The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar posted the following statement on its website addressing the current situation in Qatar:

The latest market sentiment in Qatar suggests that rather than a negative downturn in business, the effect of the continuing GCC embargo could well herald the beginning of a new boom period for business in Qatar. The Qatar government is expected to announce shortly an injection of funding for a massive new investment programme along with several new flagship projects to boost Qatar’s economy over the short to medium term.

The government has determined that this economic investment is now imperative to ensure future self-sustainability and to pivot away from its previous reliance on its GCC neighbours. The local market has strongly endorsed and welcomed this move and echoed the prevailing sentiment that Qatar should forge a new economic path forward, in keeping with its 2030 vision.

Alongside such sentiment, we hear repeatedly from senior Qatar business sources that they will not forget their friends for showing solidarity with Qatar during this dispute. This presents UK companies with a golden opportunity to grow and strengthen business in Qatar. The next few months may well prove to be a critical window for British companies to explore the Qatar market. UK businesses new to Qatar should consider taking early steps to establish their brand and presence in the market to ensure they are well placed to benefit from the new stimulus being made by the Qatar government. UK businesses who are active and/or represented elsewhere in the GCC region should similarly contact the British Chamber for advice on how to protect existing business links with Qatar and how to pursue the surge in new business.

We strongly advise all UK businesses keen to trade with Qatar, or who wish to take advantage of the anticipated surge in projects and contracts, to make early contact with the British Chamber of Commerce in the market.

For more information, please visit our website: www.bccq.qa or contact us directly via email: info@bccq.qa