AS SCOTLAND continues to build strong links with Qatar, north-east firms should take time to consider how they could export their skills and expertise to this prosperous emirate.
Hydrocarbons form the backbone of Qatar’s economy, so our own history in oil and gas exploration and production would seem the obvious common link, but there is much more to the fastest-growing of all the Gulf Co-Operation Council states.
Securing the 2022 football World Cup, which will cost an estimated £140billion to host, has set the stage for a construction and infrastructure explosion.
Leaving aside Scotland’s chances of qualifying for the tournament, there should be many opportunities for Scottish and UK companies to benefit.
Qatar has the third largest gas reserves in the world and, while hydrocarbon revenue has driven GDP (gross domestic product) growth, currently £33.2billion, the state is committed to diversifying its economy to dilute this dependence on energy resources.
The Qatari government is keen to explore renewable energy and as we in Scotland experience our own transition from hydrocarbons into wider energy sources, there could be opportunities to share the development of each country’s knowledge economies.
The challenges of living in a desert are ever present and while we in the west focus on energy security, in Qatar innovative solutions are being sought for food and water security.
Grampian’s economy is underpinned by very successful food and farming entrepreneurs and, also on our doorstep, Aberdeen University’s Rowett Institute has a worldwide reputation for cutting-edge nutritional research and plays a leading role in tackling food-security issues.
No doubt with some lateral thinking, our business and academic community could play a role in addressing Qatar’s food and water dilemma.
I expect the more entrepreneurial companies in the north-east will already be looking out passports and visas to establish what part they can play as the Scottish-Qatari relationship matures.
Bob Ruddiman is an Aberdeen-based partner and head of energy at law firm McGrigors.
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