21 March 2012
The company that did most of the tunneling work for the Dubai Metro and is now working on a new sewerage and wastewater system in Abu Dhabi says it has more than EUR 7 million worth of regional projects on hand being handled out of its UAE hub.

Milan-based Valente, the specialist in rail, tunneling and mining, is not, however, resting on its laurels. The company may be a household name in Europe, but it is a relative newcomer in the MENA region, where it is banking on several factors - such as strong central planning, a growing awareness of the value of mass transport, and burgeoning trade - to increase its footprint.

Valente became one of the first global companies in its field to set up a regional hub, at the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, two years ago. Currently, it says, about 10%-15% of the company's activity is carried out of Valente JAFZA and represents less than 80% of overall revenue and operating profits.

Zawya interviewed Alberto Menoncello, President of Valente S.P.A., to get a feel for the company's growth plans and its view on the region's supporting strengths. Excerpts:

In which nations of the Middle East and North Africa is Valente executing contracts? Please give details of each contract, including the scope of work and the value.

We have done significant work on projects in the region for the last six years including almost all of the tunneling work for the Dubai Metro.  Currently, we are working on the massive new sewer and wastewater system in Abu Dhabi and have active bids throughout the GCC.  MENA region projects include Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.    As you know, all projects are divided into phases.  We have been involved on various phases of the projects listed; the figures given are for the current active phase.

Our JAFZA branch office coordinates most of our international activity so we will mention them as well.  Naturally, new projects at the bid stage we cannot really discuss at this time but will be happy to announce if and when won.

© Zawya 2012