By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter
The increase in the number of big-ticket companies participating in the annual Project Qatar is an assurance that ongoing infrastructure projects will meet their respective target dates, Qatar Chamber director general Remy Rowhani said.
“Apart from strengthening bilateral relations between Qatar and other countries, the increase in the number of companies participating in the event assures the Qatari government that it is heading towards the right direction,” he told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the opening of the 12th edition of the event yesterday.
“We are assured that these projects are being done by both local and international experts. On the local front, we can’t do everything on our own and we certainly need the presence of international experts to get these projects done,” he explained.
This was echoed by Indian Ambassador Sanjiv Arora, who noted that the number of participating Indian companies this year increased to 65 compared to 45 in the previous edition of Project Qatar.
The ambassador said the investment generated by Indian companies in the previous edition of Project Qatar was estimated at around QR100mn.
Asked if Indian exhibitors could replicate last year’s investment feat, Arora said: “I would say that it would certainly increase substantially, but this is, certainly, another positive development in our bilateral and economic co-operation with Qatar. Economic partnerships are on the top of the agenda of both Qatar and India in terms of our interaction and co-operation.”
Rowhani also said the increase in the number of joint ventures forged between Qatar and foreign firms during Project Qatar “sets the pace for future trends.”
“As we move forward and closer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the infrastructure and construction environment becomes more vibrant. And what’s important is that this particular event sets a new landmark and milestone for Qatar every year,” Rowhani stressed.
IFP Qatar general manager George Ayache said: “With all these infrastructure developments happening, the world has its eye on Qatar. Every year, we see an increase in the participation of many countries, and we hope to attract more of them in the future Project Qatar events as we get closer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
He added that next year, IFP Qatar is planning to include more exhibitors in the field of renewable energy. “This year, there are a few exhibitors in the field of renewable energy. However, we are contemplating on collaborating with a Europe-based organiser to bring ‘Urban Tech’ and hold it alongside Project Qatar. Urban Tech specialises in renewable energy, smart cities, and sustainable living, in general,” Ayache added.
Remy Rowhani
