£5Bn of UK investment from Qatar

Qatar, one of UK’s largest investors, commits £5Bn of money for transport, property and digital technology.

The Middle Eastern state of Qatar has said that it is optimistic about the future of the British economy, with a committed made to invest £5Bn over the next three to five years.

It has made it clear that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union had no effect on their decision. A total of £40Bn has already been invested in the UK, with Qatar having a stake in Canary Wharf in the capital’s Docklands, as well as an interest in the Milford Haven liquefied natural gas terminal in South Wales. It also bought the Olympic Village following the London 2012 Olympics.

Ali Shareef al Emadi, the country’s finance minister, told the BBC. “We have more than £35Bn to £40Bn of investments already in the UK.

“We’re announcing an additional £5Bn of investment in the next three to five years.

“Mainly this investment will focus on infrastructure sectors, technology, energy and real estate.”

Mr Al Emadi will join International Trade Secretary Liam Fox in Birmingham today (Tuesday 28 March) where UK firms will showcase projects, including in sport, cyber-security and healthcare.

Infrastructure projects such as the new high speed rail link between London, Birmingham and Manchester – HS2, relies on foreign investment for support.

No final decisions have been made on the Qatari investments, but Mr Al Emadi did not rule out putting money into HS2.

“We will look at those deals; we will look at electricity, roads, bridges, railways,” he said.

The announcement comes two days before the triggering of Article 50, the official process for leaving the European Union.

The Qatari announcement follows UK-focused investment decisions by Sir James Dyson, Google and Nissan.

The lowering value of sterling has made UK assets more attractive to overseas investors, although many economists express concerns that leaving the EU will damage trade with Britain’s largest market and therefore damage growth.

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