That Qatar is a fast growing business destination at the global level was demonstrated for another time as the 10th International Trade, Construction, Building, Environmental Technology and Materials Exhibition (Project Qatar 2013) got off to a good start at the Doha Exhibitions Centre.
Companies from several countries have their stalls and pavilions, exhibiting an array of equipment and machinery in the main venue and its surroundings.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the exhibition HE the Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani said Qatar has proved that it would continue to patronize those seeking to set up business ventures in the country. The remarkable interest demonstrated by the entrepreneurs in the global construction industry in the local activities is there for everyone to see at the exhibition. This is another good example of their interest in doing business in Qatar.
The minister and other dignitaries, including several ambassadors and other diplomats visited the exhibition.
The organizers said in a statement that infrastructure projects worth more than $110bn were underway in the country and many of which were still to be tendered. Of which about $70bn worth projects are to be executed as part of the country’s ambitious transportation plans. This included the construction of the new sea port and the Doha Metro.
Several new bridges, tunnels, 240 intersections and many more similar projects, including stadia for the 2022 Fifa World Cup will be executed in the country in the next 7 to 8 years. “Every company doing business during the exhibition is with some good hopes of bagging useful business opportunities and orders in coming years,” said an official of the organizing committee.
The expo is also expected to facilitate opportunities for local companies to form joint ventures with the visiting companies, he said. The official also recalled some of the remarkable agreements reached between local firms and their international partners last year.
On the opening day several visitors representing different areas of construction industry flocked to the exhibition venue.
According to the organizers, this year’s new national pavilions at the exhibition are those of Canada, India, Korea, Romania, Spain and Thailand among others.
More than 2,100 exhibitors are present at this year’s event which would wind up on May 9.
Gulf Times
6 May
