MALAYSIAN COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER DIRECT PRESENCE IN QATAR

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies should establish direct link by appointing distributors in Qatar to tap the country's huge business potential.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said the Qatar economy was growing and Malaysian companies should explore market opportunities especially for building and construction materials.

"Qatar recently gained significant global interest following its successful bid for the FIFA World Cup 2020. With almost US$100 billion in planned investment over the next 12 years, Qatar is said to be the biggest construction site in dollars per square meter," it said in a statement Thursday.

Malaysia-Qatar's bilateral trade amounted to RM1.29 billion in 2010. (US$1=RM2.99)

Recently, eight Malaysian companies took part in the Project Qatar Show and established useful contacts which would ultimately result in long-term business relations.

This is Malaysia's maiden participation in the show which specialised in construction and building materials.

"Confirmed orders amounted to RM208,000 and potential sales was recorded at RM19.5 million," it added.
-- BERNAMA