In a major initiative to promote the amber industry in Qatar and worldwide, Katara - the Cultural Village yesterday signed an agreement with Poland-based International Amber Association (IAA) for co-operation in various fields related to the industry.
The letter of intent was signed by Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, and Mariusz Grzegorz Gliwinski, deputy president of the association, at the first Katara Exhibition for Kahraman beads that concluded yesterday. 
Khalid al-Sayed, head of the exhibition, and other Katara officials were also present at the signing ceremony.
The IAA is a platform for amber merchants and manufacturers, artistes making amber artworks and collectors of natural amber and historic amber artifacts as well as researchers in this field.
“The agreement will help Katara benefit from the experience and expertise of the association and its member organisations in various fields, particularly in technical aspects related to the amber industry. The agreement will be especially beneficial in establishing a dedicated centre for Kahraman amber at Katara as well as in holding future exhibitions and other related events,” said al-Sayed.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides will co-operate in exchange of materials in education and research, publications and information on amber, technical assistance in amber laboratory issues and exchange of employees, expertise and research scholars and promotion of amber culture, history and contemporary design.
The parties will discuss the opportunities and challenges presented and would enter into specific agreements in future.
Both sides will serve as a bridge for co-operation between different organisations involved in the amber industry. The parties will also co-operate in organising exhibitions, seminars and high-level forums related to the industry. 
The three-day exhibition at Katara drew thousands of amber enthusiasts, who had an opportunity to see and buy the wide range of authentic Kahraman amber beads, ornaments and historic artefacts on display, Katara said in a statement.
Amber merchants, traders, artistes and experts from seven countries - Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Russia, Poland and Lithuania- took part in the exhibition, featuring about 80 stalls with a rich variety of amber products. 
Most stalls also showcased rare and natural pieces of fossilised amber of different colour, size and quality. The exhibition also introduced the different styles and perspectives in manufacturing Kahraman amber beads and ornaments, from authentic material, through a number of seminars and workshops.
The exhibition, the first of its kind in Qatar and one of the biggest in the region, is expected to give major boost to the Kahraman amber industry in Qatar, the Gulf and worldwide.
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