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The trade relations between Qatar and France have reached new heights and the relations are expected to strengthen further. The robust business ties are reflected in the strong growth in volume of bilateral trade. The volume of trade between the two friendly countries has grown from around QR9.14bn in 2016 to over QR14bn in 2018.
Qatari investments in France include several sectors such as energy, real estate, hotels, financial services, transport, communications and sports.
France also remains one of the leading destinations for Qatari foreign investment, as Qatar’s investments in France were estimated to be around €30bn in 2018. There are a large number of French companies investing in the Qatari market. The number of French companies setting up business in Qatar is rising and the existing ones are expanding their operations here.
Some 200 French companies are working alongside public and private stakeholders such as the QFC on key projects in oil and gas, electricity and water, transport, urban development and other fields.
French investments in Qatar have been on the rise, reflecting the dynamism and the level of commitment of French companies operating in Qatar, some of which are operating here for decades.
One of the major factors behind the growth in bilateral relations are the events organised to encourage private sector of both countries. One such important event is Qatar-France Business and Investment Forum which was organised last year. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) participated in the Qatar-France Business and Investment Forum.
Organised by the Qatari Businessmen Association, Business France, the national trade and investment agency of France, the French Embassy in Qatar and MEDEF International, the French Business Confederation, the event focused on explaining the mechanisms for investing in the French economy as well as highlighting selected investment projects in France.
Each year, delegations of businessmen from both countries meet to explore potential bilateral investment opportunities. The French firms are eager to explore growing opportunities in Qatar, which has made its economy attractive of global investors.
There are around 5,500 French citizens working in Qatar who are playing a positive role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Qatar and France earlier this year in February signed an a intent agreement for establishing strategic partnership dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation in different fields between the two countries and address a broad range of regional issues. The strategic dialogue is going to cover various fields such as defence, security, health, education, culture, sports, economy, investment, combating terrorism and extremism.
