DOHA, April 30 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Malaysia Trade
Centre here in September will open the doors for Malaysian businesses to connect
with their counterparts in Qatar.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said
the trade centre, to be managed by the Malaysia External Trade and Development
Corporation (MATRADE), will take economic relations between both countries to
greater heights.
"The centre will showcase the best of Malaysian services and goods. It
will also be a centre to source Malaysian products and services," he told
Malaysian reporters after visiting Qatar officials here today.
Earlier, he called on Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin
Muhammad Al Thani and his counterpart, the Minister of Business and Trade,
Sheikh Jassem bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and Minister of Municipality and Urban
Planning, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He said the trade centre would reflect Malaysia''s strong support and
commitment to the success of Qatar hosting the World Cup 2022.
"Qatar''s successful bid to host the World Cup 2022 has led to a lot of
interest in the future development of the country''s construction, tourism,
hospitality and ICT industries," said Mustapa, adding that the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) country was estimated to spend US$200 billion on new
infrastructure facilities.
"This includes eight new stadiums, refurbishment of two stadiums, roads
and others facilities," Mustapa said.
To date, Malaysian construction companies have managed to secure 26
projects in Qatar worth US$2.5 billion.
Among notable Malaysian companies currently operating in Qatar include
Eversendai Engineering, Gamuda Bhd, WCT Engineering Bhd and Muhibbah
Engineering.
In terms of trade, Qatar is Malaysia''s third largest trading
partner among the GCC countries.
Last year, bilateral trade between the two countries grew four
times to US$1.7 billion, from US$400 million in 2010, mostly
contributed by the increasing exports of Qatar crude oil to Malaysia.
He also said Qatar has agreed to supply Malaysia with natural gas to
fuel the Malacca Regassification Terminal and discussions were currently ongoing
between both parties.
-- BERNAMA
MKI MKI VMD