Project Qatar, the region’s leading building trade exhibition, kicked off its 10th edition with a press conference at The Hilton, Doha. It marked a significant milestone for Project Qatar, which has been gathering buyers, suppliers and decision makers from the construction sector to network, negotiate, and forge deals in Qatar for the past 10 years. Over the course of a decade, Project Qatar has grown from a trade show to a strategic access point for reaching key industry leaders and sharing ideas in a country with a clear pipeline of projects and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Project Qatar 2013 is being held under the Auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. The press conference witnessed unprecedented participation from high profile dignitaries, including Ambassadors and a host of industry leaders. Speakers reinforced Project Qatar’s role as a key facilitator of international trade ties and opportunities in the region’s construction equipment and building materials sectors.
In his welcome address, George Ayache, General Manager of IFP Qatar and Organizer of Project Qatar, said, “With all eyes on Qatar’s booming construction sector, Project Qatar has become an essential access point for industry heavy weights, foreign governments, trade associations and key decision makers to forge deals in Qatar. Now in its 10th year, Project Qatar continues to support the country’s economic diversification by empowering local, regional and international SMEs to grow their businesses and drive real progress in the industry. Each year, the international presence at Project Qatar surpasses expectations. In 2013, we are encouraged to see national chambers continue to support and enable companies to grow in Qatar, and we are humbled to see such strong turnout today from the diplomatic community. We extend a very warm welcome this year to Canada, India, Korea, Romania, Spain, and Thailand as they debut their national pavilions at Project Qatar.”
QUICK FACTS | International participation at Project Qatar 2013:
• Over 1,920 international exhibitors; 2,100 total exhibitors
• 28 national pavilions
• Canada, India, Korea, Romania, Spain and Thailand are among the nations taking part for the first time
• 50 participating countries
His Excellency Juma Rashid Saif Al Dhaheri the UAE Ambassador to the State of Qatar said in a statement: “On the occasion of the International Exhibition of Construction, Building Materials, Equipment and Environmental Technology” “Project Qatar 2013” I am delighted to congratulate Qatar for hosting this important economic event where big companies and corporations specialized in construction and equipment show up. The event forms an important link for commercial exchange among nations and a forum to address the issues that currently face the construction sector in the region.
“It is our great pleasure that the United Arab Emirates represented by Dubai Exports Promotion is among the participants in this exhibition. The UAE delegation includes a trading delegation comprising the UAE prominent industrial and trading companies that are specialized in the construction, contracting and building materials.
“The distinguished participation of the Dubai Exports Promotion in the biggest space at Project Qatar 2013 for the third consecutive year emphasizes its role in enhancing the opportunities for cooperation between Qatar and UAE, increasing volume of exports by signing trading contracts and transactions, offering services and expertise and discussing future cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
“We hope this participation contributes to the success of the fair and enhance mutual relationship.”
His Excellency Michael O’Neill, Her Majesty’s Ambassador from the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar said: ‘‘I am delighted that this year we have the largest ever presence of UK companies exhibiting at Project Qatar, with 21 UK firms on the official UK pavilion and many others exhibiting independently. UK construction companies, architects, consultants and suppliers are at the forefront of this industry. We see Qatar as a vital market that can benefit from the UK’s fantastic track record of commissioning and delivering mega construction projects with high quality and standards. I am also pleased to say that UK Trade & Investment has already confirmed support for Project Qatar 2014, showing our commitment to growing the UK presence in Qatar.’’
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar, Chung Keejong, said: "I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Project Qatar, an exhibition that has been recognised as the largest and most prominent in Qatar for many years. Dozens of Korean companies have established their reputation in the Qatari market by their robust activities. And, we are confident that Project Qatar will continue to comprise a great opportunity for more Korean companies, offering their best and most competitive products, to enter the market."
His Excellency Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar, Ambassador of Malaysia to the State of Qatar said, "The Malaysian government is proud to support the participation of Malaysian companies in Project Qatar. Malaysian companies would like to extend their hands to Qatar in undertaking some of the projects earmarked for the World Cup 2022 and achieving its Vision 2030 objectives. Several Malaysian companies are already actively involved in various projects in Doha. Through participating in this event we would like to see more partnerships with project owners and Qatari Authorities."
