Ministry holds meet for investors

A workshop was held yesterday at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) to introduce interested investors to new opportunities in establishing and operating private schools. The MEC has offered 11 plots of land across Qatar to private sector investors as part of the initiative.The workshop was organised by the MEC’s Technical Committee to Stimulate Private Sector Participation in Economic Development Projects in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. A number of investors and interested parties took part at the workshop, where they were introduced to the details of the project, its objectives, and its advantages and privileges. Besides, the importance of such projects on both the economic and educational level for the private sector was discussed.  The workshop included a detailed presentation on the necessary steps and procedures to submit tenders, in addition to the technical requirements to develop and operate the project, the evaluation mechanism for tenders, and the standards used for this. There was a discussion session as well, where all the inquiries and questions of the participants were addressed. The initiative aims to provide high-quality education by improving infrastructure for enhancing the quality of education and training.The 11 plots of land are located in areas as follows: Umm Qarn (one), Rawdat Al Hamamah (one), Al Wukair (four), Luaib (one), Al Thamid (two), Al Khor (two) and Simaisma (one). Each piece of land will cover an area of 15,000sq m.The MEC said the allocation would be made through public tenders, according to the stipulations of Law No 26 for 2005 and its modifications regulating tenders and bids. Potential investors should submit a temporary guarantee of QR300,000.The deadline for receiving bids is June 18. The project will be managed through the design, build, finance and operate contract system. Both local and foreign companies will be allowed to take part in the tender in accordance with Law No 13 for 2000 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in the country’s economic activity. Investors who meet 70% or more of the evaluation standards will be considered qualified.