Company formation specialist Links Group hosts international trade delegations during Project Qatar

The Links Groups meets with construction companies from the UK and Malaysia at key events during major exhibition in Doha

2 May 2012, Dubai, UAE: The Links Group - leaders in company formation in the UAE and Qatar for over 10 years - this week met with construction companies from Malaysia and the UK to discuss establishing a commercial presence in Qatar. Held on the sidelines of Project Qatar 2012, the separate seminars were hosted by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Construction Products Association, a representative body for the UK's manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings.

Widely recognised as an important bridge between foreign companies, overseas trade bodies and local government agents, facilitating all matters related to establishing a commercial presence in Qatar, The Links Group was invited to share local market insights with the international business delegations. The seminars were attended by 120 representatives from over 70 companies actively looking to set up shop in the Gulf state.

Commenting on the two events, Wayne Merrick, General Manager of The Links Group Qatar, said: "All overseas participants are acutely aware that Qatar offers one of the most buoyant projects markets in the world. There was a definite sense of excitement and urgency among these companies to establish a commercial presence in Qatar, but concerns remain over foreign company ownership regulations. We are hopeful that The Links Group will be able to facilitate foreign companies' needs going forward, in order to take advantage of the massive growth over the next few years in Qatar."

According to The Links Group, many of the foreign companies enquired about ownership options in Qatar, such as setting up an LLC, opening a branch office, or starting a joint venture with a local company. UK companies are also especially eager to expand in Qatar, in order to stimulate their home markets while transferring specific sporting expertise gained from working on London 2012 Olympics projects.

While company ownership was identified by both delegations as a potential barrier to Qatar market entry, the unique structure offered by The Links Group did help to allay concerns. The Links Group provides a unique approach to onshore company formation in which the 51 per cent local ownership requirement is fulfilled by a corporate entity as opposed to an individual. This model affords the highest levels of transparency and stakeholder protection, in accordance with the Qatar Commercial Companies Law, while ensuring the foreign company retains operational control of their business.

Project Qatar 2012, taking place in Doha from April 30 to May 3, at the Doha Exhibition Center represents the booming construction growth the Gulf state is currently witnessing. Mr Merrick added: "While local and foreign construction companies are competing to win a slice of the US$250 billion worth of projects being launched in Qatar, US$125 billion alone are planned for the next six years. With many of these projects still in the developmental phase, Project Qatar is an important platform through which to tap these immense new business opportunities. We are confident the exhibition will reap dividends for the visiting delegations."

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About Links Group
Established in 2002, Links Group is a premier company formation specialist advising corporations and individuals on how best to establish a legal commercial presence in the Middle East. It provides an unrivalled network of corporate services to assist the company formation process with a particular focus on the UAE and Qatar. This includes company formation, legal structures, licenses and visa documentation, serviced offices, resource management and marketing support. It is also the only company of its kind to be associated with the Foreign Investment Office (FDI) of the Dubai Economic Department.

The Links Group difference is that foreign companies work with a highly structured board as their local partner as opposed to an unknown individual. This unique structure provides foreign businesses with a corporate entity to act as their nominee, local partner, shareholder or sponsor, thereby minimising the risks associated with appointing an unknown individual nominee.

Links Group has an untarnished track record with over 300 clients, who represent combined annual revenues of over USD 3bn to their respective economies.

Links Group is also recognised as a Dubai SME 100 company, a ranking of the top performing SMEs in the emirate.

www.the-links-group.com