"Project Qatar has established itself as Qatar’s most important exhibition for highlighting the latest products and services needed for Qatar's fast growing construction sector and has become a destination of choice for regional and international industry professionals," said Mrs. Shery Adel, General Manager of Stadia Qatar. "As the sole distributor of the leading factories in the sports infrastructure business worldwide, Stadia has been providing the best in sports solutions across the Middle East for the past 15 years. Stadia's main objective is to maintain its position in the MENA region as being the pioneer and leader in Sports and Leisure Infrastructure. Due to the importance of the exhibition this year, Stadia Qatar is pleased to not only be participating in Project Qatar for the second consecutive year, but also to be a Platinum Sponsor of such a prestigious event."
“This is the sixth time we participate in Project Qatar,” said Mr. Mubarak Al Khaili, Emirates Steel SVP of Marketing. “We believe that this exhibition is an important event for us. It has offered us many opportunities and this time we also plan to showcase all our range of products for visitors to view. Project Qatar is an excellent exhibition. It’s an event that is growing every year in a market poised for exceptional growth in the present decade and it is very good business to be present here. The benefit of being here at Project Qatar is to have direct contact with end customers and we were satisfied with the response we received in last year’s edition.”
“Malaysian companies are no stranger to the Qatari construction sector as they have been actively involved in various development projects in the country,” said Mr. Mohammad Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Senior Trade Commissioner of Matrade, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. “The participation of Malaysian companies at this event is aimed to further forge more partnerships and joint ventures with local Qatari authorities and project owners to undertake projects in Qatar.”
Mr. Ramez Al Khayyat, UCC Managing Director said, “UCC’s sponsorship is driven by our firm commitment to Qatar, its bright future and the belief that Project Qatar is an active contributor to achieve Qatar’s 2030 Vision.”
Mr. Moutaz Al Khayyat, UCC Executive Director added, “UCC fully supports Project Qatar through sponsorship as it is one of the main platforms to share new projects, showcase new technologies and forge new ties with partners and clients.”
Mr. Pascal Roger, Senior Trade Advisor at UBIFRANCE, the organization leading the participation of French companies at Project Qatar 2013, said: “The strength of the French delegation of companies to the tenth edition of Project Qatar is a testament to the competitiveness of the materials, equipment, and solutions they offer and to the strategic importance of this exhibition. These companies are here to identify projects, prospective clients, and potential local partners. French companies are increasingly eager to be part of the tremendous growth underway in Qatar.”
Key local exhibitors include Platinum Sponsors UrbaCon General Contracting (UCC) and Stadia Sports and Leisure Solutions. Key regional and international exhibitors include Gold Sponsors Emirates Steel and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. Notably, some local companies, including Industrial Equipment & Services Co. (IESCO) and Qatar Trading Company W.L.L., are returning to Project Qatar 2013 for the 10th time, having participated since the first show.
At the event, it was announced that this year’s edition will unveil an advanced matchmaking platform for businesses to meet potential partners and suppliers. Additionally, Project Qatar 2013 will introduce two new events – Facility Management Qatar, the first knowledge-sharing platform for the GCC’s lucrative facility management industry; and Man and Architecture, which will feature some of the most prominent architects in the world and host high level discussions on local architectural projects, challenges, and best practices. Project Qatar 2013 will also feature a major gala event where local and regional companies will receive special recognition for their participation in Project Qatar throughout its 10 year history.
Project Qatar has a track record of providing results for companies; in its 2012 edition, Jaidah Industrial Supply Division, a subsidiary of Qatar’s influential Jaidah Group, forged two new partnerships with Fronius from Austria, and Hypertherm from the United States at Project Qatar 2012. Regionally, Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the UAE's Department of Economic Development and host of the largest pavilion at Project Qatar, struck 17 deals worth over $60 million with Qatari and international companies at Project Qatar last year.
An annual event highly regarded in the industry, Project Qatar is set to take place again this year from May 6 to 9 at the Doha Exhibition Center, featuring over 2,100 exhibitors from over 50 countries, housed in a 62,000 square meter space. The exhibition is split into four distinct sectors: Construction Technology, Building Materials, Equipment, and Environmental Technology. Project Qatar 2013 will deliver several back-by-demand concurrent events, including Heavy Max 2013, the international exhibition for innovative heavy machinery; Qatar Stone-Tech 2013 featuring a comprehensive range of stone technologies, equipment and products; and Energy Qatar 2013, the most comprehensive energy exhibition showcasing the latest products and technologies in electricity, power generation and distribution, and alternative energy solutions.
ifpinfo
29 April
