities are given to women at a recognition to the crucial role played by women, including female government leaders, in the ongoing recovery from work. Moreover, women’s initiatives and How important is it for women to lift pandemic. On the occasion, a number of women from the ASEAN community in Qatar from different sectors and industries opinions are highly valued and respected each other up? weighed in on the progress of women’s empowerment and advancement. They tackled the debate on gender equality, in our organisation. I always believe, as a community, it is our ‘fitrah’, our basic need to communicate, to the evolving role of women in the society and why women supporting women is important. What is the most challenging thing help and to take care of others. In life we can- about your job? What is the most re- not just stay away from our community. We earliest, if it is your passion. Later on when They usually thought the women are ing to each other. For Anne as a teacher, her warding? should give support to those who really need you enter a married life and have established weaker than men, but we need them to un- dedication and compassion to teach Hellen My mornings to the office is fueled by our help. Working as a team will give us a bet- a business, you have more freedom to manage derstand that women are stronger and more to read and learn gives an opportunity to un- the challenge knowing that my work plays ter result than working alone. your quality time with your family. capable because we can do a man’s job while lock the capability of her student to be inde- a very important role in the company’s taking good care of our families and being pendent. As a result, Hellen coped with her success. All the hard work pays off when How do you intend to use your plat- How can men contribute more to wom- the most amazing woman we can be! disability and lived an accomplished life as the marketing objectives are achieved. form in empowering women in your en’s empowerment? an author, disability rights advocate, political community as well as in supporting Men can contribute to women’s empow- MAIZATUL LINA BT MUSTAPA activist and lecturer. All these achievements How can men contribute more to the Indonesian community in Qatar in erment by simply being trusted partners who Executive Vice President are shared by two powerful women who lived women’s empowerment? general? recognise the capacity and potential of wom- of Malaysian Association with faith and hopefulness. Men can contribute to women’s em- I always put myself as part of supporting en. Women is no different from men when it of Qatar and employed powerment by allowing, inspiring and en- system for my environment. At the smallest is about potential contribution to the commu- at Hamad Medical Cor- Maizatul Lina BT What advice would you give to women couraging them to make life-determining level, which is family, I always placed myself nity or in professional settings. poration for 11 years. Mustapa considering pursuing a career in your decisions at home. Men can also help by to be the one who should create good and She previously worked field? educating themselves on gender equality conducive environment to my family, includ- MARLANE C. OBANDO as Personal Assistant Librarian profession is an indispensable so that they can develop an open-minded ing my husband so that they can pursue their A health and wellness to the Vice Chancellor job position in every institution. We serve as outlook on women’s rights. achievements better. This is also the thing enthusiast working as of University Industry information experts into different fields and that I applied when I deal with Indonesian Marlane Marketing Coordinator Selangor (UNISEL), Malaysia. we are trained to provide precise informa- What does it mean to be a woman in women community in Qatar. I always en- Obando at Doka Qatar. She en- She is married to Hasni bin Haris and blessed tion with reliable resources. Librarians are your culture and country? courage them to achieve what they want, of joys watching movies, with three daughters. becoming rare profession nowadays due to Although the women in the Philippines course in positive way. cooking or just relaxing low enrollees from different universities/col- still struggle for freedom, equality and so- In addition to my roles as wife of the am- at home especially after What barriers have you faced in your leges. Most registered librarians that I know cial justice, the respect for women is very bassador, I am also the chair of Indonesian a long day at work. career and how did you overcome are working overseas with attractive salaries much regarded. Recently we have seen Spouse Association at the Embassy or we call them? and benefits. Our profession has many av- two females holding the highest seat in ‘Dharma Wanita Persatuan’ (DWP). With How do you succeed in a male domi- When I first I started my job in Qatar, I enues that will lead you in the field of your the government and more women leading this organisation I actively engage with the nated environment? have major problem in communication. But interest and specialisation. Being a Librarian big corporations and excelling in various Indonesian community in Qatar particularly As a marketing professional, the fastest this never let me down. I learned through is