Ambassadors of various countries and organisers of Project Qatar during a press conference at Hilton Hotel yesterday. Shaival Dalal
DOHA: Over 2,100 exhibitors, including 1,920 international exhibitors will feature at the 10th edition of high-profile Project Qatar 2013. Canada, India, Korea, Romania, Spain and Thailand are among the nations taking part for the first time in the event, which is scheduled to open on May 6, 2013.
The event, billed as the region’s leading building trade exhibition, kicked off its latest edition yesterday with a press conference at The Hilton, Doha.
George Ayache, General Manager of IFP Qatar and Organiser of Project Qatar, said: “With all eyes on Qatar’s booming construction sector, Project Qatar has become an essential access point for industry heavy weights, foreign governments, trade associations and key decision makers to forge deals in Qatar. Now in its 10th year, Project Qatar continues to support the country’s economic diversification by empowering local, regional and international SMEs to grow their businesses and drive real progress in the industry.
Juma Rashid Saif Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Qatar, said: “The event forms an important link for commercial exchange among nations and a forum to address the issues that currently face the construction sector in the region. It is our great pleasure that the United Arab Emirates represented by Dubai Exports Promotion is among the participants in this exhibition.”
The UAE delegation includes a trading delegation comprising the UAE prominent industrial and trading companies that are specialized in the construction, contracting and building materials.
The distinguished participation of the Dubai Exports Promotion in the biggest space at Project Qatar 2013 for the third consecutive year emphasises its role in enhancing the opportunities for cooperation between Qatar and UAE, increasing volume of exports by signing trading contracts and transactions, offering services and expertise and discussing future cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
Michael O’Neill, UK’s Ambassador to Qatar, said: “I am delighted that this year we have the largest ever presence of UK companies exhibiting at Project Qatar, with 21 UK firms on the official UK pavilion and many others exhibiting independently. UK construction companies, architects, consultants and suppliers are at the forefront of this industry. We see Qatar as a vital market that can benefit from the UK’s fantastic track record of commissioning and delivering mega construction projects with high quality and standards. I am also pleased to say that UK Trade & Investment has already confirmed support for Project Qatar 2014, showing our commitment to growing the UK presence in Qatar.”
Ambassador of Korea to Qatar, Chung Keejong, said: “Dozens of Korean companies have established their reputation in the Qatari market by their robust activities. And, we are confident that Project Qatar will continue to comprise a great opportunity for more Korean companies, offering their best and most competitive products, to enter the market.”
Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar, Ambassador of Malaysia, said that the Malaysian government is proud to support the participation of Malaysian companies in Project Qatar. Malaysian companies would like to extend their hands to Qatar in undertaking some of the projects earmarked for the World Cup 2022 and achieving its Vision 2030 objectives. Several Malaysian companies are already actively involved in various projects in Doha.
This year’s edition will unveil an advanced matchmaking platform for businesses to meet potential partners and suppliers. Additionally, Project Qatar 2013 will introduce two new events - Facility Management Qatar, the first knowledge-sharing platform for the GCC’s lucrative facility management industry; and Man and Architecture, which will feature some of the most prominent architects in the world and host high level discussions on local architectural projects, challenges, and best practices. Project Qatar 2013 will also feature a major gala event where local and regional companies will receive special recognition for their participation in Project Qatar throughout its 10 year history. Ambassadors of China, India, Canada, Senior trade Advisor, UBI France were also present at the press meet.
The Peninsula
