Malaysians Need To Tap Into Qatar's Robust Economy, Says Ambassador

From Norsyafawati Binti Ab Wahab DOHA, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysian businesses should look into the opportunities offered by Qatar as the country is now experiencing robust economic growth, says Malaysia's Ambassador in that country, Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar. Ahmad Jazri said as Qatar would host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was now actively bidding for the Olympic Games, these events would certainly lead to significant economic growth for it. "With these events, it means that Qatar needs to prepare its infrastructure, facilities and logistics. Hence, it also means, spending a lot of money. "The Qatari government is spending easily a hundred billion in Qatari Riyals for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and has a 2030 Development Vision, which indicates it needs a lot of entrepreneurs to come here," he told Bernama. Ahmad Jazri said he welcomed Malaysian conglomerates to tap into the business opportunities available. "I am calling out to the big Malaysian players because this place is not for small starters. The big companies have the capability to undertake and sustain major operations," he added. Malaysia and Qatar recorded over RM3 billion (US$1=RM3.06) in total bilateral trade last year. Ahmad Jazri said the strong ties with Qatar was further strengthened by the recent visit of the country's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamad Jassim Jabr Al Thani, to Malaysia in December last year. "During that visit, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Sheikh Hamad agreed to work together to set up a US$2 billion Malaysia-Qatar fund, to help increase bilateral cooperation and investments for both countries," he added. He said Malaysia will also launch its national showroom here, where the country's products and services would be displayed, to add impetus to the bilateral trade. "The 6,000 sq metre showroom in the Doha city centre is slated to be completed by September this year," he added. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was planning to bring between 60 and 80 companies from different sectors to exhibit their products and services at the showroom. "I have also established the Malaysia-Qatar Business Council which is now only awaiting approval from the Qatari government. "With this council, we will have events, functions and forums together to increase the appetite of businessmen from both countries to undertake business activities together," Ahmad added. He said to date, there were 16 Malaysian companies, doing business in Qatar, with the most recent entrant being the Tune Group. "Most are infrastructure and construction companies such as the WCT Group, Malaysia's largest construction and property development company, which is managing the Qatar Ministry of Interior building project worth about QAR 1.3 billion (QAR1=RM0.83)," he added. -- BERNAMA