Page 77 - Mission Brief Qatar 2019 v2

40 per cent food self-sufficiency by 2030 as part of the
Qatar National Food Security Programme introduced in
2008. It focuses on sustainable investments in renewable
energy, desalination and water management, agricultural
production and food processing & management to boost
local produce. The programme entailed efforts to double
the number of farms in the country from 1,400 to 3,000.

C. LAWSUITS INVOLVING MALAYSIAN COMPANIES IN
QATAR

I. UEM Group’s claims against Public Works Authority
(ASHGAL)

 UEM was awarded the construction contract of 81km
highway linking Doha to Saudi Arabia by Ashgal. The
project worth of QR868 million was completed in April
2008. UEM has not received progress payments since
November 2008 due to several disputes.

 A lawsuit was served on UEM Qatar on 12 April 2009 by
Ashgal for alleged defective design of the pavement.
However, UEM claimed that the design was prepared by
Parsons International Company Limited and UEM filed the
case. In the lawsuit, Ashgal sought damages of QR1.171
billion.

 The Court has made a decision on the case on 21 June
2017 and the written judgement was issued on 13 July
2017. The decision stated that UEM is to pay Ashghal
the amount of QR73.6 million on Ashghal’s claim. In the
counterclaim by UEM against Ashghal, the Court decided
that Ashghal has to pay UEM the amount of QR208
million.

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