Under the Auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Project Qatar ? the ninth annual edition of the leading construction exhibition ? was launched yesterday at The Ritz-Carlton Doha with high profile dignitaries and industry leaders in attendance.
The eagerly-awaited exhibition, taking place on April 30 ? May 3, will feature more exhibitors than ever before. In all, 2083 exhibitors will be showcasing their expertise across 62,000 sqm at the Doha Exhibition Centre and three adjacent custom-built temporary structure extensions.
Project Qatar?s Exhibitions Manager, Mr. Michel Gebrael, kicked off yesterday?s press conference with a welcome note celebrating the rapid growth of Project Qatar since its launch in 2004. Thanking this year?s sponsors, Gebrael noted that, ?Project Qatar 2012 is made possible due to the support of our sponsors ? primarily our Pearl Sponsor Qatar National Bank (QNB), Integrity Sponsor UrbaCon Co. (UCC), Silver Sponsors InfoQAT , Al Sraiya Holding Group and Special Sponsor Al Misned Trading & Joinery along with the help of numerous other companies and organizations who have made a special effort to prepare for over 2,083 exhibitors and 47,000 projected visitors.?
Mr. Salem Al Noaimi, Assistant General Manager at QNB, informed the audience that ?As an institution we aim to support the growth of Qatar?s economy and culture in every way possible. Project Qatar has come to symbolise the tremendous growth potential of Qatar?s construction industry. We are proud to be a part of Project Qatar 2012 in particular as well as the larger construction boom in Qatar.?
Mr. Salim Jarrar, General Manager at Qatar-based construction firm UCC, stated that, ?Our sponsorship is driven by the belief that Project Qatar is an active contributor to achieve Qatar vision 2030 and it is one of the main platforms to share new projects, showcase new technologies and forge new ties with partners and clients.?
The Chairman of InfoQAT, Mr. Saleh Ali Omar Salem al Mannai, said that, ?Project Qatar 2012 illustrates the dynamism of the Qatari commercial sector in general and the construction sector in particular. By aligning with Project Qatar, InfoQAT.com hopes to reach a wider audience that requires our services- regardless of whether they are based in Qatar or abroad.?
Mr. Mamdouh Tarek Zaki, Sales Director at Al Misned Trading & Joinery, informed the attendees that , ?Al Misned Trading & Joinery is proud to be sponsoring Project Qatar this year because we feel the event embodies the hopes and aspirations we have for Qatar as a country. By showcasing best-of-breed technologies and products under one roof, Project Qatar brings the world?s expertise to Qatar?s doorstep. As a Qatar-based construction company, we are the prime beneficiaries of this service. Project Qatar enables us to stay ahead of the curve.?
Noting that the event has attracted the attention of global industry players, international trade institutions, and government bodies alike, Michel Gebrael welcomed the ambassadors and commercial trade representatives of France, Germany, Iran, Egypt, China, Greece, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey, Malaysia, Spain, Belgium & Luxembourg who had gathered to mark the start of Project Qatar 2012.
Gebrael stated that, ?The 48 nations represented at Project Qatar see the exhibition as a destination of choice for their construction companies. Project Qatar offers them a platform to showcase their expertise, to launch new products, and an opportunity to explore how they can be a part of the immense construction boom in Qatar. With all signs pointing to an even steeper growth trajectory moving forward, their participation at Project Qatar is essential to the growth of the sector.? Gebrael went on to highlight major projects currently underway or slated to launch soon in Qatar.
85% of the 2083 exhibitors at Project Qatar 2012 are foreign companies? a statistic that would be the envy of any global exhibition. More than 100 Malaysian companies form the largest Asian contingent from Asia while Italy leads the European pack with over 85 companies. Turkish companies will combine to span the largest exhibition space at Project Qatar 2012, with over 1,500 sqm between them. German companies will combine to cover 1,300 sqm.
Commenting on the interest Malaysian companies have in Qatar, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar H.E. Mr. Ahmad Jazri noted that, ?Malaysia?s trade relations with Qatar grow stronger by the year. Malaysian companies are confident about business opportunities in Qatar because their work is well-respected locally. This leads to even more companies being interested in exhibiting at Project Qatar. This year, we hope to showcase our skills and products like never before, and to become an integral part of the fantastic development plans Qatar is undertaking.?
