Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano highlighted the close co-operation between Qatar and Italy in the field of infrastructure, stressing that roadwork has remained a key ground for further business partnerships.
The envoy was addressing business operators and contractors at a workshop on ‘Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Technologies’, organized by Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday, aimed at introducing an innovative, high-quality, and low-cost Italian technology by Iterchimica.
“Italian companies have developed solid expertise in road construction and maintenance based on reliable and innovative technologies which are consistent in quality over the years and environmentally sustainable, in line with the principles of Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Salzano at the workshop, which was also attended by Iterchimica CEO Federica Giannattasio.
Citing its considerable experience in the recycling of construction materials, Salzano noted that Italy is renowned globally for using 18.5% secondary or recycled materials out of the total raw materials in industrial processes.
“Among the European countries, Italy has the highest percentage of recycling of all waste. In terms of environmental costs, this replacement of materials generate a savings of 58mn tonnes of CO2,” the envoy stressed.
He said leading Italian companies are carrying out major projects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including the iconic Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor and the new Doha Metro line. Salzano pointed out that Italy is keen to work closely with Qatar to provide the best technologies and research solutions which can suit the country’s ambitious goals.
According to Salzano, Iterchimica is a leader in the production of asphalt at low temperatures and a pioneer in developing an innovative technology unique for its efficiency and sustainability. It minimizes the environmental impact of road maintenance and reduces energy and raw materials consumption.
Iterchimica technologies use materials that can be reused almost endlessly without sending them to landfills or taking new ones from quarries, he added.
It is learnt that low-temperature production of asphalts is also an efficient solution, which decreases the energy used and the fumes released to the atmosphere. Recycled materials like rubbed powder generate more benefits in terms of noise reduction. Such technologies have “an extremely low environmental impact” and are particularly well-suited for hot weather.
Gulf Times
27/05/2019
