Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has invited more local manufacturers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the various infrastructure projects being implemented in the country, said an official.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Taheel’ on Tuesday, Ashghal president Dr Saad bin Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mohannadi revealed its goal is to use “70 per cent to 80 per cent” of products from local manufacturers, added the Gulf Times report.

He said that this goal cannot be achieved alone, and it also depends on all three stakeholders, mainly Ashghal, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and the manufacturing companies.

Al-Mohannadi said that Taheel gives factories the opportunity to participate in the implementation of Ashghal’s programmes and projects, through enlistment of Qatari manufacturers in the authority’s approved supply chain, in addition to accrediting local industrial products that meet the technical requirements, specifications, and the standard quality levels.

He further noted that Ashghal adopted an effective and accessible procedure to enlist, qualify, and accredit national factories. These factories get qualified within three weeks of submitting the application to the authority, if they meet the technical requirements in terms of quality standards and certifications.

Al-Mohannadi added that Taheel aims to rely on Qatari capacities, resources, industries, and local workforce.

It also aims to encourage local businessmen to invest in establishing new factories that contribute to the needs of projects being implemented by Ashghal and other entities, added the report.