The Turkish Ambassador to Qatar, Fikret Ozer (left) on the sidelines of the INDEX Qatar 2019 Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Turkey aims to further increase its exports to the Qatari market by year-end, and targets to exceed the $1.1bn worth of Turkish exports to Qatar last year. Turkish exports to Qatar have been increasing significantly, with only $435m Turkish exports to Qatar recorded in 2016. Total trade between Qatar and Turkey also increased by 14 percent to $2.3bn in 2018, compared to the previous year, Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Fikret Ozer has said yesterday.
“Our target is to increase this number further by the end of this year. Turkish companies produce high quality products at very competitive prices. Turkish exports to Qatar are mainly construction materials, furniture, interior design, food items, machines, and defense products among others,” added Ozer while talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the INDEX Qatar 2019 which opened yesterday at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC).
To date, there are over 200 Turkish companies operating in Qatar. Ozer added that Turkish construction projects in Qatar are now valued at $16bn, while Qatari investments in Turkey have now reached around $22bn.
“We expect an increase in the number of Turkish projects in Qatar. We’re waiting for some major projects, including the expansion of the airport and the expansion of the metro lines. Turkish companies are bidding for these projects and we’re waiting for the results. Also, with the Qatar Petroleum planning to increase its LNG production from 77 million tonnes per year to 110 million tonnes per year, some of our big Turkish companies are also looking for opportunities in the Ras Laffan expansion project,” he added.
As many as 15 top Turkish companies are participating at INDEX Qatar 2019, said Ozer. He added: “The companies are aware that major infrastructure projects are nearing completion. And there will be greater demand for interior design and landscaping. We see more interior designs or fit out companies coming to the market. This exhibition will be helpful for Qatari buyers to see Turkish products, and this will increase our exports, particularly the furniture exports to Qatar”.
More than 200 leading brands from 20 different countries covering every category of interior design are participating in the exhibition this year, which is billed as Qatar’s leading interior design and fit out event.
Organised by dmg events Doha and endorsed by the Qatar National Tourism Council, the event will connect industry leaders to Qatar’s interior projects market which is currently valued at $3bn.
