Swiss entrepreneur invites institutions, individuals from Qatar to Davos event
Doha
Anis Khan, a Swiss national and CEO of Zurich-based Intrapass GmbH, and organiser of the Global SME Summit has called upon Qatari institutions, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders to participate in the event, taking place from September 3–5, 2025, at the Davos Congress Centre, Switzerland. He made the statement while talking exclusively to Qatar Tribune.
Originally from Bangladesh, Khan has lived in Switzerland for more than 50 years. A seasoned expert with a distinguished background in aviation security, he founded GSBH with an aim to create a global platform exclusively for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Motivated by the lack of international attention given to SMEs despite their massive contribution, approximately 70% to global economic growth, Khan decided to act. His aim is to give SMEs the visibility, tools, and networks they need to thrive on the global stage.
Currently visiting Qatar, Khan intends to meet concerned institutions and entrepreneurs to invite them to the Global SME Summit in Davos. He said that it will be the first of its kind conference dedicated entirely to SMEs in a forum traditionally reserved for large corporations and policymakers.
He said that the summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, addressing themes such as access to finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.
Khan's personal journey—from arriving in Switzerland with just $200 to leading a successful international business—is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Now, through GSBH, he is building a platform for others to achieve similar success, regardless of background. The initiative has already received strong support internationally, including from institutions in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Italy, and Thailand. Now it is seeking to attract the entrepreneurs from Qatar.
Khan has praised Qatar's SME development efforts, especially those led by Qatar Development Bank and Qatar Financial Centre, among others which continue to support youth and technical professionals.
'We urge academic institutions, chambers of commerce, development agencies, and aspiring entrepreneurs—especially youth—to engage with this global movement. Your participation can help shape a future where SMEs are recognized not just as contributors, but as drivers of global economic growth,' Khan stressed.
'Let us come together in Davos to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs,' he concluded
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Trump says pharma, chips tariffs incoming as trade war widens
Agencies U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that fresh tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors could be unveiled within the coming week, in his ongoing push to reshape global trade. Trump made his latest comments in an interview on CNBC days before a separate set of tariff hikes come into effect on dozens of economies later this week. His sweeping plans have sparked a flurry of activity as governments seek to avert the worst of his threats -- with Switzerland's leaders heading to Washington on Tuesday in a last-minute push to avoid punitive duties. But he appears set to further widen his trade wars. The U.S. president told CNBC that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, while adding that he plans for new duties on foreign semiconductors soon. 'We'll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it's going to go to 150 percent,' Trump said. 'And then it's going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country.' Trump also said that Washington will be announcing tariffs 'within the next week or so.' He added: 'We're going to be announcing on semiconductors and chips.' Trump has set out varying tariff rates for dozens of economies after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April. But these broad duties taking effect Thursday exclude products like pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum and lumber, which are being separately targeted by sector. This means that although the 39-percent tariff Swiss leaders seek to avoid come Thursday excludes pharmaceuticals, Trump's plans for a steep levy on such imports will likely remain a point of contention in any talks. Pharmaceuticals represented 60 percent of Swiss goods exports to the United States last year. Outside of Switzerland, most products from the European Union face a 15 percent tariff starting Thursday, after Washington and Brussels struck a deal to avoid higher levies. But Trump warned Tuesday that the EU could see its tariff level surge again if it did not fulfill obligations under their recent pact. Besides probing pharmaceuticals and chips imports, Trump has already imposed steep duties of 50 percent on steel and aluminum, alongside lower levels on autos and parts. In the same CNBC interview, Trump said he expects to raise the U.S. tariff on Indian imports 'very substantially over the next 24 hours' due to the country's purchases of Russian oil. This is a key revenue source for Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine. His pressure on India comes after signaling fresh sanctions on Moscow if it did not make progress by Friday towards a peace deal with Kyiv, more than three years since Russia's invasion. Moscow is anticipating talks this week with the U.S. leader's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and the Kremlin has criticized Trump's threat of raising tariffs on Indian goods. Weak employment data last week pointed to challenges for the U.S. economy as companies take a cautious approach in hiring and investment while grappling with Trump's radical -- and rapidly changing -- trade policy. The tariffs are a demonstration of raw economic power that Trump sees as putting U.S. exporters in a stronger position while encouraging domestic manufacturing by keeping out foreign imports. But the approach has raised fears of inflation and other economic fallout in the world's biggest economy.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Switzerland's president rushes to Washington in effort to avert steep United States tariffs
Agencies Switzerland's president and other top officials were traveling to Washington on Tuesday in a hastily arranged trip aimed at striking a deal with the Trump administration over steep U.S. tariffs that have cast a pall over Swiss industries like chocolates, machinery and watchmaking. President Karin Keller-Sutter was leading the delegation after last week's announcement that exports of Swiss goods to the U.S. will face a whopping 39% percent tariff starting Thursday — a move that took many Swiss business leaders by rate is over 2 1/2 times higher than the one on European Union goods exported to the U.S. and nearly four times higher than on British exports to the U.S. It's also more than the 31% that Switzerland had been set to face when U.S. President Donald Trump announced his 'Liberation Day' tariffs on products from dozens of countries in early Swiss government said the trip was 'to facilitate meetings with the U.S. authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland.' Keller-Sutter, who also serves as Switzerland's finance minister, has faced criticism in Swiss media over a last-ditch call with Trump before a U.S. deadline on tariffs expired Aug. 1. She was leading a team that included Economy Minister Guy an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump alluded to the call, saying 'the woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen' and that he had told her: 'We have a $41 billion deficit with you, Madame ... and you want to pay 1% tariffs.' 