Doha, 02 Dec. 2024 (QNA)

Neerav Patel, the British Ambassador to Qatar, highlighted that the visit of the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the UK will further strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Patel emphasized the historic and deep ties between the two nations, particularly the personal relationship between the Amir and King Charles III, noting the significance of the Amir being the first Arab leader to be hosted at Buckingham Palace.

He said that the UK-Qatar partnership spans foreign policy, economic cooperation, defense, security, and cultural diplomacy. Qatar’s investment in the UK has grown significantly, with Qatar being one of the UK’s top trading partners. In 2023, bilateral trade reached £7.8 billion, and Qatar has invested over £1.2 billion in areas such as fintech, clean energy, and cybersecurity. The UK is committed to expanding collaboration in emerging fields like AI, genomics, and biosecurity, Patel added.

The British envoy to State of Qatar also acknowledged Qatar’s leadership in global peace efforts, with its mediation in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine. He mentioned that the UK would have a large delegation at the Doha Forum and emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy, with the British Council continuing to support educational partnerships and the UK Alumni network in Qatar.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), emphasized that The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the UK is part of both nations' commitment to strengthening their historic partnership, particularly after the launch of the annual strategic dialogue.

He highlighted the growing trade ties, noting that Qatari investments in the UK have reached £40 billion, creating jobs and fostering economic development in both countries.

Sheikh Faisal pointed out that the UK is one of Qatar’s key trade partners, with Qatar being the third-largest market for British exports in the MENA region. Over 79 British companies operate in Qatar, with total investments exceeding QR 8 billion, and over 650 joint Qatari-British companies are active in sectors like IT, infrastructure, and energy.

He also emphasized Qatar's significant role as an investor in the UK, particularly in energy, real estate, and infrastructure, supplying around 30% of the UK's natural gas. The visit aims to explore further investment opportunities, aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which seeks to attract major companies. Sheikh Faisal noted that economic cooperation remains the core pillar of the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations.

Rt Hon Greg Hands, UK Minister of State for Trade Policy, talking to Qatar News Agency on the official visit  of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has said that Qatar’s investment in the UK underscores the strong economic ties between the two nations.

He said that Qatar’s investment portfolio in the UK is valued at GBP 40 billion, spanning sectors such as energy, banking, financial services, real estate, and aviation. This figure is expected to grow as Qatar's public and private sectors continue expanding their presence in the UK.

Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba, Second Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, emphasized the solid foundation of Qatar-UK relations, which have been steadily evolving. He highlighted that trade between the two countries surpassed QR 10 billion in 2023 and that Qatar has become one of the UK’s most important investors. Qatar’s gas industry plays a key role in meeting UK energy needs.

Al Athba also noted that Qatar views the UK as an attractive destination for investment, particularly in sectors like real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and technology. Qatar Chamber is eager to facilitate UK investors seeking to tap into the Qatari market, offering opportunities backed by world-class infrastructure and business-friendly laws.

Qatar’s prominent investments include commercial real estate in London, stakes in major UK firms, and the South Hook LNG Terminal, which supplies 20% of the UK's LNG needs.