Qatar’s manufacturing sector has received a boost with the Made in Qatar expo inaugurated by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday at the Doha Exhibitions and Convention Centre.
The four-day exhibition has the participation of more than 250 local manufacturing companies, besides several Qatari institutions and organisations supporting the growth of industries in the country.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, prominent Qatari entrepreneur HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, several ambassadors and other diplomats among others.
Twenty-one countries have set up pavilions at the exhibition, organised by the Qatar Chamber under the patronage of His Highness the Emir. Many of the pavilions are directly under the aegis of their respective embassies while others are represented by their embassies’ affiliates.
Soon after the opening, His Highness the Emir, accompanied by several dignitaries, toured the exhibition. A major area of the sprawling venue is dedicated to companies from the food and beverages sector. Many companies which started operations in this vital sector after the blockade began have displayed an array of products.
Companies making products for different areas in the construction sector and recycled goods have also made their presence felt at the exhibition. Indigenous goods from some of the participating countries, particularly handicrafts and souvenirs, are also displayed.
Embassies of France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, India, Iran, Pakistan, Ukraine, Turkey, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kenya and Ethiopia are among those who have stalls at the exhibition. Some of these participants have said they are looking forward to having their own independent outlets in the country’s tourist locations, including Katara – the Cultural Village.
One of them said the economic blockade against Qatar by the Saudi-led quartet has given a good opportunity to businessmen from his country to hunt for opportunities in Qatar.
Handicrafts from Ethiopia and Kenya drew a large number of visitors on the first day.
Organisations such as Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation, Manateq, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company and Qatar Development Bank too are among those who have their pavilions.
Speaking to Gulf Times, a Qatar Chamber official expressed happiness at the response the exhibition has received this time.
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visits the Made in Qatar expo at the Doha Exhibitions and Convention Centre yesterday. Among those with him are HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani. After inaugurating the exhibition, the Emir, accompanied by several dignitaries, went around many of the pavilions. Twenty-one countries have set up pavilions at the exhibition, organised by the Qatar Chamber.
