516 exhibitors at Project Qatar

The Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, inaugurated the 14th edition of Project Qatar 2017 - an international trade exhibition for construction technology, building materials, equipment and environmental technology - yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and other senior officials attended inauguration ceremony.
Around 16,000 visitors are expected to enter the halls of the DECC until May 11. A total of 516 exhibitors from 33 countries are showcasing their latest equipment and services in the four-day expo.
This exhibition continues to gain support from prominent countries through their various embassies which will have their respective country pavilions including France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, China, Turkey, Kuwait, and Pakistan.
While visiting the French pavilion, Christelle Peyran, head of Business France Qatar told The Peninsula: “ France is focused on energy efficiency, sustainable development and R&D.
France invested 18.8 billion Euros in 2015 in renovation and energy retrofits, becoming the third market in Europe in terma of eco-friendly buildings. 21% of French companies in building sector have R&D center to develop new materials.”
George Ayache, General Manager of IFP Qatar, said: “Project Qatar 2017 takes off once again to a grand start with multiple engagements for the construction sector. From workshops to conferences and exhibitions, these various platforms enable the sector to get the latest innovation and sustainability efforts by leading construction companies in the world.”
“As Qatar bids to become a global hub for major events, it pays great attention to the sustainability of buildings and facilities and these concerns play a major role in the further growth of the sector. We expect to witness major deals and new project launches within the four days,” he further added.
The first day witnessed several workshop sessions and the start of the Accessible Qatar Conference. The workshop featured four key topics: ‘Cooperating to Advance Construction Codes in the Gulf Region’ by Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President, Business Development, International Code Council (ICC); ‘Quality Assessment - Strategic Approach’ by Muhammed Farooque, CEO – Managing Director of Excelledia; ‘The “World Best Practice” Paradox’ by Samer Deaïbess, Management Systems Consultant of EGS; and ‘LEED and Water Saving-Success in Building Design’ by Joe Azzarello, Senior Sustainability Engineer of Kohler Co.
The Accessible Qatar Conference aims to raise awareness on the issue of accessibility in buildings and infrastructure to influence project developers in including accessibility in the construction of facilities and venues.
The two-day conference will cover accessibility in various sectors such as tourism, architectural design, implementation sports, work environment and inclusive urban development. The most accessible venues in Qatar will also be awarded during the “Accessible Qatar Awards” on May 9, 2017.
Other event features include a Live Demo Theater and a B2B Matchmaking event. Some of the event’s main sponsors and partners include the Qatar Tourism Authority as Strategic Partner; Manateq as Economic Zones Partner, NBK Automobiles, as Official Transportation Partner, Al Sraiya Group and Palmera as Platinum Sponsors; QD-CPC Industries, a subsidiary of QDSBG as Gold Sponsors; and Ali Abdul Sattar Business Group, BITUMODE Qatar Waterproofing Factory, Qatar uPVC as Silver Sponsors.