Swedish environment technology and sustainability concepts can complement infrastructure projects being set for Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“I am convinced that all the impressive infrastructural projects being planned in Qatar for 2030, including FIFA 2022, can be excellently equipped with the best Swedish environmental technology and sustainability concepts,” said Swedish ambassador Ewa Polano, who recently accompanied a delegation of environment technology companies to Qatar.
She said the delegation was here from February 24 to 26 to learn more about Qatar’s infrastructure and construction projects in Doha and to present their comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
During the two-day visit, the delegation met with officials from Qatar Electricity and Water Company, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Qatar University, Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP), Ministry of Environment (MoE), Qatar Chamber (QC), Qatar Financial Centre and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
“Recent announcements from Doha that emphasise the importance of the private sector’s role in further developments and projects in Qatar have encouraged me to welcome partnership with the Swedish private sector,” said Polano, who added that another delegation is set to arrive tomorrow.
Swedish companies Plantagon International and Sweco will be in Doha tomorrow and on Sunday to meet with QNRF, SC, Qatar National Food Security Programme, MMUP, MoE and the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
“It has been very encouraging to present at all these meetings the Swedish knowhow and experienced approach on how to handle the many infrastructural projects here in Qatar. The Swedish spirit of engineering combined with the latest environmental technology created a lot of interest,” Polano said.
She added, “As the 2022 event will be the first carbon emission-neutral World Cup ever, the Qatari agencies seemed to listen carefully to our messages and being well aware of the leading role and excellent reputation that the Swedish private sector is enjoying and well-respected for.”
During their visit to Qatar Chamber, QC vice-chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Kuwari said: “Qatar welcomes the participation of Swedish businesses in the major projects of infrastructure and preparation for FIFA World Cup in 2022.”
He stressed, “Now is a good time for Swedish businesspersons to enhance their work relations with their Qatari counterparts to help Qatar build a knowledge-based economy and maintain a sustainable investment atmosphere, rather than basing the economy on gas and oil production.”
He also affirmed the full support of the chamber for Swedish companies in the Qatari market and encouraged them to form partnerships with local companies to enhance their work and business experiences.
Among the topics discussed at the chamber were forming partnerships in the fields of renewable energy, recycling technology, production of biogas from waste products, use of environment-friendly vehicles, treatment of water and food security.
A Swedish delegation meets Ashghal officials during a recent trade visit.
