Qatar can fulfil its objectives to minimise energy use if advanced technologies from Hitachi are implemented, Administrative Control and Transparency Authority chairman HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah said yesterday.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of Hitachi Group’s first general exhibition and seminar in Qatar, which showcased sophisticated and advanced products, systems and technologies in fields such as energy, mobility, healthcare and water treatment.
Recalling that Qatar and Japan celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, HE al-Attiyah pointed out that both countries enjoy a stable relationship which fosters sound business ties and has resulted in mutual benefits in social, economic and cultural sectors.
“Japan was one of the first countries to establish a partnership with Qatar for LNG export. Qatar’s first ever LNG export deal was between Qatargas and Japan’s Chubu Electric (in 1997), setting us on the way to become the world’s largest LNG exporter,” he said.
HE al-Attiyah observed that Japanese companies have played key roles in the success of many projects in Qatar and implementation of Hitachi’s advanced technologies can meet the country’s environmental objectives.
“Qatar is instrumental in promoting environmental causes as laid out in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 and the hosting of COP18 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) last year was part of this vision,” he added.
Japanese Ambassador Kenjiro Monji said that Hitachi, which has a history of more than 100 years, is engaged in a wide range of activities.
“Japanese companies such as Hitachi could contribute to various infrastructure projects ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar,” he said.
In his welcome address, Hitachi’s representative executive officer and president Hiroaki Nakanishi maintained that the company, through its products and technologies, could work for Qatar’s stable and sustained growth.
“Hitachi’s aim is to contribute to Qatar’s development through the Social Innovation Business, a key area for the Hitachi Group which provides social infrastructures supported by highly efficient and reliable information and telecommunications technology,” he explained.
The Hitachi Group is targeting an overseas revenue ratio of 50% in the future, compared with 43% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The growth is to be achieved by expanding business mainly in emerging countries.
HE al-Attiyah, ambassador Monji and Hitachi officials tour the exhibition yesterday. PICTURES: Thajuddin