Mr. Pascal Roger, Senior Trade Advisor at UBIFRANCE, the organization that has led the participation of French companies at Project Qatar 2012, commented that, ?This year the French pavilion?s size has increased by over 50% and reached 42 companies from all the sub-sectors of the construction industry : architects, building materials, building equipment, furnisher, eco-friendly solutions, etc.? These companies are here to identify projects, prospective clients, and potential local partners. French companies are increasingly eager to be part of the tremendous growth underway in Qatar.?
The Belgian Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Mr. Luc Devolder, added that, ?Belgian and Luxembourgian participation at Project Qatar this year is a sign of increasing interest in Qatar by our companies and firms. We bring expertise that can help Qatar?s local companies and Project Qatar gives us an opportunity to showcase these skills to the whole industry at one time.?
Charg? d?Affaires of the German Embassy in Doha, Mr. Mathias Kruse, noted that, ?German economic interest in Qatar continues to grow due to the diverse portfolio of the visionary development in Qatar. There are more than 75 German or German related companies in Qatar and many more active on a project basis or companies who directly export their products and services. Some of the key construction-related industries where German companies contribute and participate in Qatar are infrastructure development, construction, logistics, as well as traffic and transportation. Over the years, German companies have found Project Qatar to be a platform that showcases our world-leading expertise in each of these fields and many more.?
Commenting on the increasing interest in Turkish companies? offerings, the Commercial Counsellor of Turkey to Qatar, Mr. Mustafa Gulec, stated that, ?As Turkey moves towards production of complex equipment and niche service offerings, it is becoming an integral part of the GCC?s development fabric. No longer do Turkish companies just produce low-tech solutions, rather they compete with international heavyweights to offer cutting-edge services at competitive prices. This is just one of many reasons Turkish companies are enjoyed increasing success in Qatar.?
Besides nations who have always led the construction industry field, Project Qatar will also feature companies from nations making their debut at Project Qatar 2012: Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain and Taiwan. Event organizing company IFP Qatar?s General Manager, Mr. George Ayache, welcomed the debutants to the Project Qatar family by noting that ?Their presence here is critical; it provides their companies with exposure to a rapidly growing construction market in Qatar while also bringing new and innovative products and services to the attention of Qatari companies. These nations? interest in Qatar is warranted and their participation speaks volumes about the scope of Project Qatar.?
The burgeoning international scope of Project Qatar is also evident in the partnership between IFP and the Italy-based Verona Fiere, the organizers of Marmomacc (the renowned stone and stone technology exhibition in Italy). The launch of Stone Tech ? the stone focused exhibition running concurrently with Project Qatar ? marks another chapter in Project Qatar?s growth.
Mark Ellam, Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy said: ??the Embassy and UK Trade & Investment are delighted to be participating in Project Qatar 2012.? In the last 12 months trade and investment between the UK and Qatar has continued to increase.? UK businesses, including in the construction sector are building important relationships with Qatari partners and seeking to play a role in major infrastructure development programmes.? We look forward to welcoming even more UK businesses to Project Qatar 2012.?
The Greek Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Ms. Helen Elsa Zorbala, echoed the sentiments of the dignitaries present by noting that, ?Bilateral relations between Qatar and Greece are excellent in the political field and our cooperation is very fruitful and promising in other fields also. Greek construction companies are already active in Qatar and with their experience and reliability could contribute to the large ongoing public works in the country. Recognizing the dynamism of Qatari economy we are looking forward to discussing and proceeding with various investment and trade opportunities.?
Michel Gebrael concluded yesterday?s event by noting that, ?This year there are more reasons to visit Project Qatar than ever before. The size and complexity of your project does not matter. If you are interested in any type of construction work whatsoever- whether personal or industrial ? Project Qatar is a must-attend event for you.?
Featuring 2083 exhibitors (1800 of them being foreign) from 48 countries, Project Qatar 2012 is projected to host over? 47,000 visitors on April 30-May 3 at the Doha Exhibition Centre from 3 pm ? 10pm daily.
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