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Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Chinese companies have shown keen interest in enhancing trade ties with Qatar despite the ongoing siege imposed on the country by the Saudi-led bloc, Minister of Energy and Industry HE Mohammed bin Saleh al Sada said on Thursday.
Speaking to mediapersons after opening the four-day 'Made in China' exhibition in Doha, Sada said the large participation of Chinese firms in the expo shows their bullishness about the Qatari market.
"The successful organisation of 'Made in China' exhibition in Doha for the third year in a row also shows the growing trade ties between the two countries," the minister said.
He expressed hope that the exhibition would prove to be a gateway for many new Chinese companies to enter the Qatari market.
Organised by Qatar Chamber, the expo witnessed a large turnout from businessmen and investors on the first day itself.
Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed al Thani said the participation of over 80 Chinese companies including the electronic giant Huawei confirms the confidence of these companies in the Qatari market despite the unjust siege imposed on Qatar by neighbouring countries.
Sheikh Khalifa said the exhibition would play a vital role in promoting cooperation between business owners of the two countries, and provides an ideal opportunity to learn about latest Chinese innovations.
As an organiser of the event, Sheikh Khalifa said, Qatar Chamber would extend all support to participating Chinese firms in launching their products in the Qatari market.
Sheikh Khalifa said the trade volume between Qatar and China is expected to rise manifold with the launch of direct lines between Hamad Port and Chinese ports recently.
Qatar Chamber Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Towar al Kuwari called upon Qatari manufacturers to visit the exhibition and benefit from the Chinese experience
He said the exhibition is a good opportunity for the Qatari business community to know more about Chinese products in the fields of building materials, decoration, solar energy, agriculture, engineering, water treatment systems and medical devices.
"It is also an opportunity to ink deals and partnerships with Chinese suppliers, agents and manufacturers. The exhibition has become a window of opportunity for the Qatari private sector to apprise itself with the most prominent Chinese products in different sectors," Kuwari said.
Qatar Chamber Director General Saleh bin Hamad al Sharqi said the exhibition is an ideal platform for Qatari firms to form joint ventures with Chinese companies and benefit from transfer of technology.
Sharqi said that several commercial deals are expected to be signed between Qatari businessmen and their counterparts from the Chinese companies during the exhibition.
Many Chinese firms have also expressed their willingness to invest in Qatar's manufacturing sector, he noted.
"Chinese companies are interested to enter the Qatari market through this successful exhibition, which brings together Qatari and Chinese investors under one umbrella. It also enables both sides to address all issues relating to joint investment," Sharqi said.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Qatar HE Li Chen said that China considers Qatar as one of its strategic trade partners in the Gulf region.
"The exhibition of Chinese products in Doha provides a significant opportunity for participating companies to find Qatari partners for promoting their products in Qatar, he said.
