BSI says the developing nature of the region provides a valuable opportunity to expand both its assessment and training businesses as well as introduce testing services and Entropy Software to the region.

The purpose of the new BSI Qatar office is to service Qatar Petroleum by whom BSI was recently awarded a certification contract for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 assessment.

BSI regional managing director Theuns Kotze said: "Our Middle East strategy is to ensure that BSI is best located, both geographically and commercially, to take advantage of any economic upturn in the region.  Qatar provides that opportunity since the country continues to demonstrate economic growth. With the Qatar Petroleum Contract, BSI is well positioned to expand its presence. We are excited about working with Qatar Petroleum who plays a leading role in quality and environmental management in Qatar. ”