'Made in China' expo to boost Qatar-China trade

Doha: The second edition of ‘Made in China’ exhibition is expected to have a big impact on further enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Qatar and China, said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, who officially inaugurated the expo here yesterday.

“Qatar-China relationship is very important and strategic in all fields, including political, economic and commercial, which is growing fast and steadily. This edition of the exhibition has witnessed more than 100 percent growth, in terms of the number of participants, which is evident from the growing cooperation between the two countries,” the Deputy Prime Minister told The Peninsula on the sidelines of the opening ceremony held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

“In the previous edition of the expo, some 100 companies participated, while this year the number of participants have crossed over 200,” he added. “Governments of both the countries are working closely to further deepening and strengthening the level of cooperation, especially in the private sector,” he added.

Present at the event were, excellencies, distinguished guests, diplomats and prominent businessmen, including the Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB), H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani; Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC), Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani; Vice-Chairman of QC, Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Tawar and Director General of QC, Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Vice Director General of the China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchange, Chang Hexi; Chinese Ambassador to Qatar, Li Chen and Indian Ambassador to Qatar, P Kumaran  were also present.

“Like other exhibitions, this one is also expected to have big impact, and help enhancing trade and commerce between Qatar and China. During the previous edition of the expo, we had a lot of deals signed here. And this year also we are expecting more deals to be signed between the Qatari and Chinese businessmen during the event,” said Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The four-day exhibition, spread over an area of more than 10,000 square metre, aims to promote quality Chinese products and cement economic relations between the two countries.

“Due to the success of the first edition of the expo, which yielded QR45m worth of transactions, and volume of possible transaction amounting to QR450m. That prompted Qatar Chamber to organise the second edition with larger space and more participants”, added Al Shrqi.

The exhibitors are representing a wide-range of industries, which include furniture, lighting, architecture, science and technology, which enjoy great popularity in Qatar.