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Fifa World Cup bid win boosts Project Qatar

By RAYNALD C RIVERA DOHA: World Cup 2022 and upcoming projects in line with the country's 2030 Vision have been a major driving force in the dramatic expansion of Project Qatar 2011, organisers said yesterday.

On its eighth edition, the annual construction exhibition which will open on May 2 will see over 1,700 companies spread over a 52,000sqm venue at the Doha Exhibition Centre, an increase of 73.3 percent on the DEC's exhibition space, making it the biggest event to ever be staged in Qatar to date.

"We have never witnessed a 52,000sqm exhibition space here in Qatar, thanks to Qatar winning the right to host World Cup 2022 and the country's vision under the wise leadership of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," said Michele Gebreal, Project Manager, Project Qatar 2011, during a press conference yesterday at W Hotel.

To cope with the growing scale of the event, Gebreal announced they would stage two editions of Project Qatar next year, one of which will focus on energy and electricity to be held in from November 5 to 7, 2012.

Project Qatar 2011, which is being held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, aims to provide a strategic platform for the construction industry's key players to discuss current trends and issues; showcase products and services and reinforce business ties between buyers and sellers.

"All eyes are on Qatar as it sets out its preparations for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, with infrastructure projects amounting to over $100bn over the next 12 years. This scale of construction projects are 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," said George Ayache, General Manager, IFP Qatar. "Project Qatar continues to play a big part in advancing the role of key products and services in the region's construction industry. 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," said Gebreal.

The exhibitors come from 47 countries, 16 of which will put up their national pavilions, with the UAE taking the biggest section. Representatives of these countries including Korea, France, Turkey, Iran and the UK all expressed confidence the event will help bolster their trade relations with Qatar which have witnessed growth in the past years.

"From $9.7bn in 2009, trade volume between Korea and Qatar rose to $12.2bn last year. We have a strong presence of SME's 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," said Dr Koo Heosung of Korean Embassy.

Also being held simultaneously with Project Qatar are Heavy Max 2011, the international trade exhibition for heavy machinery; an exclusive dedicated green pavilion offering eco-solutions and 'The Qatar Sustainability Conference 2011'. Sponsors for Project Qatar 2011 include Orwood (Diamond Sponsor), Naffco (Gold Sponsor), HBK Holdings (Silver Sponsor) and Abu Issa Holdings.

© The Peninsula 2011