Dato’ Shahrul Ikram, Malaysian Ambassador to Doha
DOHA: Malaysia is seeking more investments in the construction industry in Qatar, while aiming to expand sectors as education, exchanging professionals, culture, economy and tourism sectors, with more contracts and activities, the Malaysian ambassador to Doha said in an interview.
“There are several Malaysian construction companies involved in major projects in Qatar and we are looking forward to expand our work with new projects as several companies are biding for new projects,” said Dato’ Shahrul Ikram, Malaysian Ambassador to Doha.
Malaysia has invested has invested QR10bn in the infrastructure construction sector. Major companies such as United Engineers Malaysia, Sandabi Engineers and Gamuda are some companies involved in major projects as the Salwa highway and Qatar Petroleum, said Ikram.
Malaysian constructors have not been affected by the global the economical crises but the difficulties have been faced due the price increase of construction materials. “The construction investors here have not experienced any effect by the economic crisis. However the drastic increase inmaterials has put some pressure,” said Ikram.
Apart for the construction investment Malaysia is also looking into various other activities in Qatar as education, export and culture. Malaysia’s one key motive is to exchange students between University of Malaya and Qatar University especially in the areas of medicine and Islamic studies at post graduate level.
“We would to sign a memorandum of understanding in future to exchange experts in Islamic studies between both countries,” said Ikram.
Malaysia’s export to Qatar presently is only QR1bn, but it’s an increment comparing to QR500m in 2004 and 2005. Malaysia is also eager in exporting its manufactures more into Qatar according to Ikram. “There is room for expansion in export. We are looking into more electronic goods and furniture, especially computers which were manufacture.
Malaysia also boosts of receiving large number of Qatari tourists in the year 2007 and 2008 as the country is a centre tourist destination. The country’s mission is also looking to expand the cultural ties especially through food by inducing food fairs and restaurants.
According Ikram, there are around 1800 Malaysians are in Qatar working mainly in the construction sector and major organisations as the Qatar petroleum and Ras gas and has a demand for more professionals Malaysia.
THE PENINSULA