São Paulo – The Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) has established an advanced base in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to support Brazilian companies interested in business opportunities resulting from the 2022 World Cup, to be hosted by the country. The information was disclosed by Sidney Costa, the manager of the Apex Business Centre in Dubai, in the Emirates.
Inaugurated three months ago, the centre in Doha is used as a base for Brazilian companies and already has two construction companies headquartered at it. The office also offers financing solutions for Brazilian companies doing business in Qatar,” said Costa.
The Qatar World Cup opens opportunities in the building sector, among others, as it will be necessary to erect new stadiums and expand the country’s hotel infrastructure. Qatar was elected to host the 2022 World Cup in December 2010, defeating candidates like Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
The country has already announced that by the Cup, the tourism sector alone will receive investment of US$ 25 billion, especially in the hotel sector. A new airport will also be built, as will a cruise terminal. Currently, Qatar has 10,000 hotel rooms, a total that should be raised to 30,000 by 2013.
Apex already has a base in another Arab country, the United Arab Emirates, which also serves Brazilian companies seeking business in the region. Apart from that, there are also support offices in other Arab cities, like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh and Kuwait City – which may also be used by Brazilian companies.
*Translated by Mark Ament
