The Chamber hosted a business seminar on Opportunities in Qatar on 13 April for ABCC members and representatives of British companies keen to explore the potential business opportunities available in this dynamic Gulf market. The event boasted a panel of six expert speakers who looked at aspects of doing business in Qatar, which is implementing an ambitious investment programme in readiness to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi opened by briefly explaining the role of the Chamber and how its services can help companies succeed in the market. Mr Oliver Cornock, Managing Editor, Middle East, Oxford Business Group, described Qatar’s renewed urgency for diversification, evident in the growth of Liquefied natural gas. Mr David Simpson, a barrister at 3VB (3 Verulam Buildings), discussed his work as a legal consultant who drafted the regulations for the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). Mr James Kenny, Head of Global Affairs/PR at global consulting engineers Arup, outlined the work of his company in Qatar such as Doha’s Aspire Tower, which was built for the 2006 Asian Games. Mr Brian Dent, Senior International Trade Advisor, UKTI, stated that his prime role was to help UK firms achieve success in overseas markets. Mr Tom Wigley, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins, said Qatar’s North Gas field was an important activity and LNG remained the bedrock of the economy. Finally, Ms Archana Singh, Export Finance Advisor at UK Export Finance, the former ECGD, described the agency’s services to exporters.