Two years on, the blockade on Qatar created a positive impact on its economy as it continues to forge and develop bilateral ties with many countries around the world, British ambassador Ajay Sharma has said.
“Qatar has always had strong relationships with a number of countries. Over the last two years, we have witnessed a strong push by Qatar to develop these relationships even further and to establish new relationships, through increased trade and investment, humanitarian support, contacts and dialogue,” the envoy said. 
He noted that the co-operation between the UK and Qatar has gone from strength to strength with more bilateral trade – now worth over £6bn; more investment into the UK – now worth more than £35bn.
The two countries also have stronger defence co-operation, especially following the decision by Qatar to purchase Typhoon aircraft, and more activities in support of Qatar National Vision 2030 and a successful 2022 FIFA World Cup.
About Qatar’s efforts to step up economic reforms, particularly in trade and investments, aimed at deepening its co-operation and bilateral ties with countries such as the UK, Sharma said they welcome Qatar’s efforts to diversify and reform its economy.
He cited the importance of Qatar’s actions to make it easier for foreign companies to do business and invest in the country, from legislative and administrative changes to work on 
establishing free zones. 
“We want UK companies to be part of Qatar’s success as it implements its 2030 National Vision; and are pleased that UK companies and experts are playing a role from educational services and healthcare to supporting Qatar’s efforts on food self-sufficiency,” Sharma said. “We are very interested in the opportunities for co-operation between our two countries on financial and professional services as Qatar develops its 
financial services sector.”
About Qatar’s massive infrastructure programme such as the football stadiums and the Doha Metro, he said that the country “achieved an extraordinary amount in a short space of time.”
“We have been very impressed by Qatar’s new infrastructure from the metro and the motorways to the football stadiums and we are very pleased that UK companies and experts have contributed to the success of Qatar’s infrastructure projects,” the envoy noted.
“We were delighted that the Amir’s Cup Final match was held in Al Janoub stadium in Al Wakrah which was designed by the great British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. We can’t wait for the World Cup,” he added.
About the best solution to end the regional rift, Sharma said: “The best solution to any dispute is through diplomacy and dialogue. We want to see an end to the GCC dispute as quickly as possible.”
“It is no-one’s interest for it (crisis) to continue and is impacting on ordinary people. We think a good first step should be a confidence building measure which enabled families to travel more easily and be together,” he stressed.