Doha, May 15 (QNA) - HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi affirmed that Qatarization continues to remain a key strategic objective for Qatar's energy sector, and praised the sector's efforts to fulfill its commitments.

This came during His Excellency's presidency of the Energy Sector's 25th annual Qatarization Review meeting in the presence of senior executives and representatives from the companies participating in the Energy Sector Strategic Qatarization Plan.

"On our 25th anniversary, I can comfortably say that Qatarization has grown beyond being a policy into becoming a transformative force that is enabling more and more achievements across our sector," HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy said.

His Excellency praised efforts to further improve their Strategic Workforce and Qatarization Planning processes and to ensure that plans are aligned with each organization’s vision and corporate objectives.

HE the Minister also provided an overview of some of the energy sector’s strategic projects and investments across the energy value chain, which require the development of a workforce that will help maximize returns on those investments.

"This is why Qatarization is an important part of our growth plans, allowing us to ensure a pipeline of national talent that can lead our companies now, and in the future," His Excellency added.

Concluding his remarks, HE the Minister said, "We have never wavered in our commitment to giving opportunities to young Qataris to build rewarding careers and to develop our national competencies in almost every field."

His Excellency presented the Annual Qatarization Crystal Awards, which are given to companies in recognition of their achievements in four categories. This year's recipients are: Qatar Aluminium Limited (Qatalum) for "Support and Liaison with the Education Sector," Qatar Chemical Company Ltd. (Q-Chem) for "Supporting Qatarization," North Oil Company (NOC) for "Support for Learning and Development," and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) for "Best Qatarization Progress."

His Excellency also presented the Annual Qatarization Certificates, which recognize companies with the most significant improvements since the previous calendar year in three categories. This year's recipients are: Oryx GTL for "Support and Liaison with the Education Sector," Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) for "Supporting Qatarization," and Gulf Drilling International (GDI) for "Support for Learning and Development." (QNA)