DOHA: Local materials for use in buildings and infrastructure projects in the country would reach QR25.6 billion in the next five years, according to Public Works Authority (Ashghal) President Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi.
He was speaking at the ‘Supporting Local Manufacturers Forum’ on Tuesday, organised by Ashghal in cooperation with Qatar Chamber.
“The reliance on local materials for various projects in Qatar has increased from 38 per cent in 2016 to 70 per cent in 2020. The local market has benefitted from about QR20 billion from infrastructure projects and buildings budgets over the past five years,” Al Muhannadi said.
Al Muhannadi said: “By increasing the percentage of the local component, we aim to contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry and diversifying investment activities. We will continue to support local manufacturers so that they compete with their counterparts globally.”
Encouraging the market
Ashghal Projects Affairs Director Youssef Al Emadi said: “We aspire to increase the local component in our projects and encourage the market to manufacture the materials that are imported.” Total value of materials required by Ashghal’s infrastructure projects between 2021 and 2025 is about QR32 billion.