Qatar is an important trade partner, says UK minister

The UK Minister of State for Trade Policy George Hollingbery ( pictured) said Qatar is an important trade partner to the UK, especially as the two countries enjoy strong trade ties and Qatar is the third biggest export market for the UK across the Middle East and North Africa. On the sidelines of second UK-Qatar Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting, Hollingbery, in an exclusive interview with QNA, said that in 2017 the trade volume between the UK and Qatar reached £6.3bn, registering an increase of 17.1% compared to 2016.

UK exports to Qatar in 2017 also stood at £3.4bn (up 9.6% from 2016), while UK imports from Qatar were £2.9bn (up 27.3% from 2016). The minister said the second JETCO meeting represents an important opportunity to complete the achievements made during the first session of the committee, adding that it also reflects the two countries’ keenness to strengthen their co-operation and implement their joint goals.

He also hoped for further joint efforts to develop trade relations and promote prosperity in both countries.

The Qatari market is full of huge opportunities that could open the door to strengthening business partnerships in the UK and Qatar and it is important to raise awareness on those opportunities in the UK community whether through bringing UK companies to Qatar to benefit from these opportunities or by introducing these opportunities in the UK which helps in attracting and encouraging UK companies to come to Qatar to achieve the desired mutual benefit, he said.

He highlighted Qatar’s interest in the UK goods and service, which is reflected in the value of exports amounted to £3.39bn last year, reiterating the continued support of UK companies which are interested in trading with Qatar, including the companies seeking to benefit from the available opportunities in light of Qatar’s preparation to host 2022 FIFA World Cup.

On the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum held in London and Birmingham, he said they resulted in a platform and a clear ground through which both sides could build on the discussions that took place and bring greater benefits in the future.

With regard to the unfair siege imposed on Qatar, the UK minister affirmed that only five hours after his first visit to Qatar, he realised that the country had achieved amazing results despite the challenges it faced during this crisis, especially with regards to dealing quickly and effectively with the search for alternatives, providing supply chains for existing projects and maintaining the daily lifestyle of those residing in the state.

He stressed that dealing with the crisis with such courage is indicative of the wise policy adopted by the Qatari leadership.