UKTI visits Williams Technology Centre

UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT DELEGATION VISITS WILLIAMS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN QATAR

24 February 2011. Doha, Qatar. A delegation of senior executives from some of the UK's leading companies led by UK Minister of State for Trade & Investment, Lord Green visited the Williams Technology Centre (WTC) in Qatar yesterday as part of an official tour of the Qatar Science and Technology Park.

The delegation were shown the advanced vehicle simulator development platform from which WTC engineers are developing solutions for other motorsport classes, regular road users, emergency services and commercial fleet driver training and certification markets in Qatar and abroad. The delegation were also briefed on the Centre's high-powered flywheel energy storage development programme which will help make Qatar's ambitious transport and electricity infrastructure more efficient and reliable.

Williams F1 founder and team Principal, Frank Williams, who welcomed the delegation, was in Qatar joining UK Prime Minister, David Cameron and Lord Green for a series of meetings and visits aimed at strengthening links between the two countries.

The Oxfordshire-based company's investment in its Doha-based centre brings world-class motorsport engineering expertise and technology to the State of Qatar in a partnership exemplifying the country's ambitious diversification of its economy.

Lord Green said: "Williams F1's Technology Centre in Qatar is a prime example of the growing trade and investment relationships between the UK and the State of Qatar. Following meetings earlier today in which Prime Minster Cameron praised Williams' activities in the country, I was delighted to see the technology centre first hand and learn about its technology commercialisation programmes."

Frank Williams, said, "It was a privilege to join Prime Minister Cameron and Lord Green today in helping to promote greater ties between the UK and Qatar. With its support of R&D, growing academic cluster and dynamic economy, Qatar is an excellent location for us to do business."

-source: williams