With the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework having been thrust into the spotlight globally and in Qatar, sustainability is now the future of investing, Doha Bank CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman, has said. 

He was speaking at an online client event recently which was hosted by Doha Bank’s Private Banking division for its high net worth clients in Qatar. Over 400 guests attended the online client event on various virtual channels, which discussed the topic of “Investment Outlook”. 

During the webinar, Slim Bouker, Head of Private Banking at Doha Bank, indicated that the investment outlooks are part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to bring market knowledge to its clients. He also spoke about Doha Bank’s partnership with Bank of Singapore (BOS), Asia’s Global Private Bank. “We bring “BOS expertise at the doorstep of our HNW clients here in Qatar,” he added. 

Seetharaman went on to speak about the global outlook, and reiterated the World Bank’s June 2021 forecast saying the global economy is expected to grow by 5.6 percent in 2021. 

“The advanced economies are expected to grow by 5.4 percent in 2021 and emerging market and developing economies are expected to grow by 6 percent in 2021. Significant volatility was noticed after the recent Fed meeting with the dollar strengthening, precious metals weakening and capital markets falling." 

"The recent rallies in industrial metals also subsided on account of the strong dollar. The global economy expects to recover from the COVID-19 pandemick, however the inflation concerns had hurt capital markets. The ESG framework has been given thrust globally and in Qatar.  Sustainability is the future of investing,” he added. 

Internationally recognised industry experts were also invited to the forum which was moderated by Seetharaman to cover key topics in the industry. 

Dr. Ian Thom, Research Director at Wood Mackenzie, spoke from Edinburgh, and elaborated on Oil & Gas investment trends and what they mean for Qatar. “Qatar has the world’s most competitive LNG, and thanks to the massive North Field expansion, it is one of a few countries globally where hydrocarbon investment is scaling up,” said Thom. 

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori explained how the Qatari flagship carrier was always there for their passengers. 

“We at Qatar Airways have been very honoured to join this conference and to update on our COVID-19 crisis management. We have never stopped flying during the pandemic. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have been there for our customers who needed us as a reliable and resilient airline for repatriation; to build on our industry leadership in terms of product quality and bio safety and on trusted relationships with trade and customers to become the largest airline in the world in internal traffic. Sustainability has been a permanent focus too by deploying B787 and A350 aircrafts generating substantially less emissions than four engines aircrafts,” he said. 

Speaking from Boston, Nathalie Wallace, Head of ESG Strategy & Development at Mirova (an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers), elaborated on ESG trends, value proposition and added value to portfolios. She said: “Mirova, by being at the forefront on innovation in sustainable finance, helps clients transition their investment portfolios in line with a global economy experiencing a fourth industrial revolution”.  

Bouker added that Doha Bank supports the views of capital preservation and growth. “Our clients deserve diversity in their investment solutions. And together with Bank of Singapore, we strive for long lasting client relationships,” he added.

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