Doha: Lady Mayor of the City of London, HE Dame Susan Langley, affirmed that the economic partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom is "strong, trusted and built for the long term".
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Langley explained that this is her first visit to Doha which aims to turn the strong and historic relationship into practical opportunities, connect Qatari investors with credible UK projects, and help British firms build partnerships in Qatar, particularly in finance, technology, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
While stressing that Qatari investment has supported important sectors across the UK and British expertise has contributed to Qatar's growth and development, she echoed her message to Qatari investors: "We value your commitment, we want to deepen it, and the UK will continue to offer a secure and transparent environment for sustainable investment". She emphasized that London offers the rule of law, respected regulation, deep markets and world-class professional advice.
In supporting Qatar's development priorities, Langley noted that London can connect Qatari institutions and businesses with capital, specialist advice and global partners. Its expertise in investment, insurance, technology and professional services can help finance new industries, protect major projects and support businesses as they expand internationally.
She suggested that this can also connect Qatar with innovative UK companies in FinTech, clean growth and life sciences, supporting the diversified, knowledge-based economy at the heart of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Lady Mayor pointed to "real scope to do more together" in green growth, FinTech and Islamic finance, adding that London can help raise private capital for green infrastructure and clean-energy projects, while its FinTech ecosystem can support Qatari firms looking to develop new services and grow internationally.
Her Excellency further explained that London is a leading center for Islamic finance outside the Muslim world, adding: "By combining Doha's ambition and investment strength with London's global market reach, we can widen the sukuk market and attract a broader range of investors".
Regarding the GCC-UK free trade agreement, she said the agreement has been concluded and, once it enters into force, should make trade simpler and more predictable.
"It will reduce barriers, improve access for services and digital trade, and make it easier for companies to understand the rules in each market. This matters particularly for smaller businesses, which often have fewer resources to navigate complex requirements, giving SMEs in Qatar and the UK greater confidence to export, form partnerships and invest in each other's markets", she underlined.
Regarding the UK's new initiatives, HE Langley highlighted that InvestConnect will make credible UK opportunities easier to find, compare and understand, including major infrastructure, property and growth projects.
The Office for Investment: Financial Services offers investors a clear point of contact and tailored support across government and the financial sector, helping Qatari investors see a wider range of opportunities, carry out proper checks and move more quickly from initial interest to a real investment, she pointed out.
On competition from other global financial centers, HE Langley said competition between financial centers is healthy, but London's strength is its complete financial ecosystem. Investors can access deep capital markets, trusted law and regulation, global talent, specialist insurance and professional advice in one place. London is also highly international, with strong connections across Europe, the Gulf, Asia and North America.
"This combination of stability, expertise and global reach makes it an excellent long-term base for Qatari investors", she remarked.
Regarding the message "Team UK - Britain is confident and open for business".
HE Langley pointed out that it means the UK is open, outward-looking and ready to partner. For Qatari investors, it means access to opportunities across the whole country. For Qatari companies, it means a welcoming base from which to grow, innovate and reach customers in the UK and worldwide.
Lastly, HE Langley expressed her hope that the visit would leave a stronger pipeline of investment and lasting links between institutions, businesses and people. She also hoped that, in ten years, London and Doha would be even closer partners in finance, technology and sustainable growth, with more joint investment, stronger business links and capital and expertise flowing confidently in both directions.
