Commercial and economic relations between Qatar and UK

This file relates to commercial and economic relations between the UK and Qatar. It contains correspondence concerning:

• The work of the Industrial Development Technical Centre in Qatar in tendering contracts internally for projects; and HMG’s efforts to elicit British firms’ interest in these projects
• The British Ambassador in Qatar E F Henderson’s warnings about the precariousness of British interests in Qatar, after the recent loss of various contracts
• A detailed list of current development, industrial, health, and agricultural projects in Qatar intended for the benefit of UK business concerns in the country; and an accompanying list of the addresses of local Qatari firms and government departments
• The discussion of a future government-led delegation of British industry to Qatar, at the invitation of the Ruler of Qatar Amir Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani; its aims, scope, and possible members; and the case for delaying the mission
• The examination by the UK Department of Trade and Industry of possible future Qatari investment in British industry, the UK public sector, and the London housing market; and comparisons to the case for similar Iranian investment in the UK

This file also relates to various industrial, commercial and development projects underway in Qatar, the British firms involved in bidding for the contracts, and their competition. It includes correspondence concerning:

• An ore reduction plant and associated steelworks; the success of a Japanese firm Kobe Steel Limited in obtaining the contract over the British Steel Corporation (BSC); the subsequent exploration of the reasons for BSC losing the bid; the soundings of BSC over work that Kobe Steel may not be able to do; and discussions over the possible consolation of a second steel plant, and associated planning work
• An oil refinery for oil exportation
• The security of oil fields and rigs in Qatar; and the interest of Marconi Company Limited in this area
• A second larger desalination plant contract; the interest of Weir Westgarth Limited; and more competitively priced offers from France and Italy
• An aluminium smelter
• A hotel and conference centre, considered to be a prestige project by the Amir for the Gulf Games in Doha in 1976
• A power station at Umm Said [Mesaieed]
• The sales of cars by British Leyland Motor Corporation Limited in the Gulf
• The construction of 5000 homes in Mesaieed
• A fertiliser plant
• Cable & Wireless Limited’s operations in Qatar
• A cement works