Doha: The world's largest construction, building materials and equipment firms are vying for a slice of the lucrative booming Qatari construction sector at the Project Qatar 2005 which opened here yesterday.
The second International Exhibition for Construction Technology, Building Materials, Equipment and Environmental Technology in Qatar, which is expected to attract about 15,000 visitors, was inaugurated by the Economy and Commerce Minister, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Jassem Al Thani at the Qatar International Exhibition Centre (QIEC).
The opening ceremony was attend by Zayed Mansoor Al Khayarin, Managing Director of the Public Works Authority, Abdullah Al Nuaimi, QIEC General Manager and Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, Chairman of IFP Qatar Ltd, organisers of the event.
Also present were ambassadors, commercial and economic counselors of participating countries and Qatari businessmen.
Over 500 international exhibitors from 29 countries representing different sectors of construction are taking part in Project Qatar 2005 which runs until September 21.
Organisers said the show has received strong response from the international business community at large as Qatar with one of the most vibrant economies in the region is the midst of massive infrastructure development.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad said the preparation of show has been a success since it has attracted major international companies in the field of construction and that the ministry alwaysencourages the Qatari private sector to held such major exhibitions.
He also said that exhibition centre is to undergo a major expansion and that the ministry was coordinating with concerned parties on the issue, adding that currently the groundwork for this major project is under way.
Besides the facilities already constructed or under construction for the 2006 Asian Games, Qatar has embarked on several mega projects, including more than 180 tower buildings, over 37 new hotels, a multi-billion new airport, a $2.5bn man-made island, a $5bn two causeways connecting Qatar to Bahrain and the UAE.
The Qatari Public Works Authority (Ashghal) which has signed up as a Diamond Sponsor for Project Qatar 2005 has reserved a large pavilion to display its multi-billion projects and invite tenders that would be open to both local and international companies.
Ashghal in undertaking the public works planned by the government which has allocated QR26bn for infrastructure projects to be realised under a five-year plan, while QR 8bn of the budget has been allocated for this year.
Zayed Mansoor Al Khayarin told The Peninsula that Asghal has been marketing its multi billion projects in several foreign countries, including Spain, France, UK, China and India that that Project Qatar 2005 provides an excellent opportunity to promote those projects.
© The Peninsula 2005
