Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani led the chamber’s delegation participating in the ‘2nd Arab-British Economic Summit (ABES2022)’, which was held Wednesday in London.
The delegation also included board members Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed al-Thani, Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri, and Abdulrahman bin Abdulla al-Ansari, as well as a number of leading Qatari businessmen.
Organised by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) under the banner of ‘Shaping a Shared Vision’, the summit highlighted several topics, such as the strategic UK-Arab partnership and how to reshape trade relations between both sides in light of technological developments and climate change.
Speaking at the opening session, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the historic and close relations between the Arab World and the UK, which cover all fields and aspects, especially at the level of economy and mutual investments.
He said the UK is a trusted and strong economic and commercial partner for Arab countries in light of the many mutual investments in various sectors. He expressed hope that relations between both parties would gain further momentum, amid the common and firm desire towards upgrading such relations to higher levels.
Sheikh Khalifa stressed the important role performed by the ABCC in promoting trade and investment between Arab countries and the UK, indicating that the summit comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation and partnership relations between both sides.
On UK-GCC relations, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the close relations between both sides in various fields, especially in the economic and commercial aspects. He said the GCC is the UK’s seventh largest export market and that UK-GCC trade exchange amounted to £33bn last year.
Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both parties, which took place a few months ago. He assured that the signing of the FTA would increase trade and maximise mutual investments.
On Qatar-UK relations, he said both nations enjoy close and extensive ties that cover all fields, citing the volume of mutual investments, trade exchange, and the number of agreements signed in various fields.
“In 2021, the two countries’ trade exchange stood at £4bn (QR16.6bn), registering a 50% growth over the previous year. Therefore, the UK is one of Qatar’s most important trade partners,” he emphasised.
Sheikh Khalifa added: “On the occasion of the FIFA World Cup, we would like to assure you that we are looking forward to seeing you all in Qatar during this global event, which is held for the first time in an Arab country and in the Middle East region in the history of the tournament.”
The summit also touched on practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit low-carbon economy. Discussions also focused on healthcare, education, financial services, hospitality, real estate, transport, and other key sectors.
The delegation also included board members Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed al-Thani, Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri, and Abdulrahman bin Abdulla al-Ansari, as well as a number of leading Qatari businessmen.
Organised by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) under the banner of ‘Shaping a Shared Vision’, the summit highlighted several topics, such as the strategic UK-Arab partnership and how to reshape trade relations between both sides in light of technological developments and climate change.
Speaking at the opening session, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the historic and close relations between the Arab World and the UK, which cover all fields and aspects, especially at the level of economy and mutual investments.
He said the UK is a trusted and strong economic and commercial partner for Arab countries in light of the many mutual investments in various sectors. He expressed hope that relations between both parties would gain further momentum, amid the common and firm desire towards upgrading such relations to higher levels.
Sheikh Khalifa stressed the important role performed by the ABCC in promoting trade and investment between Arab countries and the UK, indicating that the summit comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation and partnership relations between both sides.
On UK-GCC relations, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the close relations between both sides in various fields, especially in the economic and commercial aspects. He said the GCC is the UK’s seventh largest export market and that UK-GCC trade exchange amounted to £33bn last year.
Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both parties, which took place a few months ago. He assured that the signing of the FTA would increase trade and maximise mutual investments.
On Qatar-UK relations, he said both nations enjoy close and extensive ties that cover all fields, citing the volume of mutual investments, trade exchange, and the number of agreements signed in various fields.
“In 2021, the two countries’ trade exchange stood at £4bn (QR16.6bn), registering a 50% growth over the previous year. Therefore, the UK is one of Qatar’s most important trade partners,” he emphasised.
Sheikh Khalifa added: “On the occasion of the FIFA World Cup, we would like to assure you that we are looking forward to seeing you all in Qatar during this global event, which is held for the first time in an Arab country and in the Middle East region in the history of the tournament.”
The summit also touched on practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit low-carbon economy. Discussions also focused on healthcare, education, financial services, hospitality, real estate, transport, and other key sectors.