not about books, it’s about presenting new fields. This I would say is a big leap for the women. In the past few months, we have co- route to success is to maintain a professional friends and all mediums to increase my trends in education, research, and building a fight against inequality. organised some events such as webinars on attitude at all times, particularly when the knowledge in learning the language. Other sensible community. different topics including health, psychology, team is under pressure. Once trust is estab- barriers include the system here which is dif- MARGI LISTI WIRASANI women empowerment, culture, education, lished that we’re all working towards the same ferent from back home. But I was fortunate to ENITA SUBHA VELAYUTHAM Current principal of Puspa Qinarya, an among others. goals, gender tends to matter less than getting be trained and to learn from a few bosses who A Special Education Needs Indonesian dance community in Doha that the job done. supported me. (SEN) Specialist at Nord teaches housewives and children Indonesian How can men contribute more to wom- Anglia International traditional dances and culture. The group has en’s empowerment? What does it mean to be a woman in Can you tell us about a role model who School in Al Khor. She Enita Subha been performing all over Qatar since 2012. Men and women have their equal rights your culture and country? has inspired you over your career? has been in the educa- Velayutham She is married with a 16-year old daughter. and obligations. So, sharing of responsibili- I am lucky to be from a nation where I always adore and be inspired by top tion field for more than ties becomes the key. Men and women, wife women have always played an important performing women. I don’t have one person 15 years. She is from What is your favourite thing about be- and husband, they are like teammates. They role in the country’s wider achievements. To in particular but those ladies who are at that Ipoh, a lovely place in Ma- ing a woman? should work together to manage everyday be a woman means to be strong, nurturing level are the ones who motivates me. I always laysia known for all kinds We can use our feminine charm to responsibilities. And do not forget, men also and capable. tell myself that I can be like them and I want of delicious food. She loves make things work. Even a bat of eyelash should give women more opportunities so to be like them. My goal is to be a woman with dancing salsa. can make a difference. Also as a woman, that women can develop their potentials. With Which powerful woman do you admire knowledge and to serve the community. we have the great power of multitasking. that condition, I believe women can contrib- the most? Can you tell us about a role model who As a mother, a wife, a dancer, a teacher, ute to their society in a more optimal way. My mother - she taught me the value of What progress have you seen on gen- has inspired you over your career? a friend, I feel satisfied if I can do many independence and that life is a blessing der equality in your life and work? My role model is Puspa Sivan. She is a things in one go. KARTINI SARSILANINGSIH accompanied by challenges that we must be In this era, women are always equal to well-respected authority on early childhood Chairperson of an or- ready to face. men. Women are serving in all challenging care and education in the Asian region, with Who are your ideal female icons? ganisation in Indonesian fields same like what the men are doing. I am more than 30 years of experience. She is cur- From my childhood, I still remember community in entre- ANNIE BARCELONA ESMER able to work well with the men and women in rently the Consultant for World Bank on the Lady Diana as an icon. She was really beau- preneurship called CEO of DT Groups of Companies, Programme our workplace. They treat me well and fair. Early Childhood Education Project. It was her tiful, a trendsetter, a woman who knows her KWIQ (Koperasi Warga Kartini Sarsi- and Events Specialist, and founding chairman talk at a career fair that motivated me to pur- power but also do great deeds to balance it. Indonesia Qatar). She laningsih of the United Filipino Entrepreneurs in Qatar. What’s your International Women’s sue a career in education. From Indonesia, I also look up to Ayu Bu- worked for various She is married to Ali Esmer and a dotting Day message? lan Tresna Djelantik, a Maestro of Legong organisations in Indo- mother to Czer Ashley and Selin Amaris. In this challenging world, women must What progress have you seen on gen- Dance who recently passed away. She had nesia, Belgium and Qatar not be left behind, always be ahead of oth- der equality in your life and work? been dancing since early age until she be- for more than 15 years in How do you balance motherhood ers. Be mindful, ready to take any challenges I have seen significant progress on came a palace dancer. She performed different industries and sectors. and career? given. Without us the world is incomplete. gender equality in my work here for world leaders and all over the Creating a work schedule that suits your in Qatar as compared to when I world. While she also had a career What qualities make a great leader? needs is important. Time management ELLEN PANCHO FLORO first arrived. Although large gen- as a doctor, she