30 French companies are exhibiting at Project Qatar between May 12 and 15, 2014, present once more to demonstrate the quality and reliability of their products. The Pavilion organized by UBIFRANCE – The French Agency for the International Development of Companies – will be a veritable hotbed of French construction sector savoir-faire at an exhibition that is fast becoming a reference for participants.
Today, there is increasing interest in sustainable and ecological buildings, energy efficiency and construction using wood, intelligent buildings or home automation, innovative materials and design. In a sector where security is an overriding concern, French companies’ reputation for rigorously finished products generates a positive image and solid positioning wherever technology, innovation, quality and design play important roles. In fact, many of these companies are considered a reference in terms of norms and regulations in a number of countries.
While some French companies present at the Pavilion via their local subsidiaries are also global leaders, the profession as a whole is fairly fragmented: about 347,000 French companies employ some 1.5 million workers and represent total sales of 129 billion euros. Their wide scope of activity is reflected in the diversity of the exhibitors, nearly a third of whom are present for the first time at this trade show: they are specialists in concrete, plaster, worksite accommodations, sanitation, electricity, transport/lifting and woodworking machines. The decoration sector will also be represented with specialists in lighting, interior/exterior doors, technical textile and a professional aquarium designer, to name a few.
The 3rd largest CCG market with 10.4 billion USD of contracts awarded, including 4/5th in transportation infrastructures, Qatar imported nearly 1.3 billion USD of construction equipment and materials in 2012. The construction industry alone represents 5.66 % of the emirate’s GDP. Qatar is massively investing in major infrastructures, now more than ever since they were selected to organize the 2022 Football World Cup. Another trend is the growing demand for sustainable development products; “green” hotels and construction are promising sectors, generating demand for innovative products. French companies remain highly appreciated for their expertise in top-end projects, i.e. five-star hotels and villas.
Decidedly Francophile, Qatar massively invests in real estate and luxury hotel properties in France. It is currently a majority shareholder of PSG, the French capital’s football club, and holds shares in many major French companies.
Beyond servicing today’s already significant business dealings, the French Pavilion at Project Qatar aims to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new joint-ventures, promote the Made-in-France model, and make solid connections with local contractors, distributors and agents. The support of regional partners such as CENTRECO and the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Franche-Comté, present at the France Pavilion with 6 companies, demonstrates across-the-board motivation to consolidate French presence on the local market and support the vast creation and construction efforts in Qatar today.
ifpinfo
13 May
