The Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2015 Ceremony was held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai on 27th May 2015. Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry not only as the leader of one of the middle East’s most dynamic banks but for his personal contribution to the greater understanding of the economic development of the region and his support for the environment and the business. He received the award from Guest of Honour, Rashid Almansoori, CEO of Qatar exchange. Saleh Al Akrabi, Chairman, CPI Financial (publisher of Banker Middle East) was also present at the award ceremony.

On receiving the award Dr. R. Seetharaman highlighted on some of his key initiatives to the Banking Industry. He said “Expanded presence of Doha Bank across GCC. Established relationships with leading corporates in the GCC industry and fulfilled their Banking/ Financial services requirements. Highlighted the changing dynamics in Banking industry pre – crisis and Post Crisis. Emphasized the implementation of regulatory reforms as part of revamping of global financial architecture after Global Financial Crisis. Developed working relationships with GCC Banking regulators and look forward to implement various reforms in the GCC region. Kept abreast of developments in technology and leverage on it to provide value advantage to the customer. Believed in Unified Regulation mechanism and efficiency in regulation.”

Dr. R. Seetharaman also highlighted some of his initiatives taken for the economic development of the region. He said “Contributed to the non-hydro carbon diversification of GCC through funded and non funded facilities. SME Sector should be provided adequate support as it created jobs in the region. Identified major cross border trade and investment flows between GCC and other Major blocs and look forward to develop the same through Banking relationships. Championed capital market reforms in GCC and development of capital and bond markets to match the economic development of the region. Identified Food security challenges in GCC and potential solutions explored. Provided support to the housing requirements of people through appropriate financing facilities through Banking. Encouraged insurance solutions to corporates and individuals to protect against various perils. Leverage the global presence of Doha Bank for economic development of region through banking channels. Provided remittance services to expat staff in the region to their home countries through Banking Channels. Provided trade advisory solutions and developed correspondent banking relationships. “

Dr. R. Seetharaman spoke on sustainable development. He said “Sustainable development involves contribution towards economic growth, social development and environment. The Sustainable development mission should aim for Poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, sustainable consumption and production. Some of the key challenges in sustainable development include climate change, energy security and increase in natural and man-made disasters. At the G20 meeting in Nov 2014 US made a commitment of $3bn towards Green climate fund and Japan pledged it would contribute $1.5bn to the climate fund.”

Dr. R. Seetharaman gave insights on the initiatives of Doha Bank on sustainable development. He said “Doha Bank advocates and practices Green Banking, which is one of the core business philosophies that would support the sustainability into the future. Doha Bank has worked on “ECO-Schools Programme” which works with educational institutions to build awareness of key environmental issues. It has launched Green Credit Card. Green Accounts are Doha Bank’s answer to a proactive approach on eco-friendly banking towards its drive for a cleaner and greener environment by promoting the concept of “Paperless Banking “. Internet Banking, SMS Banking, Phone Banking, E- Remittances and Bills Payments through online also encourage eco- friendly banking. Doha Bank also conducted Green Quiz and seminars on Global warming and climatic changes to spread environmental awareness in various countries. Doha Bank has hosted Green fun run and support tree planting activity to generate awareness of environmental preservation and protecting the natural environment. Doha Bank has also provided funding for district cooling facilities.”