Some of the members of the British delegation.
DOHA: The UK-based Middle East Association has brought in a delegation of British companies to Qatar. In the four-day networking, the delegation, with the support of the British Embassy, would seek to capitalise on the opportunities arising from Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
The delegation comprises 14 representatives from 11 companies, whose interests include consulting engineering, structural engineering, project management, cable products, legal services, education and training, and recruitment.
The delegation is led by Matthew Smith, Director General of the Middle East Association. Mathew is no stranger to Qatar, having served as CEO of HSBC Qatar from 2000-2004, during his 30-year career with HSBC. Matthew also served as Treasurer of the Qatar British Business Forum during this period.
The mission programme includes visits to Qatari Diar, Qatar Rail Company, Ashghal and the Urban Planning & Development Authority, where mission members will learn about plans for the development of Qatar’s physical infrastructure and for the redevelopment of Doha. They will also be briefed on plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee. Opportunities to establish new business contacts will be maximised through a networking reception at the British Embassy, and networking lunches hosted by the Links Group and SNR Denton.
Qatar is a large and growing market for British companies, accounting for £1.3bn worth of UK exports in 2012, a 16 percent increase over the previous year. Relations between the UK and Qatar continue to prosper, with co-operation growing in a wide range of areas such as healthcare, education, culture, science and technology. Qatar has invested $20bn in the UK, and is now the UK’s leading supplier of LNG.
“Qatar’s rapidly growing economy and its plans to spend around $60bn on infrastructure projects in the run up to FIFA 2022, offer unprecedented opportunities for British companies,” Matthew said.
“Qatar is one of the most promising project markets in the world today. With an upsurge in contract awards anticipated in 2013 and 2014 and the Qatari Government keen to promote projects involving the transfer of foreign expertise, the market presents favourable opportunities for British companies that can demonstrate a commitment to the country beyond any short term project gain,” said Wayne Merrick, General Manager – Qatar, The Links Group.
The Peninsula
