The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India to encourage participation of Indian companies in 2022 infrastructure projects.
The SC’s pursuit in strengthening the close relationship it has with India in the years leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been further strengthened by the signing of the MoU with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in New Delhi on Saturday.
As a non-government, non-profit organization, CII is an industry-led and managed organization targeting the growth and development of India, one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
The MoU is intended to provide a structure for Indian companies seeking to undertake infrastructure projects around the delivery of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The agreement was signed during the visit of Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to New Delhi, where he led delegation-level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Earlier in 2016, Indian construction giant Larsen & Toubro was awarded main contractor by the SC in an Indo-Qatar joint venture for the construction of the 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium.
SC Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi pointed out at the occasion of the Qatar 2022 bid win anniversary that India is one of the two next global football destinations: “There is significant investment in the Indian league, there is huge interest and following from the Indian fans in relation to football.
“In 2002 Eastern Asia hosted the first Asian World Cup. The resounding success on the pitch and off the pitch is an example of the resounding success 2022 can and will be, not only in the Middle East and Arab world, but also for Western Asia and Asia as a whole.”
SC Assistant Secretary General Nasser Al Khater said that Qatar viewed India as a natural strategic partner: “The relationship between India and Qatar goes beyond football, it goes back decades,” he continued.”
He highlighted how the Indian population and community has been an integral part of Qatar society for decades and has helped build the country and make it what it is today.
He added: “The final of the AFC Cup in Doha recently showed the level of participation and fan engagement, and displayed the passion India has for football. India has made a lot of effort in developing football, their league, and I see that India will be a force in the Asian continent when it comes to football.
“They will host the U-17 World Cup next year, there is also the intention to host an U-20 World Cup, so there is a real interest and intention to make India a footballing nation.”
In October the first pouring of concrete at Al Rayyan Stadium site took place, five weeks ahead of schedule.
Construction Week
8 December