was still very pas- Lead by example (good character). Fully and being organised is a key. I make sure Information Services der gaps exist in access, learning sionate about dance. She was very committed to the tasks and group she/he to schedule my business appointments in a Librarian for Assis- achievement and continuation in inspiring and kind and sets the leads (good capacity). Great coach for the way that it will not affect spending quality tive Technology and education in many settings, most standards really high for us. group she/he leads so they can learn from time with my family. serves as a focal often at the expense of girls, her/him (good communication). point for people with these gaps are slowly being filled How important is it for women Why is it important for wom- disabilities at Qatar with continuous education and to lift each other up and what Which powerful woman do you en to start their own busi- National Library. She awareness. Importance is given does that mean to you? admire the most? nesses? has been working as to educating the girls and giving Women are stronger together. And I was named “Kartini” by my Women most specially moms professional librarian for 26 them the same opportunities as we get to learn from each other even parents because I was born on are the inspiration and hope of years having spent the first 15 years of her ca- the boys. Parents are more wel- when we are competing against each the same date as the birth of a na- every family. They are the glue reer in the Philippines and 11 years as overseas coming to enrolling their girls into other. As we grow older, we learn that tional heroine in Indonesia called that binds everyone together. Filipino worker. She is married for 26 years with co-ed schools. catfights are meaningless. We need to Kartini. Kartini, the heroine, was But this does not mean one three grown-up daughters. embrace our womanhood and learn from known for her great thoughts cannot be an innovator, creator What advice would you give each other so that we can move about the advancement of wom- and boss of her own business What is your favorite thing about being to women about their forward. en, such as the importance of while being the best moms. a woman? careers? education for girls, eman- Business experts have I personally acknowledged that all woman Persevere even What barriers you cipation, and many other agreed for several years has a great compassion within. Every wom- when you want to let have faced in your aspects of women’s life that the world needs an’s life journey and experiences have impacts go! Show the world career and how including the religion and to support the devel- on who she became. It interferes and diverts that you are made did you overcame spirituality. So, since I opment of women us from our true nature. Women are distinct to be stronger them? was little, I was inspired entrepreneurs. and incomparable to other human beings be- than you appear. My parents by her legacy and tried to Having your own cause of our unique emotional qualities and Take on those were not really reflect her aspiration in all business, like I physical attributes we possess. Becoming a depressing days fond of me dancing. my steps as an Indonesian do, pushes one mother is my chosen path because there is no at work to your The recognition came woman. Kartini’s Day is to be more pro- school or books that can teach us to be a great stride and devise really late, even when I’m in my celebrated on every 21st ductive and mother or wife. It is a deep calling wherein plans to bring back moti- forties. Somehow God puts me of April in Indonesia. a more well- you must embrace the compassion, extraordi- vation in your life. Take a where I should be. Persever- rounded, confi- nary effort and having unconditional love for break and do one of the ance and hard work is key. Why is it important dent person. your children and family. things that you love do- for women to start ing as a pastime and come What advice would you their own business- What would Which powerful woman do you admire back to work with a bang! give to women about es? you change the most? their careers? Starting your own about the Anne Sullivan and Heller Keller. Anne How important is it for Do what you love and business is not an easy Annie Barcelona assumptions Sullivan is the teacher and companion of women to lift each other Margi Listi then more. Keep the fire thing to do but it is Esmer made by men of Hellen Keller. They are the people I admired up and what does that Wirasani going, explore and have worth doing at the women? most because of their unusual understand- mean to you? faith. 