It might own Harrods, the Shard and even a stake in Heathrow airport owners BAA, but for the Qataris that’s simply not enough.The Middle East state is now believed to be in talks with UK ministers to stump up £10bn for UK road, rail and other infrastructure projects.The FT reports that Qatar is keen to fund EDF’s £14bn nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in
Somerset since UK firm Centrica opted out last month.Back in January, David Cameron hosted a reception at Downing Street with the Emir of Qatar and the Qatari Prime Minister as guests of honour and is known to have discussed the matter.The news comes following a string of initiatives which have been announced in a bid to boost infrastructure projects in the UK. In 2011, the Government unveiled its National Infrastructure Plan to raise £20bn from private sector investors.Last July, the Government also announced pumping £40bn into infrastructure projects. However, the only project to get a go ahead so far is the £1bn Northern Line underground extension to Battersea.George Osborne is additionally expected to announce Britain’s open to overseas investment in the upcoming budget.
More power to Qatar as it eyes further £10bn investment in UK infrastructure
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