Trade volume between Qatar and China is expected to increase significantly as many Qatari companies are looking at China for sourcing their material to complete projects on time, Minister of Energy and Industry HE Mohammed bin Saleh al Sada said on Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Made in China Exhibition’ in Doha, he said the exhibition provides an ideal platform for Qatari companies to forge partnerships with the participating Chinese companies to boost trade between the two countries.
Chinese firms have played a vital role in the renaissance taking place in Qatar, Sada said, adding that Qatar is looking for more Chinese companies to contribute to its preparation for the Fifa World Cup 2022. The three-day exhibition, organised by Qatar Chamber (QC), is seen as a significant step in Qatar’s aim to promote quality Chinese products in the local market.
Qatar Chamber Chairman Shiekh Khalifa bin Jassim al Thani said Qatar can be an ideal gateway for Chinese companies to promote its products in the Middle East market.
The participation of over 100 major Chinese companies representing various sectors in the exhibition shows China’s eagerness to tap the growing market in the Gulf region.
He said the exhibition will provide an ideal environment for Qatari firms in particular and GCC firms in general to have B2B meetings with Chinese firms to benefit mutually.
The exhibition, which is being held over an area of 15,000 sqm in the recently inaugurated Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, has provided Chinese companies with an opportunity to display a variety of high-quality products that meet the infrastructure, construction and technology requirements of the Gulf region.
Qatar Chamber Acting General Manager Saleh al Sharqi said the exhibition is an excellent platform for regional companies to enhance trade co-operation and business with Chinese companies.
Taking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the exhibition, Chinese Ambassador to Qatar HE Li Chen said the main aim of the exhibition is to display and promote quality Chinese products in Qatari and GCC markets.
China and Qatar have signed a number of agreements to promote trade and investment, the Chinese envoy said, adding that the expo will further boost trade relations between the two countries.
He said the expo will provide Chinese companies with a chance to understand the Qatari market and ways to promote their products in this region.
Qatar Chamber (QC), the organiser of the event, announced yesterday that it has signed an agreement with a Chinese e-procurement firm, ZA-GO.com, to facilitate trade between Qatar and China. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of QC, said: “Today we signed an agreement with a big Chinese company, ZA-GO, which will help establishing B2B (Business-to-Business) meetings between Chinese and Qatari businesses to accelerate bilateral trade.”
He said: “ZA-GO will be providing training, consultancy and host of other services to Qatari companies that are planning to procure quality products in big volumes direct from the Chinese producers.
The company will also help ensure effective and efficient delivery of goods door-to-door.”
The QC chairman also said that the Company has already established a big office in Barwa Commercial Avenue. “Any Qatari trader willing to buy Chinese products or equipment direct from the manufacturers, ZA-GO will help it to search and buy it at guaranteed best prices,” he added. “With the initiative, we expect that the volume of trade between Qatar and China will increase further.”
QC, Vice-Chairman, Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari; Chinese Ambassador to Qatar, Li Chen and several prominent businessmen and guests from both sides were present at the event. Registered in Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, ZA-GO is an online arm of China Arab Purchase (Shanghai) Electronic Commerce Co, Ltd. It is a modern information service provider that specializes in internet and cross-border e-commerce.
