By M.V.A. Kumar
DOHA: After its regional debut this year, the ‘Made in Qatar’ expo is likely to go global. Saudi Arabia was chosen as the first destination for the external launch of the expo because of its market size and sheer variety of products available there, Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi (pictured), Director-General of Qatar Chamber, said.
Talking to The Peninsula about the reasons for taking the ‘Made in Qatar’ expo 2016 to Riyadh, in November, Al Sharqi said. “We have seen it will be much more beneficial for our products to be displayed initially on the regional levels and on the global ones later on.”
One of the main objectives of the ‘Made in Qatar’ exhibition is developing and promoting the non-hydrocarbon industries in line with the state’s strategy, aimed at diversifying the economy and minimising dependence on oil and gas as main sources of national income.
“As you know the non-hydrocarbon sector pushed its share of GDP to a sizeable 63.8 percent in 2015, up from 48.9 percent in 2014. Therefore, the exhibition will be a major boost for Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon sector,” Al Sharqi said.
“Qatar’s expo in Saudi Arabia will be a big opportunity for all participating companies to promote their products in the Saudi market and it will serve as a platform for Qatari manufacturers and businessmen to communicate directly with their Saudi counterparts.”
To be held from November 6 to 9, the exhibition aims to promote the Qatari industry, encourage use of Qatari products and update the Saudi business community about the latest developments in the participating sectors. “It also aims to provide opportunity for exhibitors and manufacturers to meet and introduce Qatari products to the Saudi community directly and encourage Saudi businessmen and women to invest in industrial projects in Qatar. “So, the significance of organising the expo outside Qatar is opening the door for the Qatari products to compete in the regional and global markets.”
He said more than 90 percent of the exhibition’s total area, estimated at 10,000 sqm, has been already booked and preparations are now in full swing. All sponsors have confirmed their sponsorships and QDB is the strategic sponsor.
“The exhibition will witness several important developments and changes from its appearance to content. The number of participants, including leading companies and factories, is expected to double compared to the previous edition that attracted over 220 companies and factories. Productive families also have a special section for their products in this edition.”
Al Sharqi said the matter of taking the expo to a different country next year will be considered after completion of this edition. He added that the second outside location of the expo will most probably be an Arab country before moving to a non-Arab one.
While talking about other upcoming events of the Qatar Chamber like ‘Made in China 2016’ and the SMEs Conference, Al Sharqi said over 100 reputable Chinese companies had participated in ‘Made in China 2015,’ which represented infrastructure, technology and construction.
“This year we are striving to organise a second to none edition which will be different in content, turnout and appearance. The number of participating companies is expected to double and the area is expected to expand to 15,000 sqm compared to the previous edition, which had only 8,000 sqm.”
This year’s expo will be different, variable and comprehensive. It will exhibit the Qatari and Chinese folkloric industries and handcrafts for the first time. The number of commercial transactions is expected to triple, compared to the first edition, when deals exceeded QR45m, he said.
The first SMEs conference, with focus on Germany, was useful for both German and Qatari entrepreneurs. A lot was learnt about increasing business relations, how different countries engage in business as well as adopting best practices of both countries.
He said the 2017 SMEs conference will be quite similar to this year’s. However, the country focus will be on Turkey, with topics covering agriculture, technology, textiles amongst others.
The Peninsula
