Middle East > Qatar > Qatar is interested in investing billions of dollars in infrastructure around the north of England

Qatar: Qatar is interested in investing billions of dollars in infrastructure around the north of England

2014/11/19

Qatar is interested in investing billions of dollars in infrastructure around the north of England, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

The statement claimed the Qatari royal family has informed British ministers it is interested in investing in infrastructure opportunities around the new HS2 high-speed rail line, which will link London to Birmingham, again Leeds and Manchester.

The opportunity was discussed last month at the same time as the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with British Prime Minister David Cameron last month.

"The Prime Minister ... encouraged the Emir to consider additional opportunities across the country, particularly the government's plan to establish a Northern Powerhouse by connecting our great Northern cities and the development of high speed rail," a statement issued next the emir's visit said.

During the national visit, which as well included a conference with Queen Elizabeth inclunding senior politicians and executives, the two nations signed an agreement setting out a framework for further talks on issues such as defence, energy and trade.

While the London government will finance the high speed train line, it is looking for external investors to bankroll the infrastructure around the terminals and stations.

According to the FT, documents released by the Cabinet Office show that Prime Minister Cameron has met with several potential foreign investors regarding investment , inclunding the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Qatar is one of the world's richest nations and is by presently heavily invested in British firms and property.

Part its highest profile investments are London's tallest building, the Shard, which was funded by the Qatari royal family, and the upmarket Harrods department store owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority.

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