Northern Ireland firms explore Qatar trade, investment links

Carpet manufacturers, engineers, specialists in wireless communication, and providers of ground handling equipment for airports and airlines are among a delegation from Northern Ireland that will be in Qatar until May 29 to explore new trade and commercial opportunities in the country.

The delegation is organised by Invest Northern Ireland, the UK region’s economic development agency. The visit is also being supported by UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) in the British Embassy in Doha. The multi-sector trade mission will also visit Oman and Erbil.

Several companies are already doing business in Qatar including Cunningham Covers, a manufacturer of curtain fabrics for the transport industry; Delap & Waller, a specialist in mechanical and electrical engineering services; Mallaghan Engineering, a leading supplier of ground handling equipment for airports and airlines, and Ulster Carpets, renowned designer and manufacturer of fine quality Axminster carpets.

Noel Johnston, Invest Northern Ireland mission manager, said, “Invest NI has a longstanding presence in the Middle East with offices in Dubai, Jeddah and Erbil. Qatar is an important marketplace for us within the Gulf region, which is now among the most successful markets for Northern Ireland companies across a broad range of sectors.”