Prime Minister Opens Qatar International Motor Show 2013

Doha, January 28 (QNA) - Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani opened today the Qatar International Motor Show 2013, at its third round, at the Doha Exhibition Center and with the participation of more than 35 local and international companies. In a press statement on the sidelines of the inauguration of the auto show this evening, HE the Premier and Foreign Minister expressed pleasure with the new round of the auto show, saying that he noted a real development during this year's show compared to the previous round . HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani said he is also pleased with the progress being made by the Qatari businessmen in their commercial business, especially those who work in the automotive sector, pointing out that they were able to provide all that is new in this sector. He also stressed the importance of offering competitive prices in the Gulf region, pointing out that this matter is still under tension between the government and car agencies dealers, especially with regard to vehicles of low and moderate prices, stressing that cars prices must be competitive with neighboring countries. On Qatari Government efforts to face the monopoly, HE the Premier and Foreign Minister said that "the Ministry of Commerce is doing what I think is enough," but the government would continue its efforts in this regard. He stressed that the Qatari government attaches great importance on exhibitions as a window for many people to see what is happening including the development in the country as they represent an opportunity to bring new ideas, and also to create favorable conditions for a diversified economy in Qatar. On the government's support for the exhibition industry, HE the Premier and Foreign Minister noted that the government seeks to support this industry through strong presence in these exhibitions and work to facilitate and assist in their organization, adding that that practitioners must develop their performance and the State would support them in this regard. On Qatar's plan to open a car manufacturing plant, HE the Premier and Foreign Minister said that there is no intention at this time in this regard, but he said there was an intention to open a factory for passenger buses but that this project it was agreed to be transferred to the Sultanate of Oman with the participation of the State of Qatar. HE the Premier and Foreign Minister toured the various pavilions of exhibition where he was briefed by the officials of the participating car companies . Qatar Motor Show will open its doors to the public on January 29, 2013 and run for five days to end on the 2nd of February in the Doha Exhibition Center. The event will showcase the latest models from the world's top car brands. Hosted jointly by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), q.media Events, and GL Events, the organizers held a press conference at the W Hotel in Doha, sharing the details of this high-calibre event. The 2013 Qatar Motor Show, the region's biggest automotive event, will showcase brands from across the globe, from family sedans, to SUVs, luxury vehicles, and to sports cars. (QNA)