Visitors at a booth at the 2010 World Cup Legacy Exhibition.
DOHA: The four-day ‘2010 World Cup Legacy Exhibition’ organised by the South African Embassy in Qatar and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of South Africa (the DTI) in association with the Qatar Chamber (QC) witnessed large turnout of visitors and local companies before it concluded here yesterday, said a press statement.
The Qatar edition of the 2010 World Cup Legacy Exhibition was inaugurated on June 2 in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, Elizabeth Thabethe; Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, Saad Cachalia, and Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Towar.
The exhibition held at St Regis Hotel Grand Ballroom, brought to Qatar 40 of the South African companies who played a vital role in the success of the 2010 World Cup. Exhibiting companies represented industries ranging from construction and supplies, to security, logistics, and food service. The exhibition was an initiative of the DTI to share skills, experience and knowledge with Qatar-based businesses.
Prior to the opening of the exhibition, representatives of South Africa and Qatar businesses gathered for a business seminar.
It featured a line up of distinguished speakers including Deputy Minister Thabethe, who highlighted the growing trade relations between Qatar and South Africa and reflected on how the World Cup has impacted the South African nation and its people.
Ambassador Saad, opened the seminar. The list of speakers also included Hilda Moja, Chief Director of Export Promotion at DTI who spoke about the economy and investment environment in South Africa and the Vice Chairman of QC gave an overview on doing business in Qatar.
Itumeleng Dlamini, former member of the South African LOC shared South Africa’s experience in organising the 2010 World Cup.
The Deputy Minister said: “I would like to extend my gratitude to QC for supporting us in bringing the World Cup 2010 Legacy to Qatar. The bilateral relations today between Qatar and South Africa hold significant promise for future growth and co-operation in key economic areas.”
This marked the third stop for the World Cup Legacy Exhibition, previously visiting Brazil and Russia, the two countries who will host the World Cup in 2014 and 2018.
The Vice Chairman of Qatar Chamber, added: “We see great value in the World Cup 2010 Legacy Exhibition as it is a good model for bringing businesses together across borders to cultivate opportunities that benefit both nations.
“We encourage the businesses in Qatar to meet with the exhibiting companies and benefit from the experience that South African companies have to share.”
The Peninsula
