HE Al-Attiyah Participates in Qatar Infrastructure Projects Seminar in Japan

Tokyo, February 13 (QNA) - HE the Chairman of Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, who also heads the Qatari side in the Qatar-Japan Friendship Association, took part Wednesday in the seminar on Qatar Infrastructure projects, currently in session in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, in presence of Japan's Minister of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Akihiro Ohta as well as several executive heads of government bodies and institutions in Qatar. Addressing the opening of the seminar, HE Al-Attiyah hailed the friendly and strong political and economic ties between the State of Qatar and Japan, underlining that these relations have become a model of cooperation, and an example of mutual understanding between two sovereign states. HE Al-Attiyah noted that the two countries celebrated the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations last year, adding that the success of the various events that have been organized, and will be organized in recognition of such important event in both countries provide a valid testimony of the depth and strength of such relations. Indeed ever since Qatar has become an independent and sovereign state, it has given top priority to develop and maintain friendly and diverse economic relations with Japan based on trust, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, HE Al-Attiyah said. During the last two decades, Japan played a leading role in Qatar s massive energy development projects which allowed the country to become the largest LNG exporter in the World and a major player in the petrochemical industry. Japanese technology, financing and guarantee of off-take of our energy exports were instrumental in the success of Qatar's plans, he added. "As Qatar is developing and its priorities and needs evolve and expand to other areas outside the oil and gas sector, I am pleased to note that Japanese companies have genuinely recognized our country s potential and the opportunities it offers in areas such as transport, power and water, medium and small businesses, health, education, sports, tourism and literally all other activities required to develop a diversified and sustainable economy for the future generation as envisaged and articulated by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar National Strategy 2011-2016," HE Al-Attiyah said. HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah pointed out that the seminar follows a similar event held in Doha in April last year on the subject of "Japan Water Technology and Infrastructure" which was very successful and had attracted a lot of attention from stakeholders in Qatar, adding that "Qatar Infrastructure Projects Seminar" comes at a very proper time as Qatar is embarked on an unprecedented expansion and upgrade of its infrastructure. Qatar is also entering a critical phase of its preparation to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Billions of dollars have been allocated by the Government of Qatar for such major projects that will include not only World Class stadiums and sports infrastructure but also major roads network, railway projects, drainage, housing, power and water desalination and associated services, he noted. "Senior representatives from major Qatari stakeholders and project owners are participating in this seminar. They will be happy to provide not only insights and information about future infrastructure projects in Qatar but also will offer important networking opportunities to Japanese companies and organizations interested in participating in the execution of such projects," HE Al-Attiyah said. He expressed hope that good opportunities for future bilateral cooperation will be identified in this area through such interaction, and that Qatar can benefit from Japanese experience, technology and know how in the planning, execution and management of major infrastructure projects. He underlined that Qatar places great importance to strengthening relations with Japan, and highly encourages Japanese companies to participate in such mega projects. "Qatar, like many emerging nations faces the challenge of meeting its current and future development needs in an efficient and sustainable manner. We do hope that Qatar can benefit from the internationally renowned Japanese construction technology and infrastructure project resources in attaining our objectives of securing competitive and flawless project execution," HE Al-Attiyah concluded. The Seminar on Qatar Infrastructure Projects is organized by Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and a number of Japanese ministries and organizations. A number of Qatari authorities and government institutions like the Public Works Authority, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kahramaa are also taking part in the event. The seminar opening was attended by HE Qatar's Ambassador to Japan Yousuf bin Mohammad Belal and members of the official delegation accompanying HE the Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority. (QNA)