QNA - Doha
26 Mar 2017 - 11:59
The "Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum", which will be held in London and Birmingham, will further boost bilateral relations between the two countries. The two-day forum, that will start tomorrow, will offer opportunity to inject more Qatari investments into Britain, particularly Birmingham.
Qatar and UK, bound by close bilateral relations which are deeply rooted in history and reflected in the strong and unique cooperation in political, economic and cultural levels, share a common vision on various regional issues.
The two countries also enjoy distinct bilateral cooperation that the wise leadership in Qatar led by Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is keen to enhance and expand.
Qatar is one of Britain's main energy partners by providing about 30 percent of Britain's gas needs. Qatar holds the world's third largest natural gas reserves and is the world's largest supplier exporting LNG to three continents.
London and Birmingham will host the largest ever business delegation from Qatar as part of the British Government's international trade and investment campaign, which highlights trade and investment opportunities in 'Global Britain.' Birmingham has been selected as it is the second biggest city in the UK with a population of over a 5 million and offers promising investment opportunities and is scheduled to be connected through the national high speed rail network.
The forum includes six main working sessions along with the opening plenary session. The First Session will shed light on the "Financial Strength of the State of Qatar" which brings together top speakers among ministers and businessmen including Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi; CEO of Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, and Xavier Rolet, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group.
The Second Session focuses on the 'Economic Growth in the State of Qatar' and will involve keynote speakers: Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani; UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam and Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani.
The third Session to be held under the theme "Private Sector: Opportunities for Possible Partnerships," will be joined by two keynote speakers: Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani; British Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Greg Hands, along with a number of heads of boards of banks and major companies in Qatar.
The Fourth Session on 'Energy and Industry Projects' will attract a number of high-level Speakers, including Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, UK Minister for Energy, Jesse Norman; CEO of Qatar Petroleum, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, and representatives of international gas and oil companies.
A number of keynote Speakers will join the Fifth Session to be held under the theme of 'Transport and Infrastructure,' including Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti; Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; George Iacobescu, Chief Executive Officer of Canary Wharf Group as well as officials and stakeholders in the transport sector and infrastructure projects in Qatar and the United Kingdom.
The Sixth Session on ' Health, Education and Tourism Issues' feature leading keynote speakers led by HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, the Minister of Public Health; Karen Bradley, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and President of Qatar University, Dr Hasan Rashed Al Durham, along with a number of officials from the health and education sectors in Qatar and UK.
The Forum also features a programme of activities including meetings with investors, meetings between Qatari businessmen and the local business community in Birmingham in addition to field visits to projects with large investment opportunities.
The event is expected to attract significant investments motivated by Qatar's strong keenness to invest in Birmingham and to take advantage of the available opportunities there.