The region’s most phenomenal intercontinental building event is once again almost upon us – Project Qatar 2015, the 12th International Construction Technology & Building Materials Exhibition, taking place at the world-renowned state of the art venue the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), from 4 – 7 May. Qatar does have by far the fastest growing construction industry in the GCC right now so it is very appealing to global contractors. Already this year new projects worth $14.7bn have been announced as part of the infrastructural works valued in excess of $220bn to be completed before the FIFA 2022 World Cup takes place in 2022.
There is also for us a special significance to this year’s edition of the standout construction sector event because this is an important moment in the project time lines running up to 2022 and the 2030. The Qatari authorities finished last year’s contract awards apace and showed remarkable appetite in their ambitions to deliver excellence. Thus, for international contractors wanting to enter this market for the first time, the moment must be now.
The country’s economic strength and political stability coupled with the nature of the government’s unprecedented infrastructure plans continues to attract construction companies from all over the world. In addition, the economic uncertainty in the Eurozone and other economies, political unrest in the Middle East and parts of Europe, are also factors adding to the appeal of Qatar as the go to destination of choice for international contractors.
Whilst all these influences undoubtedly sit as favourable backdrop to this year’s live Project Qatar event, the exhibition itself offers a unique platform in its own right for global construction companies looking to break into this lucrative market. So why is Project Qatar such a phenomenon?
For a start last year there were over 2,100 exhibiting companies from 47 countries all over the world with government representatives from many attending the opening ceremony. Project Qatar itself has also received much government support over the years and last year was under the patronage of HE Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Indeed overseas governments make concerted efforts on behalf of their respective construction industry sectors and try to further the cause of individual companies. Perhaps this is another factor in why Project Qatar is held in such high esteem: the ‘official’ nature of the event as highlighted by the diplomatic lobbying and attendance of many international high level government officials, there amongst key industry professionals.
Last year, the Italian contingent set out their stalls early, with Palma Libotte chairperson of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar quoted as stating that they would have the largest contingent of companies exhibiting amongst European countries.
“Project Qatar will see the participation of some 100 Italian companies, particularly in the field of building materials and interiors,” said Palma Libotte in an interview with The Gulf Times. The Italian chamber of Commerce also organised a networking event at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, with Italian and Qatari companies.
There are many factors that make Project Qatar such a stand out event and in summary from our participation last year we noted the following:
QCR top 5 highlights of Project Qatar 2014
• Map Your Show
• The QNCC Venue
• The event organisation
• Unique atmosphere of networking and opportunities
• The huge scale of the exhibition
You can see the full edition of that post Project Qatar 2014 newsletters here. If you have not already booked your space and want to know why you should exhibit this year, visit this link.
There is also the Project Qatar Business Intelligence Series of conferences, in which IFP Qatar has partnered with Advanced Conferences & Meetings (ACM) to deliver a series of exceptional B2B consultations. Attendees will have access to the expert decision makers and thought leaders as well as the ability to network effectively with new business prospects.
In terms of country representation this year then, there are already many confirmed pavilions including China, France, Portugal, of course Italy, KSA, Pakistan and India to name but a few. There will also be some other great new additions to the pavilion section. We expect the country participation to be even more than the 47 last year and in our next edition we will spotlight some of the returning companies and those exhibiting for the very first time.
If you require any information or haven’t already booked your space for general enquiries and sales please contact:
Project Manager Mr. Rawad Sleem
Tel: +974 44 329900 | Ext: 613
Fax: +974 44 432891
Mobile: +974 66 001644
Email: rawad.sleem@ifpqatar.com
International Sales Manager Ms. Francoise Nehme
Tel: +961 5 959111 | Ext 133
Fax: +961 5 955 361
Email: francoise.nehme@ifpexpo.com
