Doha:London The economic partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom is described as "strong, trusted and built for the long term" by Dame Susan Langley, the Lady Mayor of the City of London.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dame Langley, in her first visit to Doha, aims to transform the strong historical relationship into practical opportunities. The visit seeks to connect Qatari investors with credible UK projects and assist British firms in forming partnerships in Qatar, especially in finance, technology, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
Dame Langley highlighted the mutual benefits of Qatari investment in vital UK sectors and British expertise in Qatar's development. She assured Qatari investors of the UK's secure and transparent environment for sustainable investment, emphasizing London's rule of law, respected regulation, deep markets, and world-class professional advice.
London's role as a connector for Qatari institutions and businesses with capital and global partners was noted, with expertise in investment, insurance, technology, and professional services aiding Qatar's development priorities. Langley mentioned the scope for collaboration in FinTech, clean growth, and life sciences, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
She pointed out potential growth areas in green infrastructure, FinTech, and Islamic finance, where London can help raise private capital and support Qatari firms' international expansion. London, a leading center for Islamic finance outside the Muslim world, offers opportunities to broaden the sukuk market.
Regarding the GCC-UK free trade agreement, Langley stated the agreement's conclusion would simplify trade and benefit smaller businesses by reducing barriers and improving access for services and digital trade.
InvestConnect, a UK initiative, aims to simplify finding and understanding UK investment opportunities, while the Office for Investment Financial Services provides specialized support to investors, helping Qatari investors access a broader range of opportunities quickly.
Dame Langley acknowledged competition from other global financial centers as healthy, asserting London's strength lies in its comprehensive financial ecosystem and international connections. London offers investors stability, expertise, and global reach, making it an attractive base for Qatari investors.
She concluded with the message "Team UK - Britain is confident and open for business," signifying the UK's readiness to partner and provide Qatari investors and companies with opportunities to grow and innovate globally. Langley expressed her hope for a stronger investment pipeline and lasting links between the two countries, envisioning closer partnerships in various sectors over the next decade.