A computer-generated image of Al-Shamal Stadium, which will hold some of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, with an estimated seating capacity of 45,120 people. The country’s successful World Cup bid has accelerated large-scale infrastructure and construction projects worth more than $60bn.
Willie Walsh, president of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and chief executive of International Airlines Group is leading a trade mission to Qatar to strengthen exports and boost business ties for the UK.
The mission will be in Qatar until April 17.
Building on the success of the London 2012 Games, the mission will focus on promoting British companies’ experience in sport, infrastructure and construction.
Qatar is hosting the 2022 World Cup and investing billions in infrastructure projects in Qatar and the UK. The country was most recently reported to have begun talks to invest up to £10bn the UK’s key infrastructure projects including power plants, road and rail projects.
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world with the world’s third largest reserves of natural gas. The Qatar Investment Authority has assets worth $115bn and is ranked 12th among the sovereign wealth funds in the world.
According to UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) figures, British exports to Qatar have nearly doubled in recent years and the LCCI believes more can be done to help London businesses do business in the Gulf country.
Walsh said: “Qatar is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and offers great potential for British businesses. Qatar’s successful 2022 World Cup bid has accelerated large-scale infrastructure and construction projects worth more than $60bn.
“We are looking to seize the opportunities this presents for British businesses who delivered the fantastically successful London 2012 Games.
“British companies are highly regarded in Qatar and those with international ambitions can use this mission as their first step in obtaining global recognition. Businesses will learn how they can leverage the Games to build their sustainable strategies and boost their long-term competitiveness beyond 2012 internationally.”
Richard Reid, chairman for KPMG in London and head of the firm’s High Growth Markets practice, said: “The 2012 Games put a spotlight on the world-class construction and infrastructure firms that we have in the UK, particularly the army of SMEs who helped to deliver our venues and supporting infrastructure on time and on budget. This is an important trade mission and a fantastic opportunity to show case and export their skills and expertise in delivering first class sporting and entertainment events.”
The mission is the latest in a series of private trade missions run by the LCCI and supported by British Airways and KPMG, which are designed to help small and medium enterprises drive exports.