A delegation from the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) held a series of meetings in Paris with France’s public and private sector representatives in the health, pharmaceuticals, food, laboratory, shipping, transport, and logistics industries.
The meetings were led by first deputy to the chairman Hussein Alfardan, second deputy to the chairman Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani al-Thani, secretary-general Issa Abdul Salam Abu Issa, and board members Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani and Sherida al-Kaabi.
Also attending the meetings were QBA members Saud al-Mana, Salah al-Jaidah, and deputy general manager Sarah Abdullah. The Qatari delegation is comprised of diverse economic groups looking for effective partnerships that benefit the economies of both countries.
Benjamin Griveaux, Minister of State, attached to the Minister of Economy and Finance, praised the strong relations between Paris and Doha. He invited Qatari businessmen to invest in France.
In his opening remarks, Alfardan stressed on the importance of QBA’s visit to Paris and the meeting with Griveaux, saying the event is an innovative platform for future economic partnerships. He added that the meeting complements the strategies of both the sides to diversify their economies and develop their capabilities in new industries.
Sheikh Khalid said cooperation between the French and Qatari private sectors will benefit the economies of the two countries. He said the broad prospects of cooperation are in the areas of smart cities, science, medical care, health technology, industry, blockchain, and other fields of innovative technology.
He also said Qatar is interested in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in France, which can use Qatar’s free zones as their base for local and regional markets.
The delegation also met with Guillaume Pepy, the chairman of the French Qatari Committee in MEDEF, on the sidelines of a dinner organised by the Association for the Benefit of French Businessmen.
Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, also welcomed the delegation. In a press statement, he said the French government is happy with the Qatari investments in France, adding that Paris Saint-Germain is a positive image for Qatari investments abroad. He added that Qatar is a strong partner of France in the region, and Paris “is the right place for Qatari investments.”
Al-Mana said Qatar-France trade volume stands at €2bn, indicating growth in Qatari exports to France as a result of the increase of France’s gas imports.
Al-Jaidah also called for the opening of French factories in Doha to meet the needs of the local market, as well as neighbouring markets such as Iraq and Yemen. “We want to move from the consumption stage to the stage of developing production and manufacturing platforms,” he said.
The QBA invited Lemoyne to visit Doha to learn more about investment opportunities and Qatari enterprises. The minister also promised to visit Qatar “soon in preparation for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron in December.”
QBA first deputy to the chairman Hussein Alfardan and Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, shake hands during the awarding of a token of recognition.
