Doha, July 26 (QNA) - The Qatar Financial Center (QFC) and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in talent development and help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice.

The partnership establishes a framework for initiatives that equip students and young professionals with the knowledge, practical experience, and skills required to succeed in Qatar's evolving financial sector.

Under the MoU, QFC will offer internship opportunities to QFBA's Northumbria University students, providing hands-on industry experience and pathways to future employment. The partnership will also extend to lectures, seminars, workshops, career fairs, and other academic and professional events that foster knowledge exchange between industry and academia.

The two organizations will also work together on the Takween Excellence Award Program, a flagship initiative designed to support high-performing Qatari undergraduate students pursuing disciplines that are critical to the development of Qatar’s financial sector and future economy.

Chief Executive Officer of QFC, Mansoor Rashid Al Khater commented on the significance of the MOU, stating, "Developing national talent is essential to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, serving as a fundamental pillar for supporting sustainable economic growth. This requires a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the future."

"This partnership with QFBA reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals with the expertise and practical experience they need to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce," he said.

"This partnership will also expand the range of training and development opportunities available to QFC firms, equipping their workforce with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in an evolving financial landscape while supporting the growth of a knowledge-based economy," he added.

Chief Executive Officer of QFBA, Khalifa Al Salahi Al Yafei said: "This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and the financial sector, while helping to translate academic knowledge into practical experience that reflects the realities of the workplace."

"Through our collaboration with Qatar Financial Center, we look forward to expanding opportunities for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience and exposure to industry best practices. This will help enhance their readiness for the labor market and support the development of national talent capable of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the financial sector and contributing to its sustainable growth," he added. (QNA)