It was a privilege last week to join the UK Government’s Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency, Ajay Sharma on the first inbound, Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Rhoose.
The UK’s relationship with Qatar is extremely important. As nations, we are strong allies and share similar ambitions. In demonstrating this, the PM hosted a UK – Qatar Investment summit in Birmingham 18 months ago. Much of its objective was to focus interest outside London and I had the opportunity to highlight the opportunities here in Wales.
My meeting with Ambassador Sharma at the Summit was the start of a journey to the new Qatar flight into Cardiff Airport.
I was then fortunate enough to visit Doha last September to follow up on the Summit and saw the Red Arrows fly in unison with a Qatar Airways A350 to mark and celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary. The sight was magnificent and a lasting memory. The fact that one of the Red Arrows pilot was Welsh and the wings on the Qatar aircraft were made in Broughton, north wales and the engine powered by Rolls Royce from Derby was the icing on the cake.
This new route is of huge economic significance. Business leaders and visitors arrive in the centre of one of the world’s most dynamic economies and the Welsh Government has opened an office in Doha to add even greater value.
I spent part of last week in back to back meetings with Qatari Government Ministers aimed at deepening our relationship and seeking further economic ambitions. The Ministers responsible for commerce, environment, education as well as the CEO of Qatar’s major hotel group were all keen to look at opportunities in and around South Wales.
We certainly have a lot to offer each other. Cardiff is the UK’s fastest growing capital city, Wales attracts more Qatari students per head than other parts of the UK and I have agreed with Qatari Ministers a string of follow up activities to deepen our economic and social interests.
South Wales and the South West of England is now well positioned to take these new opportunities. This new route places Cardiff Airport at the heart of this new economic region on the western side of the UK. The route also enables travellers from South Wales to easily travel to hundreds of worldwide destinations.
Qatar is a major trading partner for the UK, with over £5Bn of trade completed last year and Wales makes up a significant part of that. From manufacturing to foodstuffs, Welsh products are being transported in big quantities to Qatar - and we want to do more, possibly via this route.
Qatar has set out an ambitious 2030 vision to grow and diversity the economy and we are keen to support Qatar in achieving this plan.
This route presents an unparalleled opportunity for Wales, and especially the Vale, to attract such interest to the Western side of the UK. Job and business opportunities will flow to Cardiff and the Vale as the heart of a new economic region.