Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Index Qatar on Monday, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said Qatar continues to enjoy the confidence of international countries despite the economic blockade.
Citing the large turnout of international exhibitors at the three-day Index Qatar being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), Sheikh Khalifa said the number of participating exhibitors is an example of the international community’s “trust in the Qatari economy.”
“Even after the siege on Qatar and the economic blockade, we still see many people participating in various exhibitions being held in the country, and many people have a lot of trust in the Qatari market, which has a large potential for further growth,” he pointed out.
He added, “I would like to thank the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) for bringing Index to Qatar, which is being held for the first time. We are hoping that next year, there would be a larger participation of international companies.”
Sheikh Khalifa and QTA chief tourism development officer Hassan al-Ibrahim led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the first instalment of Index Qatar. They were joined by Omani ambassador Najeeb bin Yahya al-Balushi and Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano during the opening ceremony, which was followed by a tour of the exhibition venue.
Ahmed al-Obaidli, director of Exhibitions at QTA, said, “Hosting and attracting global business events is a key part of our efforts to develop the business events sector, which is considered a priority in the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy. We look forward to seeing more world-class events delivered in this growing industry.”
Index Qatar event director Jaafar Shubber said, “According to our exclusive research with market analysts Ventures, the fit-out and contractor market for interior designers across Qatar will be worth almost $1.5bn in the next year. That is a massive amount, at what is a time of huge growth for the country.
“We will be showcasing products from more than 50 local and international manufacturers and suppliers, all of whom will be bringing the latest furniture and décor products needed to help fit-out the hundreds of ongoing and future projects across Qatar and the wider region.”
A study by market analysts Ventures revealed that the value of interior-based design and fit-out spend across the GCC-region will reach almost $17bn in the next 12 months.
In Qatar alone, the money invested in interior projects within each of the main construction sectors – commercial, residential, retail, hospitality, medical, and educational – will be close to $1.5bn, the study added.
Business / Business
Qatar continues to attract investments despite siege, says Chamber chairman
From left: Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani; Omani ambassador Najeeb bin Yahya al-Balushi, Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, and Qatar Chamber vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari during the opening ceremony of Index Qatar held at the DECC. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Despite the unjust siege imposed on Qatar in June this year, the country remains as an attractive destination for many international investors, a senior official of the Qatar Chamber has said.
