Doha: HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC), Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, has lauded the strong ties between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom, emphasizing their collaboration across various sectors, especially in the economic domain. The occasion of Doha hosting the second Qatari-UK strategic dialogue has underscored the progress in bilateral cooperation.
According to Qatar News Agency, trade between Qatar and the UK has reached approximately QR 7.5 billion in 2024, with Qatari exports to the UK accounting for QR 2.2 billion and imports from the UK making up QR 5.3 billion. Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the robust relationship between the Qatari and British private sectors, noting the significance of Qatari investments in the UK across multiple sectors.
The QC Chairman emphasized the attractiveness of the UK as an investment destination for Qatari businessmen and expressed QC's openness to British companies seeking investment opportunities in Qatar. He also encouraged joint Qatari-British investments and alliances to enhance bilateral trade.
QC is actively working to draw British investors to Qatar, leveraging the country's favorable business environment, supportive laws, and abundant investment prospects, particularly in light of its world-class infrastructure. Sheikh Khalifa stressed the role of the Qatari private sector in bolstering trade and investment ties with the UK through joint ventures in technology, renewable energy, financial services, healthcare, and food industries.
Furthermore, Sheikh Khalifa advocated for increased investment in British start-ups, particularly those in financial technology and artificial intelligence. He proposed the establishment of joint business incubators under the chambers of commerce of both nations to nurture entrepreneurial initiatives.