Qatar Chamber Chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani led the Chamber’s delegation at the 2nd Arab-British Economic Summit (ABES2022) in London recently. 

The delegation included board members HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh Al-Hajri and Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al-Ansari, alongside a number of leading Qatari businessmen.

Members of the Qatar Chamber delegation

Organised by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) under the banner, Shaping a Shared Vision, the summit highlighted several topics such as the strategic UK-Arab partnership and reshaping trade relations between both sides in light of technological change and climate change.

Speaking at the opening session, HE Sheikh Khalifa stressed the historic and close relations between the Arab world and the UK, which cover all fields and aspects, especially at the level of economy and mutual investments.

According to HE Sheikh Khalifa, the UK is a trusted and strong economic and commercial partner for the Arab countries, as there are many mutual investments in various sectors. He expressed his hope that relations between both parties would witness further momentum in the coming years.

Relations with the UK

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed Al-Thani

The Qatar Chamber chairman affirmed the important role performed by the ABCC in promoting trade and investment between Arab countries and the UK. He said that the summit comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation and partnership relations between both sides.

As for the UK-GCC relations, Sheikh Khalifa said that there are close relations between both sides in various fields, especially in the economic and commercial aspects. The GCC is the UK’s 7th largest export market, with the UK-GCC trade exchange amounting to a total of £33 billion last year.

He welcomed the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both parties which took place a few months ago, assuring that the signing of the agreement would increase their trade and maximise their mutual investments.

On Qatar-UK relations, Sheikh Khalifa said that both nations enjoy close and extensive relations that cover all fields, as evidenced by the volume of mutual investments, trade exchange and the number of agreements signed between them in various fields.

In 2021, the two countries’ trade exchange amounted to £4 billion (or QAR16.6 billion), registering a 50% growth compared to the previous year, an indication that the UK is one of Qatar’s most important trade partners.

The chairman also pointed to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

On this occasion, we would like to assure you that we are looking forward to seeing you all in Qatar during this global event, which is held for the first time in an Arab country and in the Middle East region in the history of the tournament.

The summit touched on practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit low-carbon economy. Discussions also centred on healthcare, education, financial services, hospitality, real estate, transport, and other key sectors.

The event brought together government officials, senior executives, thought leaders and decision-makers from across the UK and the Arab world to share their ideas and debate the diverse trade and investment opportunities that are emerging in the new emerging technology-based industries.


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