bq | INFRASTRUCTURE l PROJECT QATAR
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Qatar
BUILDING QATAR The booming construction market in Qatar is creating huge B2B opportunities for national and international investors and companies By Shereen D’Souza, Doha
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atar, one of the most promising economies in the GCC region, has approximately USD 346 billion worth of projects in the planning or construction phase. The upcoming construction and building materials exhibition, Project Qatar, has contributed to the development of this sector. Since Project Qatar’s first edition, the number of exhibitors has increased by 73 percent, making it one of the most enticing events to look forward to for industry giants and consumers alike. By the end of 2014, Project Qatar predicts USD 14 bn worth of new contracts will be awarded. IFP, organisers of Project Qatar, revealed that this year, over 2100 companies, from 47 countries with 24 pavilions, are participating, covering 41,500 sqm of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. Rawad M. Sleem, project manager of IFP says, “This year, with the move to the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) we have received the highest number of enquiries ever and we were fully booked in less than three months after the launch date of the sales effort. A large number of new exhibitors and new countries will feature for the first time this year.” The move to QNCC, according to Sleem, makes sense given the venue’s considerable size and “the superior, new experience it provides our participants and attendees by offering the latest in communications and technology and the best hospitality.” The 2014 edition will feature previous participants from Egypt,
Turkey, UAE, Italy, Spain, Germany and France and will also welcome participation from new countries like Palestine, Indonesia and Romania. “The event has increased its international reach by adding three new pavilions and, as the market has become more varied, we have bolstered our scope to include more innovative technologies and services to enhance our visitors’ experience,” says Sleem. Last year’s international participation accounted for more than 60 percent of the total number of exhibitors, with the presence of 27 national pavilions, including Austria, Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
What to look out for this year IFP will be introducing technologically advanced features including a specialised show planner, a B2B matchmaking platform for which exhibitors and visitors can register on the Project Qatar website to match their respective profiles and areas of interest, leading to subsequent meetings. Visitors and exhibitors will also benefit from an advanced mobile application that will provide information about the event, the exhibitors’ list, the event planner, the location of the venue, links to social media accounts and much more. Site visit tours to include several large construction sites around Qatar will be organised with an aim to introduce international exhibitors to the activities of the booming construction sector in Qatar. The tours will take place on 13 and 14 May and foreign
www.bqdoha.com
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