16 Sunday, March 7, 2021 The Last Word Mariam Al Misnad appointed DI Executive Director Tribune News Network management and strategic the graduates of Qatar Lead- Childhood Cultural Center in Mariam has served as an Doha planning in community, edu- ership Center’s (QLC) Execu- 2008, and a member of the Executive Director of cational and development in- tive Leadership’ programme Childhood Committee at the The Doha Institute for stitutions at the local, region- 2017 and a member of the Supreme Council for Family Dreama and AMAN, Graduate Studies (DI) has al and international levels. Advisory Board of the School Affairs in 2006. Regional Director of appointed Mariam bint Ali Through her role in executive of Public Administration and Al Misnad has been Communication and bin Nasser Al Misnad as the management, Al Misnad has Development Economics awarded the title of ‘Ambas- Awareness Campaigns with- Executive Director of Admin- been able to develop manage- (SPADE) at Doha Institute. sador of Orphans’ twice in in ‘Education Above All’ istration and Finance Divi- ment systems, strategic and Mariam has served as an a row, the first Gulf woman sion. operational plans and over- Executive Director of the Or- to receive this award by the Foundation in 2013, and In his statement, Dr Ab- see their implementation, phans Care Center (Dreama) Higher Committee organis- Director of Media and delwahab El-Affendi, acting improve the performance of and Protection and Social Re- ing the ‘Sanabil’ Award for Communication of the president of DI, welcomed employees and institutions, habilitation Centre (AMAN), Social Responsibility in the Social Rehabilitation Center Al Misnad and said her ex- in addition to qualify these Regional Director of Com- Gulf Cooperation. She has in 2011, in addition to serv- perience and managerial organisations for interna- munication and Awareness also contributed to sensitis- ing as the Acting CEO of the expertise would contribute tional accreditations, such as Campaigns within ‘Educa- ing the community to the to achieving DI’s strategic ISO. tion Above All’ Foundation in most critical issues related Childhood Cultural Center in vision and academic objec- Al Misnad holds an Exec- 2013, and Director of Media to the education of children 2008, and a member of the tives. utive Master’s degree in Stra- and Communication of the in areas of armed conflicts in Childhood Committee at the Al Misnad has more than tegic Planning and Business Social Rehabilitation Center order to raise public aware- Supreme Council for Family 15 years of experience in in- Administration from HEC in 2011, in addition to serv- ness in the local and interna- Affairs in 2006 stitutional work, focusing on University. She is also one of ing as the Acting CEO of the tional communities. Female community leaders from QSC to host Innovation Lab from March 14 to 18 11 countries celebrate IWD 2021 QNA projects in the fields ofrobot - ranged so that each group has Doha ics, Artificial Intelligence, soft- two training periods on two Ailyn Agonia ware, 3D engineering design different days. DOHA Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) and science. She explained that the pro- will launch the Virtual Innova- On the nature of the ac- gramme will be held in coop- Twenty-five women lead- tion Lab programme for school tivity, Director of the Prom- eration with a number of part- ers from 11 countries gathered students during the second se- ising Innovator Center and ners who have shown interest on Friday to celebrate Interna- mester mid-term holiday for the person responsible for to extend the activities of the tional Women’s Day (IWD). public schools, which is slated the Virtual Innovation Lab QSC to include those of their The event was organised from March 14 to 18, 2021. programme Fatima Al Mo- affiliates. They are:H amad by Filipino organisation Bay- The programme aims to hannadi explained that the Bin Khalifa University, Tar- anihan ng Mangagawa sa Kon- invest in students’ leisure time programme will be conducted sheed Department of the Qa- struksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) and help them acquire valu- through distance-education tar General Electricity & water in collaboration with global able educational experience method. Corporation, and a number of union federation Building and with the programme’s part- Al Mohannadi added that centres of the Ministry of Cul- Wood Workers’ Internation- ners through workshops and the age groups have been ar- ture and Sports. al (BWI). It was the second time BMKQ spearheaded an event on the occasion of IWD through the initiative of BMKQ Women, a subgroup of BMKQ. Under the event theme QU-YSC hones students’ ‘Equality and Better Future for All’, it gathered female leaders from Bangladesh, Cameroon, problem-solving abilities Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Myan- mar, Nepal, Nigeria, the Phil- Nuria Berenguer from the The Philippines garnered means all women should have ippines, Tanzania and Uganda. International Transport Fed- the special award for creativity the chance to explore the ho- Tribune News Network The celebration was a com- eration graced the event and and resourcefulness. rizon of endless possibilities Doha bination of face-to-face and on- personally shared her message The event ended with the and be able to exert their best line meeting with participants of solidarity with all women ceremonial cake-cutting and effort to have a better life and Technology is one of the via Zoom that was hosted and leaders. a closing inspirational remark future. most important skills that moderated by Malou Valientes Aside from the inspiration- from Margaret Kabue, leader “When women are empow- students must acquire in the from the International Domes- al messages and discussions, of Kenyan Household Service ered, the rest of their families 21st century to develop a ca- tic Workers Federation. the event was also highlighted Workers Association in Qatar. get a better