UK exports to Qatar jump 100% in 2023 on greater co-operation

The UK’s exports to Qatar witnessed a 100% growth last year following increased co-operation between British and Qatari companies, which opened “great opportunities,” according to Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands.
Hands made the statement during a business lunch hosted by the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) on Sunday. The minister is currently visiting Doha to discuss ways to support trade exchange and boost trade between the two countries.
His meeting with QBA officials and members covered developments in the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and the UK.
Hands was welcomed by Sherida al-Kaabi, Saud al-Mana, Omar Alfardan, Nabil Abu Issa, Maqbool Habib Khalfan, Dr Mohamed Althaf, and Hakan Ozdemir, along with QBA deputy general manager Sarah Abdallah.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted the FTA negotiation’s importance in contributing significantly to economic growth and enhancing trade in goods and services, advanced technologies, and other sectors to serve the common interests of all parties.
According to Hands, Qatari officials, during his meetings, demonstrated the commitment to delivering greater prosperity through global free trade by working closely with key organisations, such as the QBA.
The minister expressed optimism about “a better future for the UK” after leaving the EU: “In the United Kingdom, we are working on consolidating our relations with important countries, such as the State of Qatar and all Gulf and African countries and other economic partners to enhance the prospects for economic and trade co-operation for the country.
“I want to bring a clear message to our partners in Qatar that the United Kingdom looks forward to co-operating with the Qatari Businessmen Association to attract more investments and we now have a great opportunity to strengthen our position in an increasingly interconnected world.”
For his part, al-Mana spoke about bilateral relations between Qatar and the UK, “which extend to ancient historical roots.” He also underscored the economic relations between the two countries and the importance of constantly developing them.
During the discussion, Alfardan also stressed the interest of Qatari businessmen in the British market, where there are already many Qatari investments, whether in the public or private sector. He added that the British market is the “preferred investment destination for the Qatari businessman,” adding that “it is a market full of opportunities.”
Figures from the Planning and Statistics Authority indicate that the UK is a major trading partner for Qatar. Trade volume in 2022 stood at QR36bn, the majority of which comprise Qatari exports to the UK amounting to QR31bn, which was three times higher than 2021 figures (QR11bn).
In addition to Shell, which has been one of the major investors in the region, many British companies are active in infrastructure projects in Qatar, including architecture, design, project management, and engineering consulting companies.