Omar Soudodi, the Managing Director of online payments company PayFort, believes the chance to network with other proactive companies and organisations at QBX Expo in Qatar represents an unmissable opportunity.
PayFort will be one of the exhibitors at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from January 10-12 2016. The company, which started out in the UAE three years ago and has since expanded across the region, believes Qatar is a market with huge potential, with QBX Expo arriving at the perfect time.
“We are a trusted online payment gateway that works with businesses, government entities, SMEs, start-ups and institutions to offer innovative payment options in various forms,” Soudodi said. “We enjoy opportunities to meet companies and stakeholders in order to understand the challenges they are facing and offer the right products and services.
“We’ve just launched in Qatar and it is very important to meet people and learn more about their requirements. QBX Expo will bring together different companies, organisations and people focused on Qatar and will provide valuable insights into the region’s latest trends.”
Soudodi said that PayFort prides itself on its specialist knowledge of local markets, and there are subtle differences with regard to operating in Qatar in comparison with other countries in the region.
“There are key differences in Qatar. Every market is different and there are always specific challenges,” he added. “If you look at the penetration of credit cards and bank accounts, the level is comparatively high. Another advantage is that there is relatively early adoption of online shopping from people in Qatar.
“However, there are still a lot of companies that are not online. That is why we are interested in Qatar. The demand is there, but the supply is not there.
“We can introduce a lot of regional merchants from outside Qatar into the country.
“From a supply perspective, there is an opportunity. Companies know they want to go online, and we can help them with online payment facilities.
“That makes Qatar a very exciting proposition as there are lots of companies that are ready to go online.”
PayFort is working with Qatar’s authorities to open up more opportunities and increase the adoption of online payment systems, according to Soudodi.
“We got a call a year ago from a Qatari government entity to invite us to the country,” he added.
“I’ve never heard of that sort of approach before, and it was incredibly proactive. It is a very good sign that the Qatari market is ready to go online.
“Since then, Qatar’s authorities have been a real eye-opener for us. They have helped us to meet the right people and decision-makers quickly.
“I would give the Qatari authorities 10 out of 10 in that regard so far as they have helped to open the right doors for us, and I know they are working on making things easier for start-ups and businesses in the country.
“Qatar needs events like QBX Expo as they bring people together. You can network and learn a lot at these events, and I am really looking forward to it.”
eHotelier is proud to partner with QBX 2016 – The 1st International Expo for Business Solutions and Support Services in Qatar. For more information, please visit the QBX Expo event listing.
