Qatar, UK to cooperate on latest agricultural technologies: Envoy

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Doha: The UK is looking to provide Qatar the latest agricultural technologies and expertise to ensure food security in the country, said British Ambassador to Qatar H E Jon Wilks. ''British agricultural experts are working in Qatar. We are looking to provide the latest technologies to help Qatar use its resources to build its food security projects, including vertical agriculture – hydroponics and other projects,” Ambassador Wilks told The Peninsula recently.  He noted that there are genuine interests between both the countries to develop this relationship in the agricultural sector.  ''With the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on travel, we will be able to bring delegations in both directions and to start new projects,” said the Ambassador. Wilks said some ongoing agricultural projects and MoUs on a ministerial level between the two countries.  ''Since the business relations are very strong between Qatar and the UK, a lot of Qatari citizens in the private sector are part of building food security in Qatar, so we want to connect our business directly with them within the context of an agreement between both government.” He stressed that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade volume between Qatar and UK has seen a steady rise across several sectors, including agricultural food products. The British envoy added that the trade volume between Qatar and UK totalled about £7bn last year — a significant rise despite COVID-19. ''This shows remarkable interests and activities in both countries to develop trade, economy, business and investment relations which are great to see.  ''The 2022 FIFA World Cup is coming up, so we are expecting many sport-related visitors and businesses. We are also looking to enhance cooperation in new technologies not only for agriculture purposes but also in health and education sectors,” Wilks said.  He said that e-commerce and digital business space presents a platform for new partnerships for Qatar and the UK as its global demand and usage rise. The envoy highlighted Qatar’s ambition to be a fintech hub, a major sector for the UK. London is one of the leading fintech centres, with more development going on in major cities across the UK.  On the pandemic situation in the UK and how it has affected investor movement and tourists, Wilks said, ''With the COVID-19 vaccines and the preventive measures, the pandemic situation in the UK is expected to improve this year. The number of Qatari citizens visiting the UK will be less this year but probably more than last year.” Speaking about Brexit, he noted that the UK and all GCC countries are reviewing their trade and investment relations to reach a possible deal on a free trade agreement. He also stressed the importance of the six GCC markets to the UK. ''The review of trade and investment relations are expected to complete this year,” Wilks added.   MENAFN23052021000063011010ID1102118340