By David Gold
April 30 – Project Qatar 2011 has expanded significantly, largely thanks to the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
The construction exhibition, held annually, will open on May 2 and see in excess of 1,700 companies fill the Doha Exhibition Centre, making it the biggest event ever staged in Qatar.
“We have never witnessed a 52,000sqm exhibition space here, thanks to Qatar winning the right to host World Cup 2022 and the country’s vision under the wise leadership of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” said Michele Gebreal, the project manager of Project Qatar 2011.
“We look forward to seeing increased participation in this year’s edition and we believe that the event will help drive in key investment opportunities for the country’s growing construction segment,” he added.
Gebreal announced that Project Qatar, the patron of which is Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, would be staged in two editions in 2012, one of which focuses on energy and electricity from November 5 to 7.
Project Qatar 2011 provides a strategic platform for the construction industry’s key players to discuss issues and trends affecting their business as well as to showcase their products and services to buyers and sellers.
George Ayache, the General Manager of IFP Qatar, said: “All eyes are on Qatar as it sets out its preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with infrastructure projects amounting to over $100 billion (£600 million) over the next 12 years.
“This scale of construction projects is bound to attract the attention of construction companies from across the region wanting to take part in project opportunities created by the favourable market conditions.
“Project Qatar 2011 sets out to give the region a prime venue for industry players to meet, create and reinforce business ties.
“Project Qatar continues to play a big part in advancing the role of key products and services in the region’s construction industry.
Exhibitors hail from 47 countries, the most visible of which will be the United Arab Emirates, and 16 nations will be putting up national pavilions.
The likes of South Korea, France and the UK hope the event will bolster trade relations with Qatar.
The Korean Embassy’s Dr Koo Heosung said: “From $9.7 billion (£5.8 billion) in 2009, trade volume between Korea and Qatar rose to $12.2 billion (£7.3 billion) last year.
“We have a strong presence of SME’s (small medium enterprises) at this year’s exhibition.
“They are the backbone of the economy and we hope to witness growth on relations between the SME’s of the two countries as Qatar has expressed keen interest to foster SME’s here.”
Heavy Max 2011 and “The Qatar Sustainability Conference 2011” will be held simultaneously with Project Qatar.
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