At the Inaugural Session of QSE Annual Consultative Meeting on Discourse Practices, Al-Mansoori Stresses the Importance of Disclosure and Transparency for Investors and the Financial Market

November 06, 2018

Mr. Rashid bin Ali Al-Mansoori, CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange, stressed the importance of disclosure and transparency in the financial market and investors, considering them a vital necessity on which investors base their investment decisions.

Mr. Al-Mansoori said in the opening speech of the 5^th Annual Consultative Meeting with the representatives of QSE listed companies that these companies have made great strides in the implementation of international standards in terms of disclosure and transparency. He added that good governance and transparency guarantee sustainability of companies and increase their attractiveness, especially after we become part of the MSCI, FTSE and S&P Emerging Markets indices.

Al-Mansoori added that Qatar Exchange considers environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) as one of the fundamentals that support disclosure and transparency in the market. In the past years, QSE has reinforced, supported and encouraged public shareholding companies to develop their investor relations practices. Mr. Al-Mansoori also noted that Qatar Stock Exchange is in the process of introducing a new electronic system to assist listed companies in producing a unified disclosure format, to ensure efficiency and speed in the disclosure process.

Al-Mansoori concluded his speech by praising the advanced level that listed companies have reached in regards to information and data disclosure practices, which enhanced the market's confidence and thus increased its depth and liquidity, as well as the effectiveness of its role in the national economy.

Mr. Nasser al Abdul Ghani, QSE's Operations Director, stated that the aim of the meeting is to promote cooperation and coordination between communication officers of the listed companies and the representatives of QFMA, QCSD, and QSE for the best interest of investors, through exchanging views and listening to suggestions from the participants in order to overcome the difficulties encountered in the application of the best disclosure practices in the market, and protect the rights of investors.

The QFMA and QCSD representatives responded to some queries from the communication officers representing the participating listed companies and listened to their recommendations and suggestions to promote the disclosure practices and strengthen cooperation among listed companies, the QFMA, the QCSD, and the QSE for the best interest of investors. The meeting was concluded with some recommendations that are in the interest of investors, the financial market and the national economy.