Qatar, France moving towards new horizons

Experts and officials affirmed the strength of the relations between Qatar and France, built on mutual respect, and characterised by diversity and inclusiveness.
They pointed out, in statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to France demonstrates the strength of the Qatari-French partnership and moving it towards new horizons, especially in the trade and economic fields.
They stressed that Qatari investments in France and French investments in Qatar are the basis of the economic partnership and important tributaries of the two countries economies, noting that France occupies advanced stages in the list of trade partners with Qatar, and the areas of partnership include the energy, technology, trade, and real estate sectors, in addition to coordination and mutual understanding in Regional and international files.
First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Mohamed bin Ahmed Twar al-Kuwari underlined the importance of the visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to France, in supporting co-operation relations between the two countries at all levels.
He added that there is great interest on the part of the leadership in both countries to develop these relations towards broader horizons, noting that the Amir’s visit will strengthen these relations and open new horizons for co-operation between the two countries, especially in the trade and economic fields, which will reflect positively on trade and investment exchange and relations of co-operation and partnership between the business sectors of the two countries.
He pointed out that trade relations between the two countries have witnessed remarkable development in recent years. France is also considered one of the most important trading partners of Qatar, in addition to the fact that there are many cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between them in many areas of co-operation, he added.
The First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber pointed out that there are many successful Qatari investments in France in various sectors, as Paris is considered a distinguished investment destination for the Qatari investor, and there are also many French companies operating in the Qatari market in different sectors, where they can increase their investments in Qatar, and benefit from the availability of good infrastructure, investment climate, and investment opportunities in all sectors.
He stressed that the private sector in Qatar and France can play an important role in developing these relations through the establishment of companies, commercial alliances, and investment projects, calling on Qatari and French companies to benefit from the investment advantages and facilities granted to foreign investments in the two countries, and to exploit the opportunities available to enter joint economic alliances.
In the same context, economic expert Dr Abdullah al-Khater said that the Qatari-French relations are long-standing and complex at the level of the state and investors, pointing out that they are characterised by a strategic dimension, and have witnessed diversification after the signing of many co-operation agreements and memorandums of understanding, at the forefront of which is the strategic dialogue agreement between the two countries, and the great consensus between the two countries in visions regarding many Arab, regional and international issues.
Last June, the second strategic dialogue session between Qatar and France was held in Doha, which is an important mechanism to enhance fruitful and constructive cooperation between the two friendly countries, as the strategic relations between the two countries are characterized by complete harmony, convergence in positions, and continuous coordination.
Al-Khater said the Amir’s visit demonstrates the strength and solidity of the Qatari-French partnership, as it is expected to address the partnership relations between the two countries, in addition to regional and international files, pointing out that this visit comes at a critical stage in the history of the region, especially the developments in the situation in Gaza, and the necessity of working seriously and persistently to stop the war, stop bloodshed, spare civilians the consequences of military confrontation, and prevent the conflict from expanding, in order to ensure security and stability in all occupied Palestinian territories, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the principle of the two-state solution.
He pointed out that France gives a high priority to energy security, especially clean energy, noting the effective partnerships in the energy sector with the State of Qatar, as well as its interest in energy challenges at the global level.
Last October, two companies affiliated with QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies signed long-term sale and purchase agreements to supply up to 3.5mn tonnes annually of liquefied natural gas from Qatar to France. Under the two agreements, gas shipments will be delivered to the Fos Cavaou LNG receiving terminal in southern France, starting in 2026 and for 27 years.
TotalEnergies is a partner in the North Field LNG expansion projects, with a 6.25% stake in the North Field East project, and a 9.375% stake in the North Field South project.
According to the latest data from the Planning and Statistics Authority, the volume of trade between Qatar and France amounted to QR8.5bn last year, with the total exports of the State of Qatar to France amounting to QR5.143bn, while the total Qatari imports from the French Republic reached QR3.353bn, and the total amount of Qatari imports from the French Republic reached QR3.353bn. The trade balance surplus is about QR1.79bn in 2023.
According to the same data obtained by the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Qatar’s exports to France focused on oil gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, amounting to QR3.245bn, in addition to various other exports, such as rare gases hydrogen and other non-metals, vinyl chloride polymers, petroleum oils, oils obtained from non-raw bituminous mineral materials, ethylene polymers in their primary forms, and others.
The State of Qatar’s imports from the French Republic were concentrated in parts for regular aircraft, helicopters, and drones, amounting to QR335mn, in addition to gold jewellery worth QR202mn, in addition to liquid and frozen perfumes and other products and commodities.