A state-owned Chinese company will build one of the eight football stadiums for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup.
China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) announced Tuesday that a joint venture with Qatar-based HBK Contracting will be the main contractor for the stadium in Lusail, a coastal city in Qatar.
It is the first time a Chinese company will build a World Cup venue, CRCC International Ltd. chairman Zhuo Lei said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (2-R) arrives to attend a press conference in the Qatari capital Doha on April 22, 2016 regarding the 2022 World Cup. /CFP Photo
The contract is worth 767 million US dollars, with CRCC accounting for 45 percent, the company noted.
The 92,000-seat stadium is to be built over 40 months and is designed to be the world's largest membrane-structure building.
It will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the World Cup final, according to the official planning website for Qatar 2022.
A picture taken on October 27, 2010 shows the Saudi Mecca light rail, which was built by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). / CFP Photo
Set up in 2007, CRCC has developed railways across China but has also been involved in international projects, such as the light rail Mecca Metro in Saudi Arabia, and highways, railways and other infrstructure in Algeria, Nigeria, Libya and Angola.
Qatar is due to host the month-long World Cup from November 22 to December 18, 2022, the first time it will be held in the Middle East.
(With input from Xinhua)
