Intesa Sanpaolo and Qatar Foundation signed a letter of intent aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries in the field ofbusiness innovation.
The letter was signed by Ahmad Hasnah, president of Hamad bin Khalifa University on behalf of the Qatar Foundation and by Daniele Fanin, head of Intesa Sanpaolo's Qatar Financial Center branch. Various ministers of the Doha Government were present, the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic in Qatar, Alessandro Prunas; by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Italy, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki.
The purpose of the initiative is to encourage innovative industrial relations between Italy and Qatar through cooperation, collaboration, participation in joint projects, support for high-tech start-ups and SMEs by the Qatar Foundation and the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, the company dedicated to innovation of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.
The Agreement also provides for encourage start-ups from both countries to enter into partnerships, cooperation agreements, joint ventures and mutual investments on innovative technologies.
Richard O'Kennedy, vice president for Research, Development and Innovation of the Qatar Foundation explained: “The intention to explore further collaborations in CSR with Italy builds on the long-established ties between our nations and aims to address shared priorities while generating global impact.”
Guido de Vecchi, general manager of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, commented: “The signing of the Letter of Intent gives rise to important new relationships dedicated to innovation, thanks to which we plan to develop also in Qatar, as has already happened in other countries where the our Group, a new launch pad for start-ups and in general for high-potential Italian companies".
