Engineer Ahmed Al Ansari, Director of Technical Office at Ashghal, during the forum yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
DOHA: Under its ‘Ta’heel’ initiative, Ashghal has so far succeeded in increasing number of Qatari factories from 86 to 131 by the end of October 2018.
The number of locally manufactured materials (in these factories), which are used in infrastructure projects has also increased from 114 materials, at the time of the launch of ‘Ta’heel’ initiative, to 165 building materials being manufactured in Qatar now.
Ta’heel initiative was launched in July 2017, since then Ashghal has developed the systems by which Qatari manufacturers can submit their applications electronically through the authority’s website.
Ashghal held the third forum of “Ta’heel” Initiative for local investors and manufacturers, yesterday to attract more Qatari manufacturers to join and participate in Ashghal’s supply chain.
The forum was attended by Eng Ahmed Al Ansari, Director of Technical Office at Ashghal, Mohammed Al Mansouri, Director of Business Localization at Qatar Development Bank, along with Saeed Al Ali, owner and director of Al Bayan Electronics and LED Technologies.
Don Ward, CEO of “Constructing Excellence” in Qatar under the sponsorship of “Ashghal”, in addition to a number of representatives of Qatar Chamber and representatives from the commercial section of embassies of some countries also attended forum.
The forum highlighted the advantages of the participants in “Ta’heel” initiative, launched by Ashghal in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank to allow Qatari manufacturers to participate in the implementation of Ashghal engineering and construction programmes and projects.
It also aims at including national companies in Ashghal’s approved supply chain, in addition to encouraging new national investors to invest in the establishment of new factories that contribute to the requirements of Qatar projects that Ashghal and other bodies are working on.
Eng Ahmed Ali Al Ansari, Manager of Ashghal Technical Office, said: “Since the launch of ‘Ta’heel’ initiative, Ashghal has succeeded in increasing Qatari factories by 86 to reach 131 factories by the end of October 2018.
The number of locally manufactured materials, which are used in infrastructure projects were increased by 114 materials and are now 165 building materials manufactured in Qatar.”
The construction materials approved by the Public Works Authority from July 2017 until end of October 2018 vary between sewage pipes, lighting poles, lighting materials, paving materials and road signs.
In the building sector, local products used include materials for electricity, mechanics, fire systems and interior finishing works. In addition to the approved locally made cement, Gabro and asphalt factories. Eng. Mohammed Ehab Samir, Vendor Management Unit leader at Ashghal, said: “Ashghal continues to market the initiative and raise awareness to support Qatari manufacturers and service providers through many workshops and training courses offered by” Ta’heel”.
He added: “Some factories certifications such as ISO, which is required by Ashghal to approve the quality of the product, Qatar Development Bank provides 50% of its cost. Manufacturers and pre-approved vendors from other entities such as ‘Kahramaa’ are easily accredited”.
