Fourteen companies and organisations from Wales head out to Qatar this week (Sept 14-19) on the Welsh Government led multi-sector trade mission to explore and maximise significant business opportunities in the region.
Qatar has one of the highest rates of GDP per capita in the world which is expected to grow by 5.2% this year. A key energy supplier to the world’s major economies, oil and gas are the major driving forces for its rapidly expanding economy which is funding their programmes of economic diversification.
Qatar is to invest tens of billions of pounds to develop its infrastructure over the next ten years offering a wide range of potential opportunities for companies working in construction and allied fields.
Further opportunities are presented as Qatar’s fast growing population is driving demand for both residential and commercial accommodation, as well as medical and educational services, which is in addition to opportunities in the energy sector.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “Qatar is a key market for Wales and this mission will help build on the existing strong links between our countries with Milford Haven being the principal port of entry into the UK for all of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG). In fact Qatargas’ LNG Terminal is one of the largest LNG re-gasification terminals in Europe
“Qatar offers cross sector opportunities for businesses of all sizes and I am pleased to see a wide range of companies participating in this trade mission. We are working closely with UKTI to maximise opportunities for Welsh businesses to build on existing relationships, develop new contacts and help grow their businesses.”
UKTI will hold a market briefing in Doha for delegates and a business networking reception. Many businesses from Wales have contacts and business links in the area and are arranging their own programme while some like Zip Clip and Contact Attachments, both based in Newtown, are benefiting from the Welsh Government’s International trade programme to set up pre-arranged meetings with key contacts. Staff working at the Welsh Government’s Dubai office have also helped identify additional contacts for companies to meet.
The companies on the trade mission represent a range of the key sectors in Wales, in particular, energy and environment, advanced materials and manufacturing, construction and creative industries. They provide high quality services and products and will be looking to strengthen the trade links between Wales and Qatar.
Participating businesses:
Betts Associates, Sealand
British Rototherm Co, Port Talbot
Cambrensis Communications , Cardiff & Caernarfon
Contact Attachments, Newtown
Evolvin, Cardiff
GX Environmental , Usk
Rachel’s Dairy , Aberystwyth
R-Tech Materials, Port Talbot
Santia Consulting Services, Treforest
Site Heat Treatment Services , Port Talbot
Symmons Madge Associates, Cowbridge
Teddington Engineered Solutions, Llanelli
University of Wales: Trinity Saint David
Zip-Clip, Newtown