'I said, 'you're not going to pay 1%,'' he added. It was not immediately clear where that $41 billion figure came from. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States ran a $38.3 billion trade imbalance on goods last year with Switzerland. Swiss officials have argued that American goods face virtually zero tariffs in Switzerland, and the Swiss government says the wealthy Alpine country is the sixth-biggest foreign investor in the United States and the leading investor in research and development. 'It's hard to negotiate when you're dealing with someone as unpredictable as Donald Trump,' said Ivan Slatkine, head of the Federation of Romandie Enterprises, which groups companies in French-speaking Switzerland. He expressed concern that Swiss goods could become less competitive to rival products from the neighboring EU. 'We had a (Swiss) government that gave the impression the deal was done, it only awaited a signature from the president,' he said by phone. 'We have the impression that we were punished, but we don't know why.' Switzerland's powerful pharmaceutical industry -- which promised tens of billions of investments in the United States in recent months amid the tariff worries -- is exempt from the 39% rate.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Committed to the well-being of my compatriots in Doha: Community welfare attaché
Osama Idrees is a distinguished officer from Pakistan's Inland Revenue Service, currently serving as the Community Welfare Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan in Doha. A graduate of the esteemed Military College Jhelum and the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, Osama joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in 2009 as part of the 36th Common Training Programme. He brings a wealth of experience from his diverse roles within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Prior to his current diplomatic posting, he served as Additional Commissioner at the Corporate Tax Office in Islamabad. Throughout his distinguished career at the FBR headquarters, he worked closely with renowned international organisations, including the World Bank, FCDO, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, he played a pivotal role in several key digital initiatives that brought about significant transformations in Pakistan's tax landscape. Osama's diverse experience spans various tax collection roles, from the Taxpayer's Office in Islamabad to grassroots assignments in district Attock and Sargodha. His previous positions include Additional Commissioner, Corporate Tax Office, Islamabad; Additional Director/Director (Digital Initiatives), Federal Board of Revenue, HQ; Additional Commissioner, Regional Tax Office, Rawalpindi; Secretary (Reforms & Modernisation), Federal Board of Revenue, Islamabad; Second Secretary (Operations), Federal Board of Revenue, Islamabad; Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue at Regional Tax Office, Sargodha; Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue at Large Taxpayer's Unit, Islamabad; and Assistant Commissioner, Inland Revenue at Regional Tax Office, Rawalpindi. In a recent interview with Qatar Tribune, Osama outlined a compelling vision for serving the Pakistani community in Qatar, with a focus on advancing social welfare programmes and fostering inclusive community engagement. Excerpts. What is your first impression about Qatar? My first impression of Qatar is deeply impressive. In a remarkably short span of time, the country has achieved rapid development—marked by cutting-edge infrastructure, a dynamic economy, and a steadfast commitment to innovation and progress. Equally noteworthy is the gracious warmth and hospitality of the Qatari people, whose welcoming spirit fosters an atmosphere of genuine inclusivity and charm. How did you find the country? I've found Qatar to be a dynamic and meticulously organised nation. Its infrastructure—from world-class airports to expansive road networks—reflects a high standard of excellence. The country's unwavering commitment to safety and security fosters a profound sense of peace for both residents and visitors. Most captivating, however, is Qatar's rich multicultural tapestry, where individuals from across the globe coexist in harmony, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive society. How did you find the Pakistani community members in Qatar? The Pakistani community members are vibrant, resilient, and hardworking. As an integral part of the nation's workforce—particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors—they play a pivotal role in shaping Qatar's development. What resonates most deeply is their strong sense of solidarity and enduring connection to their homeland. Despite facing various challenges, their steadfast dedication and perseverance remain truly inspiring. What spirit have you brought with you to help your countrymen? I have arrived in Qatar driven by unwavering dedication, genuine empathy, and a spirit of proactive engagement. My foremost commitment is to serve our fellow countrymen with integrity and care—prioritizing their well-being and responding to their concerns with efficiency and compassion. I firmly uphold an open-door policy, promoting transparent communication and tireless dedication to resolving the challenges our community faces. I am here to serve as a vital link between my community members and the local authorities—advocating for their rights and safeguarding their well-being through collaborative, responsive engagement. Do you foresee some special challenges in carrying out your duties? I recognise the emergence of distinct challenges that demand sustained and strategic attention. The issue of 'Azad Visa' requires continuous efforts to educate, guide, and protect our workers from potential exploitation. Similarly, the prohibitive cost of legal services in civil disputes calls for innovative solutions—be it through strategic partnerships or the establishment of a dedicated fund—to ensure fair access to justice. In addition, adapting to Qatar's evolving economic landscape presents a continuous challenge—particularly in ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge required for success in emerging sectors. What will be your priorities? My priorities will be multifaceted, encompassing—but not limited to—the following key areas: Legal & Welfare Support: A key priority will be to explore avenues for subsidized legal assistance in civil disputes and to collaborate on prisoner rehabilitation programmes. Grievance Redressal: Strengthening coordination with departments in Pakistan to ensure timely resolution of property and investment fraud cases affecting Overseas Pakistanis is crucial. Educational FacilitiescTypeface:> Advocating for the expansion of affordable Pakistani educational institutions in Qatar, including the potential establishment of a university campus or vocational training centres. Ultimately, my primary goal is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the welfare, protection, and prosperity of the Pakistani diaspora in Qatar.