chance at life and pable and adept generation. Ambassador of Tanzania with a showcase of traditional BMKQ Women President it provides the freedom to be As a result, Qatar Universi- to Qatar HE Fatma Mohamed dresses, some of which were Myla Laja said, “This year’s whatever they wanted to be. ty’s Young Scientists Center Rajab delivered an inspira- made of recycled materials, theme has its focus on equal Societies that value equal- (QU-YSC) works hard to de- tional message while Rita Schi- particularly the entries from and better future for all, and ity and fairness are safer and velop the youth of Qatar in avi, chairperson of the Interna- the Philippines. each participant has shared healthier, and while it is still a this area and recently hosted tional Women’s Committee at The ‘Mother Earth’ award, what it meant to them. Sim- very long way to go for us to see a range of workshops and ac- BWI, and Elizabeth Tang, gen- a top recognition for the seg- ply put, generally, it means an equal world, the continuing tivities targeting elementary eral secretary of International ment, went to Nigeria, while equal rights, opportunities struggle of women will pave school children. Domestic Workers Federation, Nepal and Kenya’s entries and responsibilities for all the way for a better and bright- Students in the 4th grade shared messages of solidarity ranked second and third plac- women regardless of col- er future for the next genera- joined the YSC’s ‘problem- A total of 54 students from four schools in the Al-Shamal region of on the occasion. es, respectively. our, race and social status. It tions to come.” solving’ track, which is in its Qatar participated in these workshops. 8th cycle. This track focused mainly on students acquir- in the Al-Shamal region of Laffan Industrial City Com- ing critical and creative Qatar participated in these munity Outreach Program, thinking skills to solve vari- workshops. UNESCO Office in Doha and ous problems. The YSC will hold a closing the Qatar National Commis- Students worked on activi- ceremony, where students will sion for Education, Culture ties and applications related to present their projects and win- and Science. forces, its types and effects. ning projects can be rewarded. The YSC follows the The centre also organised Dr Noora Jabor Al Thani, STEM methodology in the de- workshops and activities on director of the YSC, said: “The sign and preparation of vari- information and communi- diversity of these workshops ous workshops. STEM is an cation technology (ICT) for enhances students’ skills and innovative learning system 7th grade students. The ICT encourages them to think that combines the four core track, which is in its sec- creatively, solve problems and teaching materials: science, ond cycle, focuses on teach- gain different abilities that technology, engineering and ing students programming contribute to the creation of mathematics. This system skills and designing sensors a new generation of creative aims to promote education throughout different activi- leaders who are able to make and prepare students to deal ties and applications using decisions in different fields with modern practical reality an electronic smart sensors and sectors and achieve Qatar by designing activities based development board. National Vision 2030.” on dealing with real life situa- A total of 54 students Dr Noora thanked the tions and creative learning to from four different schools sponsors and partners - Ras solve problems. QFFD, QRCS build medical capacity in northern Syria

Tribune News Network qualified to provide special- Recently, examinations were Medical Specialties Board Doha ised health services to inter- held at the Academy of (SBOMS) in northern Syria. nally displaced persons (IDPs) Health Sciences in Northern Hosted by eight university The Qatar Red Crescent So- and host communities. hospitals and training cen- ciety (QRCS) is implementing The project involves a Syria, following the comple- tres, the training covers 12 a project to build capacity for number of components to sup- tion of a training pro- medical fields: gynaecology, health workers in northern port the health sector in the gramme to build the capac- paediatrics, neonatal inten- Syria under the QUEST Health region with qualified medical ity of local medical profes- sive care unit (NICU), oph- 2020 initiative with funding professionals, as follows: sionals to be qualified to thalmology, cardiothoracic from the Qatar Development 1. To educate new stu- provide specialised health surgery, general surgery, Fund (QFFD). dents in three medical fields: urology, internal medicine, Recently, examinations nursing, emergency and services to internally dis- anaesthesiology and ENT. were held at the Academy of physiotherapy. There are placed persons (IDPs) and In addition, there are 40 Health Sciences in Northern currently 130 students at the host communities trainers and supervisors to Syria, following the comple- Academy (including 59 stu- mentor 20 doctors under resi- tion of a training programme dents in the 1st year and 71 in physicians under the medi- dency programmes to be cov- to build the capacity of local the 2nd year). cal residency program in ered by the project for a period medical professionals to be 2. To train 20 graduate cooperation with the Syrian of two years.