Qatar and France will engage in high-level discussions to promote bilateral investment and commercial ties as HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani is leading a Qatari delegation to Paris today. 
In Paris, the minister will participate in meetings that will bring together chief corporate executives and businessmen from both countries, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce said in a release. 
“Discussions will touch on the promotion of bilateral investment and commercial ties as well as dialogue between the French and Qatari business community in a bid to develop new partnerships between companies from both countries and increase Qatari exports to France,” it said.
The meetings, the Ministry said, “represent an important step towards expanding the horizons of cooperation between both the countries and creating new opportunities for bilateral investments through the establishment of partnerships between Qatari and French companies and businessmen, which will benefit both sides in various economic and trade fields.”
The one-day meeting will be divided into three sessions, and will touch on Qatari investments in France, the development of bilateral economic relations and the contribution of French industries to promoting a diversified and sustainable Qatari economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Participants will also discuss efforts to expand existing partnerships and identify new investment opportunities for companies in both countries.
Qatar and France enjoy strong political and economic relations that have been bolstered by the ratification of several bilateral economic agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The total volume of bilateral trade reached QR7.5bn riyals in 2015. Qatari exports to France including natural gas and petroleum products stood at nearly QR3bn in 2015, while the value of imports reached nearly QR4.5bn. 
“French direct and indirect investments in Qatar have also risen in various sectors with some 294 companies currently operating in Qatar including the 66 fully owned French firms while several Qatari investments exist in France,” Ministry of Economy and Commerce said.