Qatar recently hosted the Middle East and North Africa Forum on Insolvency and Restructuring Reform, emphasizing insolvency as a key driver of economic growth. The forum, themed “Preserving Value through Efficient Restructuring and Exit,” ran over two days and gathered regional and international experts.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) organized the event in partnership with the World Bank Group and INSOL International. Consequently, delegates discussed innovative insolvency laws and best practices for restructuring frameworks.
Nasser Al Taweel, Director of Legal Affairs at MoCI, opened the forum. He highlighted that strong insolvency laws protect business value and promote economic stability. Furthermore, he noted that such frameworks attract foreign investment and encourage business expansion.
Al Taweel added that MoCI has worked for two years on Qatar’s first insolvency law. Therefore, the draft legislation is expected to strengthen the business environment while aligning with international standards.
The forum featured panel discussions and workshops, where experts exchanged practical insights. In addition, participants examined regional challenges, including procedural delays and inefficient restructuring systems.
Moreover, attendees explored technological innovations such as electronic case management systems. These tools help streamline proceedings, accelerate legal processes, and increase transparency across insolvency procedures.
Holly W Benner, World Bank Group Country Manager for Qatar, and Alastair Beveridge, INSOL President at AlixPartners UK, encouraged member states to adopt international standards. They explained that this approach fosters efficiency, builds investor confidence, and strengthens regional cooperation.
Experts concluded that insolvency reforms are essential for sustainable economic growth. Consequently, clear legal frameworks and operational efficiency are expected to attract investments and support business growth.
Looking forward, authorities aim to finalize the draft insolvency law and implement efficient restructuring systems. Additionally, continued collaboration among governments, legal professionals, and international organizations will remain vital.
Overall, the forum reinforced insolvency as a cornerstone of Qatar’s strategy to modernize its business environment. Therefore, these reforms are critical to supporting entrepreneurship, enhancing transparency, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
